Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-05-15 Daily Xml

Contents

ADELAIDE CONVENTION BUREAU

320 The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (13 September 2011) (First Session). Can the Minister for Tourism advise—

1. Will the $1 million annual funding to the Adelaide Convention Bureau be reduced by $50,000 every year until 2014-15, amounting to a $200,000 loss by 2014-15?

2. From where will this $50,000 per year be cut?

3. How much time and money does the government allow for future bids for major events?

4. Will the upgraded Convention Centre be able to host a major international exhibition by 2014?

5. Will the upgrade be completed by 2014?

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): I am advised:

1. The $1 million annual funding to the Adelaide Convention Bureau (ACB) will be reduced by $50,000 in 2011-12, a further $50,000 in 2012-13 and a further $100,000 in 2013-14.

2. The annual reductions will be cut from the South Australian Tourism Commission's (SATC) Administrative Budget.

3. SATC contributes $100,000 per year to the ACB's bidding fund for future major conventions.

4. The Government has committed $350 million to the redevelopment of the Adelaide Convention Centre (the Centre). The upgrade is being delivered over six years and across two integrated stages. The upgrade will re-establish the Centre as one of the world's premier conference venues, ensuring its continued competitiveness and contributing significantly to South Australia's economic and tourism growth.

5. Stage one of the project is due to be completed in 2014. Stage one expands the existing facility by using the air space above the railway lines and linking the new structure to the Morphett Street Bridge. Stage two will be completed by June 2017 and will replace the existing plenary building with a multi-purpose facility and includes upgrades to the North Terrace frontage.