RIVERLAND SUSTAINABLE FUTURES FUND

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (14:44): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Regional Development a question about the Riverland.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS: The minister has carriage of the $20 million, four-year Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund, which aims to create a sustainable economy in one of our state's iconic areas. The Riverland was severely affected by the recent drought, but I understand that planning and work undertaken to help this region back on its feet is starting to pay dividends. Will the minister advise the chamber about a recent boost to tourism in the Riverland?

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) (14:45): I thank the honourable member for his most important question. I am very pleased to be able to tell the chamber that I have recently approved a grant from the Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund, which builds on a recommendation from the prospectus to increase the availability of accommodation for high-end visitors in the beautiful Riverland area.

It may surprise members that, despite the Riverland having been a destination of choice for South Australians for many years, data from the South Australian Tourism Commission indicates that there are in fact very few five-star tourist accommodations in the area. I have approved a grant of over $640,000 to Emaroo Cottages towards the construction of the Natury Emaroo Cottages project, which will create three five-star self-contained tourist accommodation units. These environmentally sustainable luxury self-contained tourist accommodation units are to be built at Paringa overlooking the river itself.

The proponents of this project, Cathy and Rick Edmonds, have developed this project which features environmental sustainability and a luxury wellness resort. I understand that it will have plunge pools, spas and steam rooms, with the beautiful backdrop of the River Murray. The environmental credentials of the resort include using low impact landscaping and low impact construction materials, such as zero formaldehyde laminates and local low embodied energy materials and construction methods. Using wall, ceiling and floor insulation, sun shading and low energy glazing, together with recycled or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council timbers), low allergy carpets and finishes, as well as the services of a prominent and award-winning architect, Paul Pruszinski, who recently designed the Crowne Plaza hotel in Adelaide, the project aims to get an attractive mix of luxury accommodation which is environmentally sustainable.

The proprietors, who I understand were both born and bred in the Riverland and have built up successful tourism ventures in Broken Hill, Port Hughes and Mildura, aimed at the higher end of the market. The new cottages build on the wellness resort concept by planning to give guests access to services such as masseurs, in-house chefs and health professionals while showcasing the local wetlands, bushwalks, indigenous sites and water-based activities, which are so much part of a holiday on the river.

I understand that this project is one that ticks many boxes, not only helping to fulfil the aims of the Destination Riverland action plan of increasing the availability of four to five star accommodation and increasing the number of high yield visitors to the region, but also the RDA roadmap through sustainable environmental management, river-based tourism and increased ecotourism.

The project, in addition to using local contractors during construction, is expected to create three FTEs directly as well as increase tourism spend, with an estimation of an additional 1,642 nights by visitors in the area. The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2013.

The $20 million Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund was established to help support the implementation of opportunities identified by the Riverland Regional Prospectus by facilitating projects to improve infrastructure, support industry attraction and help grow existing business and attract new businesses.

The fund is available to assist the industry restructure and to promote sustainable economic and social development. Grants are available for up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the proponents on this plan and look forward to seeing it completed. One day I might be lucky enough to be able to go up there and have a little holiday and enjoy the accommodation in these units.