Eyre Peninsula Country Cabinet

The Hon. M. EL DANNAWI (14:39): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister inform the chamber about the recent country cabinet in Port Lincoln?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:39): I thank the honourable member for her question and her interest in country cabinets, which are such a valuable part of the engagement by the Malinauskas Labor government with the various country communities.

It was an incredible few days last week at the most recent country cabinet that took place in Port Lincoln and across the Lower Eyre Peninsula. Firstly, I would really like to acknowledge all the community members, businesses, industry groups, councils, community and sporting groups and many others who took time out of their schedules to have the important discussions with government and to showcase also the very best of the region, a region that is important to our state's economy and important, I know, to everyone in terms of ministers who attended.

I continue to be extraordinarily proud of the fact that our government does get every cabinet minister out to the regions at the same time, as well as the chief executives of the department that each of them are aligned to, because the impact of this really can't be overstated. I think it's reflected in the amazing feedback that I and no doubt many other ministers as well have had from our time in Port Lincoln last week, and indeed, from all of the previous country cabinets across the state.

The forum last Thursday night was, again, very well attended—I think the estimates I heard were around about 300 people—and the range of questions on the night were thoughtful and indicative of the depth of passion that locals have for their local community and for the region. Unfortunately, there were some flight issues beyond our control, which meant that the first day of country cabinet got off to a bit of a delayed start for some of us, but we were able to quickly get back on track.

I was pleased to join Craig at the Fresh Fish Place, where he showed me around the incredible ocean-to-plate experiences that his business provides, with processing, factory outlet and seafood eatery all operating out of what is really something of a one-of-a-kind business that really encompasses all that is great about the region.

It was at that location that I was able to talk about the good news that the state government is funding a marine scalefish fishery industry blueprint, which, on the back of the former government's significant reform to the sector, is a great opportunity to consider how the fishery will look into the future. It will be led by key industry figures. I then travelled to Coffin Bay with the Premier where we discussed the Lower Eyre council's plans for the region and spoke with Zac Halman, seafood company founder and CEO, about the incredible local oyster industry.

I was also really pleased that first up on Friday morning I was able to have the opportunity to get out to the sardine vessels. They were being unloaded of their catch from the night before, and I was able to see that. Sardines are the largest fishery by volume in our state, and seeing the large containers filled to the brim with sardines was a great visual representation of just how big the fishery is and its importance to the region as a key part of tuna operations, with most of the sardine catch ending up as feed for ranched tuna.

I also enjoyed the opportunity to have a tour of the newly developed foreshore, with an incredible playground, community areas, seating, paths and First Nations art, with an incredible steel panel piece designed by Galinyala Barngarla artists Jenna and Vera Richards. We had a number of other meetings, but I am conscious of not going too long on this question. I do think it's worth noting that we know how little those opposite value country cabinets, but I must say it was incredibly well received by the community, and it was thoroughly worthwhile for all the ministers, including myself.

I have visited Eyre Peninsula on many occasions since becoming minister, but this was to again have all of my colleagues there—we were there as a group—able to answer all the questions that people might want to raise and follow up on issues that are of concern. So they are very useful. I look forward to the positive results that will flow from this most recent country cabinet, and, of course, from all future country cabinets, as it's something that we remain committed to doing. I'm sure I will have the opportunity to talk more about them in this place.