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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2018-10-16 Daily Xml
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Loxton Research Centre

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (15:25): Thank you, Mr President.

The Hon. R.I. Lucas: No rhetorical flourishes.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: No; in fact, I have just been editing that, Mr Treasurer. I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, representing the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: While visiting Loxton in August, members of the community raised concerns about the availability of the recently upgraded Loxton Research Centre: $7.5 million was spent on the facility, which was officially opened last year. Prior to the new facility being unveiled, stakeholders were consulted and advised that the centre would be a resource for many different Riverland-based industry groups, research bodies and training organisations involved with primary production to be accommodated there, but many local organisations have been unable to enjoy the benefits of the new facility.

The District Council of Loxton Waikerie wants to hold council meetings at the facility, but are unable as current rules state that a PIRSA representative needs to be in attendance. Despite its cost, the building remains largely empty—a white elephant. My question to the minister is: will the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development allow for the Loxton Research Centre to be utilised by local Riverland industry groups, research bodies and training organisations as was promised prior to the new facility being constructed? If not, why not? Why has the Loxton Research Centre not already been made available to these groups?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (15:27): I thank the honourable member for his ongoing interest in regional South Australia and in particular the Loxton Research Centre. I will take his numerous questions and refer them to the Hon. Timothy John Whetstone, the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, in another place.

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