BAROSSA VALLEY REGION

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:18): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Regional Development a question about the Barossa Valley.

Leave granted.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: The minister has often reported to the chamber on her plans for a series of visits to regional areas. Can the minister advise the chamber of one of her recent visits?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (15:18): I thank the honourable member for her important question—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The opposition should suffer in silence.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: —and the opposition, for its obvious enthusiasm to hear my answer. In mid-August this year I had the pleasure of visiting our state's wonderful Barossa Valley. Following the region's settlement over 150 years ago it has certainly become one of the world's renowned high-quality wine regions. More recently, we have seen the Barossa become one of South Australia's premier tourist destinations.

On my visit I took time to meet with some of the region's other horticulture businesses. For instance, I met with the owners of SA Mushrooms based at Waterloo Corner. Nick and Nat advised me that South Australia's mushroom industry has been quite an achiever over the past four years, and over the past 12 months has achieved particularly strong growth. This started out as a small family business. I understand their father was a greengrocer, and his sons went on to build this exceptionally successful business.

I understand that the growth in the mushroom market means that now 86 per cent of South Australia's households are regularly putting mushies on their plates, and we export our top-quality mushrooms to Victoria and Western Australia. During my visit to the mushroom facility I saw first-hand how these hardworking South Australians are beating interstate competitors in delivering what is absolutely magnificent local produce. They have many plans for further advancement and development, and I look forward to watching their progress over the years.

I also had the pleasure of meeting the general manager of d'VineRipe and touring their $65 million truss tomato facility at Two Wells—spectacular glasshouses there. In February 2010, d'VineRipe was awarded $500,000 from our Regional Development Infrastructure Fund to assist in the improvement of electricity and water infrastructure. During my visit, I saw how this investment is supporting d'VineRipe's continuing success in the Barossa. After opening the new glasshouse facilities in February this year, they are now expecting to double production to 10,000 tonnes per year and employ another 100 full-time equivalent workers. With their own ingenuity and the aid of our infrastructure grant, d'VineRipe has come to be a very important player in the Barossa horticulture industry.

Later in the day, I visited the facilities of J.T. Johnson and Sons in Kapunda. This company is a 100 per cent family-owned South Australian business which has been operating since 1923. It is in the business of hay export and pelletised stock feed production, and it is not only servicing Australia customers but are also exporting throughout Asia and the Middle East.

During my visit to the Barossa, I not only saw how the region was progressing but I also met with RDA Barossa to hear its plans for ensuring success in the future. RDA Barossa plays a key role in fostering the region's economic growth and helping to point the way through its Regional Roadmap. It provides assistance to local businesses, promotes career development and creates access to skills training. It is also an important link between the Barossa's individual businesses and the various government bodies' interests across the region. We are very thankful for RDA Barossa's advocacy and consultation services which allow us to contribute to the region. It is to be congratulated for its efforts because they are most impressive.

The RDA Barossa discussed the Regional Roadmap and provided its feedback on the key issues and opportunities arising in the Barossa Valley. Another visit that day was to Barossa Infrastructure Ltd, which supplies up to 7,000 megalitres per annum of supplementary irrigation to the region's viticulture Industry. As a result, BIL's success not only ensures water supply for our state's wine industry but feeds straight back into the region's economy.

As Minister for Regional Development and as a South Australian, I certainly enjoyed seeing firsthand the success and growth that our Barossa Valley is experiencing. I look forward to working with the region to ensure that their future visions and strategic projects continue to be realised.