REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:15): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Regional Development a question about regional development.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: On 13 July The Advertiser included a special report entitled 'Help us Thrive Together', which stated that the regions had suffered from years of state government neglect. The SA Centre for Economic Studies prepared a report, commissioned by the Local Government Association, highlighting the economic contribution of the regions with a view to improving cooperation with state and federal governments.

This report shows that regional South Australia is worth at least $16.6 billion a year to the state's economy but it is not being embraced as an important part of the future. Local Government Association SA President, Mr Kym McHugh, said:

...there was a feeling in the bush that the state government did not take the regions seriously.

He continued to say:

In the regions, the people think that the government believes the state economy is from Noarlunga to Gepps Cross because that's where the seats are and where they have to win government, but that philosophy doesn't help the state.

My questions to the minister are:

1. As the Minister for Regional Development, what is the minister's assessment of the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies report?

2. With this independent report indicating neglect from the state government, what measures will the minister put in place to nurture the importance of growth within South Australia's regions?

3. Can the minister outline what clear partnerships the government will introduce to ensure that rural communities are not neglected?

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) (15:17): I thank the honourable member for her most important questions. Indeed, the SA Centre for Economic Studies has prepared a report for the Local Government Association of South Australia highlighting the economic contribution of regions with a view to trying to improve the cooperation between state, federal and local governments.

I certainly noted from the news article that the President of the Local Government Association, Kym McHugh, said that there was a feeling that the bush was not being taken seriously by the state government. I understand that the SA Centre for Economic Studies report lists things like infrastructure as a critical challenge, with a need for the development of water, road, rail and energy infrastructure, while problems include things like insufficient homes.

I think that it also identified a need for the expansion and improvement in healthcare facilities and hospitals, as well as more attractions, increased public transport, etc. The government's commitment to regional communities is highlighted, I believe, in our state budget through significant investment in key service areas and infrastructure, with approximately $95 million throughout regional South Australia. Some of those key initiatives included:

$3 million for the Regional Development Fund, with much broader eligibility criteria to be able to enhance greater scope of investments;

just under $800,000 over two years for the installation of a digital camera projection system;

$200,000 to key studies to help guide long-term strategy, particularly for Port Pirie;

$2.6 million for extra training officers to increase the skill base for Country Fire Service and State Emergency Service volunteers;

replacing $1.5 million of Country Fire Service breathing apparatus;

$500,000 for replacing the State Emergency Service's marine rescue vessel;

$20.8 million towards the redevelopment of the Berri hospital;

$12.7 million towards the Port Lincoln Health Service redevelopment;

$8.5 million towards the construction of the Port Pirie GP Plus centre;

$8 million towards the redevelopment of the Mount Gambier Health Service; and

$3.1 million towards the establishment of a new five chair dental clinic at Wallaroo.

As honourable members can see, there are a number of areas of key investment that this government is committed to making.

I note, again, that honourable members of the opposition are always keen to talk down our regions, but I notice that the latest ABS advises that, in fact, using 12-month averages, in the May quarter employment in agriculture, forestry and fishing increased by 1,600 persons for South Australia, an increase of 4 per cent. Over the past year employment in agriculture, forestry and fishing increased by 7,700 in South Australia, an increase of 22.4 per cent, and employment in the 12 months to the May quarter 2012 for the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry was at its highest level in three years for South Australia. There are 5,100 more people employed in regional South Australia than this time last year, and it is also worth noting that there are 1,000 fewer people unemployed in regional South Australia than at this time last year.

We know that these are very challenging times, particularly for our primary producers and people living out in the regions, but they are indeed very tough and resilient communities and we can see that even in these times of great challenges there are many signs of positive growth and development in our regions. In a number of respects they are doing really well, but that is not to undermine the challenges they face. However, I do get a bit sick and tired of hearing the opposition put down and bag our regions.