Regional Development Strategy Regional Development Strategy Information current as at April 2021
© Government of South Australia 2021
Disclaimer PIRSA and its employees do not warrant or make any representation regarding the use, or results of the use, of the information contained herein as regards to its correctness, accuracy, reliability and currency or otherwise. PIRSA and its employees expressly disclaim all liability or responsibility to any person using the information or advice. Contents
Foreword 4
Context 6
South Australian Regions Snapshot 8
South Australian Regional Economies 10
Why develop a Regional Development Strategy? 11
Strategic Alignment 12
Alignment with whole-of-government initiatives 13
Regional Development Strategy 16
Consultation and development process 17
South Australian Regional Development Strategy 18
Regional Voice 19
Regional Connectivity 21
Regional Leadership and Skills 23
Regional Services 26
Regional Investment 28
Regional priorities, opportunities and achievements to date 31
Implementation of this Strategy 46 Foreword
South Australia’s regions matter.
Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians. The regions contribute around $29 billion per year to the state’s economy and are home to key farming, fishing, mining, manufacturing and tourism industries.
4 Our diverse and unique natural I thank the Community Advisory Panel environment helps define the culture for the significant work they have done of our state. The River Murray, Flinders consulting regional communities and Ranges, our pastoral lands, the gulfs providing recommendations to the and coastal waters all underpin the government. The Panel identified five regional way of life. strategic focus areas for government:
This is the first time the Government • Regional Voice of South Australia has developed a • Regional Connectivity comprehensive Regional Development • Regional Leadership & Skills Strategy to work positively and strategically with communities to grow • Regional Services our regions. • Regional Investment
The Government of South Australia Since the panel consulted and released has consulted extensively with regional its Engagement Report, our regions communities on what is needed in have been impacted by bushfires, a regional development strategy to COVID-19 and a fourth year of improve opportunities for those who drought. These experiences have led to live and work in the country. a strong government focus on recovery in our regions. We have listened to what regional communities have said. We are This strategy outlines how the responding to the sense of isolation government will work with communities regional communities say they have to spur regional development across experienced over past years when it the whole state, support communities comes to decisions of government. to be resilient to challenges and drive improved prosperity into the future. We understand a one-size-fits- all approach will not work in such geographically and economically diverse regions. This is why the Hon David Basham MP State Government will work with Minister for Primary Industries and communities to address the priorities Regional Development they have identified.
Photo credit: South Australian Tourism Commission 5 Context
Since the release of the Regional Development Strategy Engagement Report in November 2019, South Australia has faced unprecedented challenges. Some of these have been felt state wide such as the COVID-19 pandemic and bushfires, but some have had particular impacts in regional South Australia such as drought.
The Coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on South Australia and on the nation as a whole. The restrictions have ceased business operations in nearly all parts of our economy, resulting in job losses, business closures and a radical change to the way we live our lives, working from home, learning from community life in schools, sports clubs home and limiting our interactions and volunteer associations, and in with the people we love. The flattening the very important area of personal of the curve and the easing of wellbeing and mental health. Recent restrictions nationally and in South good rains across large areas of the Australia is giving some hope, however state have provided an encouraging there remains challenges ahead start to the sowing season for many for many businesses, government broadacre farmers, as well as feed for and communities especially where livestock producers, but the drought changing global impacts will continue is not over and will continue to impact to be felt by the Australian economy. the state in the long term. The summer’s catastrophic bushfires The Government of South Australia dealt another blow to already is providing support to individuals, struggling regional businesses and businesses, industry sectors and communities. The ferocity and duration communities affected by these of the fires had never been seen challenges. In March 2020, the $21 before and resulted in significant million Drought Support Program was loss of homes, property, businesses, expanded, the State Government has infrastructure, livestock, natural partnered with the Commonwealth vegetation and our unique wildlife. Government to offer financial The drought across many of the assistance under Disaster Recovery state’s regions has impacted not Arrangements to those impacted by only the agricultural sector, but rural bushfires in South Australia via the communities as well. As farmers deal Small Business Bushfire Recovery with the financial losses, the flow-on Grant, and in response to the effects have been significant, creating COVID-19 pandemic the Government downturns for other businesses of South Australia has established a in regional towns and affecting $1 billion stimulus package. The State
6 Government is aware of how much The tourism industry, severely Finally, COVID-19 restrictions have the economy of this state is hurting impacted by the restrictions imposed proven without a doubt that, with a and is taking steps to protect people by COVID-19, could see a considerable strong digital network, people can and jobs, and rebuild industries and revival, as Australians are encouraged work from anywhere. This broadens livelihoods. to explore their own back yard. The the opportunity for people to engage over $900 million that Australians differently with businesses, opens As South Australia rebuilds and spend annually on overseas holidays regional employment opportunities recovers from these events that may be directed back into domestic like never before, and encourages have had severe impact on people’s tourism in the short and potentially people to take up the lifestyle factors wellbeing, livelihoods and the South long term. This gives hope to the South and living arrangements that may be Australian economy. Where possible, Australian tourism industry to attract favoured over urban living but that are regional development and investment a share of domestic visitors to aid in not as accessible without good digital must be considered in multiple the recovery of this important growth connectivity. arenas, meaning that alignment sector, while we wait for international of industries, service sectors and tourists to return. community support requirements remains optimum to attract people to There is also the very real possibility regional areas and provide growth. the COVID-19 pandemic may catalyse Regional South Australia has been hit a resurgence in the Australian hard, but crises catalyse change and, manufacturing industry. Already we while acknowledging the negative have seen companies transform to impacts, there may be some positives produce ventilators and personal or emerging opportunities, such as the protective equipment to provide the ability to facilitate increased uptake of health sector with vital resources. connectivity to support remote working Australian industry has always been in regional areas that were previously innovative and responsive to emerging inhibited from wider potential opportunities and Australian made employment opportunities. may be something that becomes more important in the future.
