Kangaroo Island

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:17): My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment about a regional visit.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.S. LEE: It is about the regional visit. Can the minister please update the council about his most recent visit to Kangaroo Island?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (15:17): I thank the honourable member for her ongoing interest in not only this great multicultural state of ours but also Kangaroo Island. There is no question that Kangaroo Island is a jewel in South Australia's crown, boasting premium produce, world-class food and wine and a spectacular tourism offering, yet the residents of Kangaroo Island have their own unique set of issues in regard to their remote location, growing their population and developing their industries to create jobs on the island for the next generation.

I travelled to Kangaroo Island on 15 November to take part in a workshop to establish a Kangaroo Island growth agenda. Not quite 100 industry and business representatives attended throughout the day to discuss the strategic objectives of Kangaroo Island to contribute to our government's goal of 3 per cent gross state product growth. Interestingly, the local member, Leon Bignell, was at the meeting on the particular day as well.

The Hon. J.E. Hanson: Did you say hi?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: Certainly. I am always happy to engage with everybody at these events. It was interesting. I felt it was an extremely worthwhile day, particularly having some industry break-out sessions to explore some detailed opportunities. One of the themes that came out is that Kangaroo Island needs some direction, and I think the message was very clear that the direction really is in the hands of the Kangaroo Island residents.

We looked at the opportunities and challenges for business, tourism and food and wine. At the end of the day, there was a real buzz of optimism in the air, particularly when we look at South Australian companies such as Bickford's that are investing on the island. It is a real credit to the Bickford's team that they are following through with their plans to establish a craft distillery and microbrewery at the Kingscote wharf precinct.

Interestingly, I think it has taken nearly five years from when it was first announced to the project actually going ahead. It has only been about 650 days of this government, so it was nearly 3½ years of indecision on behalf of the former government. I visited the site with Mr Angelo Kotses and his brother George and the other Bickford executives, and I can see they will do something special with the old police station and the cells, activating the area and creating yet another unique tourist attraction for the area.

I took the opportunity, having gone to the island, to then visit Millie Mae's cafe and produce store in Penneshaw on their opening day, another great local business that will add value to the local economy. The Oceanview Eco Villas are owned by Tasmin Wendt. She and her husband have a spectacular new offering, only open 13 weeks, and I would encourage all members to get along and have a look at that. The False Cape Wines new cellar door opens later in December, and I would like to congratulate the owners, Jamie and Julie Helyar, for their recent achievement on being awarded the best Kangaroo Island wine for their False Cape riesling.

I see the investment these people make in their own businesses, the faith they have in their own products and the faith they have in their own community that they will be able to create more jobs, rather than just being a broadacre farm. They have planted some good vines and have some great wines and are now showcasing them with a beautiful cellar door.

I also had the opportunity to attend the 60^th annual Parndana Show. Country shows are well supported around the nation and the 60^th annual Parndana Show was no different, with all the competitions that we see and that come to a very high level at the Adelaide Show: all the cooking, the flowers, the photography, the horses in action. It was a particular thrill to be there and to see life members of the Parndana Show Society. There were about 10 of them, in particular, opening the Parndana Show. The Marshall Liberal government is serious about generating growth, and areas in our region like Kangaroo Island will be an important part of our growth strategy going forward.