Legislative Council: Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Contents

Northern Adelaide Food Park

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:01): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government a question regarding updates on the Northern Economic Plan.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: On 2 November last year, my colleague, the Hon. Robert Lucas, asked the Leader of the Government about the $9 million northern food park, regarding how many jobs the project had created and whether any companies had committed to move into the food park. The minister took the question on notice, endeavouring to 'find out exactly where the food park is up to with the responsible minister'.

On 28 March this year, the Hon. Robert Lucas asked a supplementary about how many companies had moved into the food park. The minister again did not provide an answer but said he was happy to find out. The government's website, detailing this project, states, 'On-ground works are targeted to commence by the end of 2016, with construction to commence in 2017.' My questions are:

1. Have the on-ground works begun?

2. It has now been over six months since the minister took the original question on notice; has the minister been able to get a response detailing the food park's progress?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (15:03): I thank the honourable member for his questions. I don't have the information in front of me. I will take that on notice and bring back a reply, quickly. Off the top of my head, I believe there have been significant discussions in areas and also, importantly, a great deal of interest shown from food manufacturers in the plan for a food park and detailed discussions about those who might move into a food park. I believe the food park is in the planning phase. It is a big operation, but I will get some information about exactly where it's up to.