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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-06-02 Daily Xml
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Sport and Recreation

Mr COWDREY (Colton) (14:25): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Can the minister update the house on how the Marshall Liberal government is supporting jobs in the sports sector?

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:25): I thank the member for his question—a very passionate sporting advocate, as am I. I think that no-one in this place is more passionate about their sport than the member for Colton and me. I hear it every day. I love hearing about it and I can't get enough—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: —of how much South Australians love their sport.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The minister has the call.

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Thank you for your protection. Sport and recreation is an integral part of our state. It is an essential way of life here in South Australia. It contributes to more jobs in our economy, and also as a government we are very keen to lower health costs and lower costs to South Australians who take part in sport.

Sport also contributes positively to a person's physical and mental health and also community connection, and we know how important that is. Initial estimates suggest that during an adult's lifetime insufficient physical activity has the potential to cost the South Australian public health system more than $86,000, and an unfit populace could potentially cost South Australia's public health system more than $800 million per annum.

I am talking about this because we are talking about delivering better services. That is what we want to do on this side of the house, and a key way to improve that is by delivering high-quality sporting infrastructure projects. The Marshall government is committed to investing in infrastructure projects that stimulate the economy, grow local jobs and leave a positive legacy for generations.

Our government will soon be releasing the state's sport and recreation infrastructure plan, which will position South Australia as a national and world leader in sport and recreation, so watch this space. The plan recognises that sporting facilities that are high quality, contemporary and support the attraction of significant national and international sporting events will show our competitors what we are about and that we are open for sporting business. There is no better place to be in the future if you are an athlete, if you want to live, train and compete in SA. For those reasons, sporting jobs in the recreation and sport sector and the racing industry are a key focus for the Marshall government.

Since being elected, our government has funded more than 100 sporting infrastructure projects. These projects have provided more than 300 full-time jobs for South Australians with more than $37 million in grants for these projects. Without question, the biggest success has been the redevelopment of Memorial Drive and the new $11 million roof that has been built. The project has been fantastic for the state with more than 30 full-time jobs being created on the construction site.

The steel that was sourced was made here in South Australia, helping keep those jobs and big economic benefit for our state. By securing the Adelaide International, Tennis SA added 11 extra jobs due to the requirements of delivering this world-class event. It also positioned our state well for the billion dollar tourism economy that will be so important for the economy when we reboot after COVID-19, and Memorial Drive will firmly be in the box seat to attract future big events.

South Australia and sport in South Australia will be stronger than before. The very successful grassroots football, cricket and netball program has been a huge driver for jobs, with rounds 1 and 2 of the program resulting in 177 full-time workers—more jobs for South Australia.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: They may not like to hear it on the other side, but that's how it's rolling out. I am pleased to say that round 3 has been brought forward, and those who have applied will be notified very, very shortly as to whether or not they have been successful, but I know they are very keen on this project.

That is not to mention the millions of dollars that have gone to supporting sport here in South Australia through the Community and Jobs Support program, and more than $2 million has also gone to sporting organisations that will get 50 per cent of their water and sewerage charges for the June quarter as well if they are eligible, and $500,000—

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis interjecting:

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: —of rent relief to all the sporting organisations based at the West Beach Trust—so, lower costs and better opportunities for South Australia from the Marshall Liberal government.

The SPEAKER: The member for West Torrens can leave for half an hour under 137A and, when he does, the leader will have a question.

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis: Very generous of you, sir.

The SPEAKER: Thank you.

The honourable the member for West Torrens having withdrawn from the chamber:

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