RIVERBANK PRECINCT

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:08): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Tourism a question about the Regattas opening.

Leave granted.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: We have heard much in this place about the redevelopment of the Riverbank. The redevelopment will revitalise this part of the city and it is a wonderful example of the Weatherill government's commitment to making Adelaide a vibrant and interesting place. I understand that the minister attended the opening of the new Regattas Bistro and Bar, which is the first major work completed as part of the Convention Centre upgrade. Can the minister tell the chamber about the opening?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (15:09): This goes to one of the issues I was referring to earlier and that is that we see the opposition daily bagging our tourism brand, daily pulling down this state, and being negative about this state day in, day out. It is important to remind them of the many wonderful successes and wonderful initiatives that are in place.

I was pleased to officially launch the new $3.86 million Panorama Suite in Regattas Bistro and Bar complex earlier this month. As the member noted, Regattas is the first custom-designed and built stand-alone restaurant, bar and function place to open in the Riverbank precinct, supporting the Weatherill government's rejuvenation of the area.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: The rejuvenation obviously includes the $350 million expansion of the Adelaide Convention Centre over the next five years, but there are other important works as well. As members know, the redevelopment of the Adelaide Oval—including the infamous footbridge—is also a part of the work we are doing in the area. We have already seen some work completed. The extension of the tramline to the Entertainment Centre has linked the city fringe with the heart of Adelaide, which we know—

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Yes, it does go past Regattas. I know that the honourable member does not know his way around Adelaide very well, but we have extended the tramline down North Terrace right out to the Entertainment Centre. Of course, that means that it helps bring traffic and visitors down along the Riverbank area, which was a wonderful initiative of this Labor government. It helps link the city fringes with the heart of Adelaide, and we know that is an important part of revitalising and making the most of our town.

The redevelopment of the Riverbank precinct is one of the city's largest and most significant urban renewal projects ever undertaken. It aims to create a key crossing point between destinations to the north, south, east and west to create a place will come to symbolise Adelaide and all the things we value and love about our city.

I was very impressed with the new Regattas. Its location is right on the Riverbank, and its very expansive glass facade provides some fabulous views of the town, and patrons are able to see way up the river to Elder Park and the Adelaide Oval. It was wonderful to see the new Regattas Bistro and Bar offering extensive outdoor seating overlooking the river, with a new casual alfresco menu in addition to the à la carte menu, and a more relaxed environment for patrons.

I should also mention another exciting development. During this year's Adelaide Fringe Festival Regattas Bistro and Bar will be transformed into the Blue Note Club, with nightly live music and entertainment. The Blue Note Club is part of The Big Slapple at the Adelaide Convention Centre, an official Fringe hub in the West End, and that is also a new initiative.

The Big Slapple is Adelaide's newest Fringe precinct, which is hosting a range of 2012 Fringe shows including cabaret, comedy, live music and public art spaces. The Big Slapple provides festival-goers with the opportunity to visit shows in a bustling precinct atmosphere and will include themed venues, bars, restaurants, interactive displays and more.

Along with the Blue Note Club, other venues in The Big Slapple include the 48 Lounge, a fully themed cabaret venue, and the Tribeca Theatre. I am sure that members will agree with me that it is wonderful to see the Fringe Festival spreading to this part of the city, and I am sure that many Fringe customers will take the opportunity to see a show and have a drink at the fabulous new Regattas bar.

In addition to launching Regattas, guests at the launch event were also able to see the new first floor Panorama Suite, the first of many new meeting and event spaces to be created in the Adelaide Convention Centre over the next five years. The Panorama Suite lives up to its name, taking full advantage of its location overlooking the River Torrens. It is able to cater for boardroom-style events of up to 44 people and banquet-style events of up to 80 people.

The views from there are absolutely spectacular, and I strongly recommend that anyone who has a function requiring a room of that size should investigate hiring the venue. It is particularly beautiful and showcases Adelaide city. As I said, the views are quite spectacular, and I urge members to visit both Regattas and the Panorama Suite. I am sure they will be impressed.