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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-03-05 Daily Xml
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RIVERBANK PRECINCT

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:00): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government, representing the Premier, questions about the Adelaide Riverbank Precinct draft management plan.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: I understand that the Adelaide Riverbank Precinct draft management plan was released by the government in 2011 followed by a period of consultation with the private sector as well as members of the public. The draft master plan focuses predominantly on the area bordered by North Terrace, Adelaide Oval, Morphett Street and King William Road, and outlines a strategy to incorporate a cinema, retail precinct (including luxury fashion), eateries, commercial facilities, enhanced hotel as well as a new hotel in the proposed new River West Precinct, and an extended casino.

Included in this space is also Parliament House. The draft master plan shows that the new commercial/cultural and retail precinct will be located directly at the rear of Parliament House with a new enhanced commercial high-rise office tower incorporating private residential apartments immediately to the west of Parliament House. The Adelaide Casino also has a master plan which, I understand, incorporates an hotel, car park, more gaming facilities, VIP suites, restaurants, and even a rooftop spa and pool, all aimed at attracting high rollers to Adelaide.

In February last year, SkyCity CEO Nigel Morrison stated in the media that the Casino's redevelopment would not proceed unless the South Australian government offered some concessions. In December of the same year, the former treasurer announced that the government had struck a deal concerning the future of the Casino which would extend SkyCity Entertainment Group's casino exclusivity to 2035 but they would pay more tax.

Treasurer Snelling said the deal would see SkyCity's tax arrangements on a more equal footing as those currently paid by South Australian hotel owners. In addition, the Casino will be allowed to operate 1,500 gaming machines (up from 995) and 200 gaming tables (up from 90). The government claims that in return the Casino will have the strongest responsible gambling measures applied to any casino in Australia.

In the past few weeks and months members may have noticed several people walking around the Parliament House premises seemingly to survey the area. My questions to the minister are:

1. Has the Adelaide Riverbank Precinct draft management plan been finalised following consultation on the draft?

2. What part or parts of the master plan have already been agreed to, if any?

3. Has the Casino expansion been given the go-ahead?

4. What part of the Casino's master plan has been agreed to, if any, and when can we expect to learn more about that?

5. What will both these plans mean in terms of the heritage areas at the rear of Parliament House and in the Casino building?

6. Has there been any consultation or feedback from the public regarding the Casino's plan to erect a new contemporary and, as I understand it, somewhat imposing building that is to extend to the River Torrens, adjoining the existing heritage building?

7. What considerations have been given to safety issues around Parliament House, and has there been any sort of comprehensive risk assessment with respect to this issue?

8. Have there been surveys made in and around Parliament House in connection with any proposed development?

9. Can the minister confirm whether any of the proposed buildings behind Parliament House are to incorporate a multilevel car park to be used by the Casino, and how will this impact on existing heritage structures in that area?

10. Will South Australian residents be given the opportunity to voice their views on these proposals?

11. When can we expect to see any legislative changes relating to this issue?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:04): I thank the honourable member for his most important and detailed questions and will refer them to the appropriate ministers in another place and bring back a response.

I would like to take a few moments to highlight the very important economic growth that has been driven by this Labor government and particularly by the Jay Weatherill government. The particular precinct that the honourable member refers to is just fabulous. We see it as a real hub that has enormous potential to attract high levels of investment and activity and will be the centrepiece of our vibrant city. You only have to look around at the landscape and look at the number of cranes to see how much activity there is going on here. Indeed, South Australia's gross state product grew by 2.1 per cent in 2011-12, exceeding the majority of economic forecasts. Our exports for that same period—I am advised petroleum and related materials were up 34 per cent to $200 million; motor vehicles up 12 per cent to $390 million; iron and steel up 12 per cent to $80 million; vegetables and fruit up 0.4 per cent to $340 million.

I am advised that, during the September 2012 quarter, seasonally adjusted real private new capital expenditure rose 15 per cent in South Australia compared to 2.8 per cent nationally, and compared to the year earlier South Australia's seasonally adjusted growth of 8.1 per cent was second only to Western Australia in percentage terms. South Australia's non-petroleum minerals exploration expenditure grew by a 2 per cent trend in the September 2012 quarter to be 9.4 per cent higher than a year earlier. National expenditure was 8.7 per cent, I am advised.

South Australia's Major Developments Directory for 2012-13 lists a record 304 major projects underway or in the pipeline in South Australia, with a total value of $94 billion. As I said, a record 304 major projects either underway or in the pipeline, with a total potential value of $94 billion. Also there is some joy in terms of our new dwelling approvals where there was a small increase in November 2012. So you can see that there are some very positive signs and that just does not happen by accident: that happens because the Jay Weatherill government has a clear plan and is prepared to invest in capital development.

The State of Australian Cities 2012 report, compiled fairly recently, revealed that Adelaide has the least expensive food, mortgage interests and financial and insurance services than any other capital. We have been designated the most desirable place to live in all of Australia. We have the highest proportion of residents who believe their city has good quality, affordable housing, good economic opportunities and quality of life. The report also showed that South Australia had the strongest growth of volunteers in the country which is a fabulous indication of the community's preparedness to work for the community.

One of this government's key strategic goals is to deliver a more vibrant Adelaide and obviously the precinct that the honourable member refers to is part of that. Some of those reforms—

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Well, it was a very long question and I believe, given how detailed and lengthy the question was, it deserves a thorough and comprehensive answer. Part of the reforms underpinning this include zoning changes to the city development plan through the Capital City DPA, so there are some good things happening there. Placing design at the centre of development process, we have introduced a City Design Review Panel under the leadership of the government architect to ensure high-quality design outcomes and street level activation.

Of course, with our project of activating laneways, we are focusing on improving places for people throughout the city, with a particular focus on linking particularly the Riverbank Precinct right through to the central markets. Again, that is linked to our key strategic government priority. It doesn't happen by accident: it happens because we have a Jay Weatherill government that is prepared to plan, put projects in action and invest in capital growth.

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