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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-03-27 Daily Xml
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REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (14:47): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Regional Development a question about Regional Development Australia committees.

Leave granted.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: As we all know, regional areas are of immense importance to the economic development of South Australia. These areas play host to some of our key export industries, including primary production, our resources sector and a significant component of our tourism market. Empowering local communities to determine their strategic priorities and lead this development is also important. Will the minister advise the chamber of the recent appointments to the Regional Development Australia committees and how these appointments will aid regional South Australia?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (14:48): I thank the honourable member for her most important question. Regional South Australia has figured large in the thinking and planning of this government: just look at the seven strategic priorities announced by the Governor at the opening of parliament. Clean, green food as our competitive edge clearly refers to the great contribution the primary producers of South Australia make to this state.

Whether you look at the sector's contribution to the gross state product, the export of South Australian produce, such as grain, legumes or fruit and vegetables, and whether they come from the Eyre Peninsula or the Mid North, all are important economic contributors to this state. The food and wine we produce and sell across the world are something that we should all be very proud of.

The contribution made by primary industry producers does not stand alone in regional economies. Immensely important as they are, they only form part of the economic base. Our regional areas are also home to an unprecedented expansion of mining and exploration, which is set to deliver immense benefits across the state for generations to come.

Similar to the clean, green food bowl priority, the government is also focused on two key areas, namely, growing advanced manufacturing and realising the benefits of the mining boom for all South Australians. It is imperative for this state to have a creative, agile and globally competitive advanced manufacturing industry, and this can in part be led by our mining and clean tech industries.

We also have tourism, of course. It is widely acknowledged that tourism is also an important economic driver, whether it be South Australians visiting their own backyard or interstate or overseas visitors experiencing the wonderful landscapes, the natural environment and the attractions which our state has to offer. None of these enterprises and the communities they support can, or will, continue to develop without planning and being connected to the communities in which they operate. Any business, small or large, benefits from having access to strategic thought and planning so that there is clarity on where to invest and how to maximise returns and opportunities.

The South Australian RDA network obviously has a role to play in contributing to and identifying each region's strengths and opportunities in setting a strong policy agenda that promotes our local interests.

Regional Development Australia committees span the three levels of government established by an MOU between federal, state and local governments. These eight regional bodies exist to develop regional plans which describe the region, its attributes and industry and set out economic, environmental and social vision for the region; provide advice on funding opportunities available to regional communities from the Australian, state and territory governments; contribute to the planning process with other regional stakeholders, including local government; conduct workshops to build the skills required by businesses and community organisations; hold regional forums on key issues affecting their regions; and, importantly, help the region to attract new industry and investment.

I am pleased to advise the chamber that, via a tripartite process between the three levels of government, the membership of these important committees has recently been refreshed. The RDA committees established during 2009-10 draw together people with a broad range of skills and expertise best placed to respond to the challenges and opportunities in each region.

Original appointments to the RDA committees were made for terms of either two or four years, which meant that approximately 50 per cent of the RDA appointments in South Australia fell due towards the end of last year. Following a call for expressions of interest in late 2011, nominees were collated for each region. Candidates were assessed in relation to skills required to best support the region, while providing both generational change and technical expertise in relevant areas, such as finance or business growth.

The board/committee composition has remained approximately one-third local government and the balance comprising nominees by federal and state governments with the ability to best support regional innovation and development. These volunteers will guide the eight Regional Development Australia organisations in their work until November 2015.

There are many new appointments. A number of appointments have been renewed, plus there are a number of new appointments. Obviously I am not going to refer to all of those by name, save to say that I was very impressed by the calibre and commitment of those volunteering to serve their community in this capacity. It is great to see that there was a degree of continuity as well as refreshment in this particular round. I obviously look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour over the years to come.

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