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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-05-16 Daily Xml
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RIVERLAND SUSTAINABLE FUTURES FUND

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:02): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Regional Development a question about assistance in the Riverland.

Leave granted.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: The minister has often spoken about the Riverland prospectus and its role in driving change in the Riverland. Can the minister advise the chamber about a recent initiative that aligns with this prospectus?

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) (15:02): I thank the honourable member for her most important question. I note that it is with a high degree of regularity that I come to this place and announce new program initiatives under the Sustainable Futures Fund, and I am delighted to advise the house that I recently approved a further grant under the Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund to a Riverland engineering company, Joll Engineering, to help expand its workshop.

It is a grant of just over $21,000 to Joll Engineering & Retail Sales, and it will go towards a project of just over $44,000 to extend a shed, which is increasing in size by 100 square metres, to concreting and also to electrical and security systems. The Waikerie based business opened in 2005 and provides general engineering, fabrication services and retail products to the agricultural industry. The business has since expanded its production base to include silos and grain feeders. The end of the prolonged drought has led to an increased demand for its services, including the provision of silos, and this grant will help expand its engineering capacity and services to agricultural business in the area.

Expanding Joll Engineering's production facilities is expected to lead to assisting with the creation of two new FTE positions and also employment for a part-time staffer. The expansion will also allow development and manufacturing of its new 'Ezy Drive' chassis, which is an assembly that enables farmers to tow silos to where they are needed on a property. The Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund is designed to promote sustainable economic development in an area that was significantly impacted by prolonged drought.

Guided by the Riverland Futures Prospectus, the fund's aim is to facilitate projects that improve infrastructure, support industry attraction and help grow existing businesses and, obviously, help attract new businesses. The fund focuses on ensuring the key enablers of the economy are in place to build on the existing strengths of the region and to improve its competitive advantages.

The $20 million, which is available over four years, has been targeted to help deliver structural change, population growth and enhanced employment outcomes for the Riverland. By allowing applicants to access up to 50 per cent of the cost of a project, the fund aims to leverage investment into the area. Applicants can seek advice and assistance from the local RDA to ensure that their planned project lines up with the priorities identified for the region.

The engineering company's expansion has been supported by the Murraylands and Riverland RDA which considers that it helps contribute to the SASP targets of economic growth, total exports and jobs, and fulfil the local business development aim in the regional prospectus and the local government strategic plans, while encouraging economic diversity and reduced reliance on irrigation, which is one of the aims outlined in the RDA roadmap.

The project, which is expected to be completed by mid-2013, is an example of strengthening local business, creating employment and helping strengthen the economy of one of our state's most beautiful regions. I certainly congratulate the applicant and look forward to the completion of this important project.

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