Adaptive Futures SA

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (14:58): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation a question about Adaptive Futures SA.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: Prior to the 2014 state election, the Weatherill government announced that it would create a new statutory body, called Adaptive Futures SA, to replace the body currently known as Zero Waste SA. After consultation with some stakeholders it is my understanding that the new body will receive only half the funding level of that previously allocated to Zero Waste SA. My questions are:

1. What is the scope of Adaptive Futures SA?

2. How will Adaptive Futures SA support the local government sector in its crucial role in waste management?

3. How will Adaptive Futures SA support the broader waste management sector?

4. Finally, what impact will the creation of Adaptive Futures SA have on the current Waste to Resources Fund, whether it is in contributions received from the levy or in outward expenditure?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:59): I thank the member for his most important questions. Zero Waste SA has established a reputation for delivering innovative, effective and well-targeted programs. Its job has been challenging and the message powerful, reaching across all sectors of our community. Since 2003, it has invested more than $80 million on programs and projects that have stimulated councils, businesses and the community to reduce, recover, re-use and recycle. This has helped South Australia reduce waste to landfill by nearly 20 per cent from 2002 to 2013 and achieve a resource recovery rate of more than 77 per cent.

Zero Waste SA's work as a leader in waste management and resource recovery continues to attract attention nationally and internationally, but we want to build on that. As part of our environmental protection 2014 election commitments, the South Australian government announced that it would create a new body to advance the next stage of the state's development in waste management. The new authority—at this stage to be called Adaptive Futures SA—will be established from July 2015 to build on the many successes of Zero Waste.

Adaptive Futures SA will assist South Australia to continue leading the nation in waste management and keep South Australia at the forefront of green innovation; encourage innovation and economic growth through green economies; help businesses to find new overseas markets for their waste management knowledge and skills; help businesses to reduce their costs through more efficient use of raw materials, water and energy; administer grants to local government and industries to explore new technologies; and report against waste to landfill targets.

Adaptive Futures SA will be established as a statutory corporation governed by its own legislation, hopefully operational from 1 July 2015, with the concurrence of this house. The authority will have a board with representatives from state and local government, industry and the environment sector, and a budget of $4 million each year has been allocated for 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 for Adaptive Futures SA.