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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-09-15 Daily Xml
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REGIONAL COMMUNITIES CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (14:38): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question about the Regional Communities Consultative Council's first meeting to the Minister for Regional Development.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: It is a truism to say that communication is an important part of any relationship. As we all know, communicating with communities is a vital part of the work of leaders, agencies and governments. I know there are some longstanding arrangements on consultation with regional communities, so I ask the minister: will she update the house on these consultation arrangements?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (14:39): I am very pleased to be able to remind members about one of our very effective means of consultation with regional communities, one that is led by one of South Australia's most dedicated and public-spirited citizens; in fact, he is quite a South Australian icon. I refer, of course, to Mr Peter Blacker and to the Regional Communities Consultative Council, which was established by this government in November 2002 to provide a voice for regional communities to speak to the government. So the RCCC is an important voice for regional communities. As I said, it is chaired by Peter Blacker, and I was very pleased to receive his support and his agreement to again chair this important council.

Having the RCCC enables a structured dialogue through which government and regional communities can work together. This joint effort strengthens our capacity to respond to current and emerging local issues and opportunities. The aim is that, using the work of the RCCC, we can draw on the ideas, aspirations and energy in regional communities, and together work to maximise the competitive advantage of regional South Australia. This aim is the basis of the RCCC terms of reference. Members may be aware that the terms of reference were recently updated to give the RCCC a stronger advocacy focus. The expanded role for the RCCC is to 'advise on regional communities' access to information on government initiatives, programs and services being delivered to regional South Australia'.

Understanding is a two-way process: communities have to know what is being done for them by the government and what is available to them, but they also need to be able to see the available opportunities within various policy frameworks and program initiatives to be able to plug into them and obtain the best possible results. The process also helps us identify where gaps might be occurring so that we are better able to plan for the future.

I am very pleased today to be able to advise that the RCCC will be going into communities to begin a conversation and develop that understanding, starting with its first regional visit to the Riverland on 22 and 23 September. Members will be briefed on the Murray Mallee region by the President of the Murray and Mallee Local Government Association and consider issues and opportunities raised by the community at a community dinner, which will be held the night before.

Since becoming Minister for Regional Development, I have spoken several times in this place about the importance of this iconic region. The state government has made a commitment of $20 million to help build a sustainable economy through the Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund following the devastating drought, which was then followed by floods. I am very delighted that these efforts are beginning to really gain traction.

Now with a smaller membership of 11, but continuing under the strong and steady leadership of Peter Blacker, the RCCC has a balance of representation across economic, social, cultural and environmental sectors, as well as regional communities, and builds on the leadership capability in communities. Peter, of course, is a great advocate for regional South Australia, and I value his wisdom and insight greatly. He is also a real gentleman and a real pleasure to work with. Peter will be assisted by the new format RCCC. The RCCC has been invigorated with five new members but retains the experience of six continuing members. I hope this mix will help generate new ideas and fresh approaches while maintaining continuity, expertise and experience.

I understand that an advertisement has been placed in local newspapers inviting the public to meet and talk with the RCCC. In addition, its program involves site visits and the community dinner, which will be held at Loxton on the evening of 22 September. I encourage people in the Riverland area to go along or to get in touch with the consultative council and provide their views and their ideas to the RCCC.

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