RIVERLAND SUSTAINABLE FUTURES FUND

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (14:50): The minister refers to the very eastern end of the Riverland. What work is being done on affordable accommodation shortages in the Loxton and Waikerie areas in particular?

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) (14:50): I am aware that Nippy's is also doing some work on accommodation for workers in the Waikerie region. In terms of the Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund, as I said, we are very happy to receive any proposals. The eligibility criteria for the fund are extremely broad. So, if someone wanted to put forward a proposal to look at affordable accommodation then we would be looking at that in a very sympathetic way, just as we have looked at other proposals in a fairly enthusiastic and sympathetic way. We have done a lot to promote people's awareness of this project. We have done an enormous amount of work to put together a road map and plans that help locals and other people who are interested in investments to understand where the opportunities are. It identifies a wide range of opportunities. All of those things are in place, so really it is a matter for interested—

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: If local growers identify that as a priority and want to put a proposal to the sustainable futures fund to look at a government grant towards that development, we are ready, willing and able to look at that in a very sympathetic way. Really, the growers, those people who have vested interests who identify particular needs, need to provide us with something. We have never received a proposal through the sustainable futures fund solely for accommodation for pickers. I would welcome one.