7 South Australian Regions Snapshot
Regional industries
contribute $29 billion Mining Agriculture Fishing Tourism to the state's economy
Population
Population in regional 378,074 South Australia Regional SA1 population 27% of the state’s total Median age of population regional South 50.4% 49.6% Australia’s population Male Female
Young age Working age Retirement age (up to 25 years) (15-64 years)2 (65+ years) 28% 60.4% 65.1% 21.8% Regional Regional Greater Regional South Australia South Australia Adelaide South Australia
Employment
Main employment industries in Just under Unemployment3 regional South Australia Health and community/social services 150,000 Agriculture 6.4% 6.3% people are employed Forestry and fishing in regional South Retail trade Australia, in full time Manufacturing 6.4Regional +93.6+G6.3Greater +93.7+G and part time work. Public administration and safety South Australia Adelaide
8 Social demographic
Residents born Family households Single or lone person in Australia without children households 81% 68.2% 47.8% 38% 30.3% Regional Greater South Australia Adelaide Regional Greater Regional South Australia Adelaide South Australia
15,530 University bachelor Year 9 school level qualification or Aboriginal and/or degree or above below or no educational attainment Torres Strait Islander people 9.3% 21.2% 12% 8.7% reside in regional South Australia Regional Greater Regional Greater South Australia Adelaide South Australia Adelaide
Business
The industry of employment – proportion of employed persons 2016 census5
14.6% 9.4% 10.4% 12.1% 36,083 Number of businesses 14.6Agriculture, +85.4+G 9.4Manufacturing +90.6+G 10.4Retail trade +89.6+G 12.1Health care and +87.9+G as at the 30 June 20184 forestry and Social assistance fishing
The largest number of businesses by industry as at 30 June 20186
Agriculture, forestry and fishing 13,232 Construction 4,369 Rental, hiring, and real estate 3,238 Retail trade 2,160
1 Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 Census Quick Stats defines Regional South Australia as Rest of SA i.e. South Australia minus Greater Adelaide (Greater Adelaide includes Gawler, Mt Barker and McLaren Vale) 2 Australian Bureau of Statistics 2018 Census Quick Stats 3 Department Treasury and Finance monthly Labour Force summary for April 2020 4 ABS Regional Data Summary for Rest of SA 5 ABS Regional Data Summary for Rest of SA 6 ABS Regional Data Summary for Rest of SA 9 South Australian Regional Economies
The South Australian regions are home to a variety of major Many of the priorities of the regions include developing these industries that contribute to the state and national economy. economies and accordingly, the supports and services to The presence of these industry sectors is vital to future support people living in these communities. growth and development of key regions as these industries are major employers that contribute to the recognition of regional “hubs” of economic development.
The major industries of the South Australian regions include:
Tourism Energy and Defence Visitor expenditure in Contributes regional South Australia Mining reached Contributes 4.5% or * $3.55 billion# $9.2 billion^ $2.6 billion to the state’s (by December 2019) or 8.3% Gross State Product to our economic output
Fisheries, Food, Health and Wine and Medical Industries Economic contribution to Agribusiness South Australia of Directly contributed over ~ # $2.3 billion $7.6 billion (October 2020) to the state’s Gross State Product in 2019-20
#State Budget 2020-21 ^Energy and Mining Strategy Oct 2020 *South Australia Growth State Defence Sector Strategy 2030 ~HMI Sector Plan 2020-2030 These sectors also have dedicated Sector Plans under Growth State
10 Why develop a Regional Development Strategy?
South Australian communities in our regions are crucial to the both immediate and future priorities over time. This strategy future prosperity of our state. The objective of this strategy seeks to support the ongoing dialogue between all levels is to define key focus areas that can drive government of government towards collaboration, co-investment and investment, decision making and alignment in service delivery with businesses and the community. It is intended delivery and that reflect the clear priorities of each unique that this strategy support other key government initiatives and South Australian region through the recent consultation. plans particularly Growth State.
This Strategy will provide a basis for collaborative For regional South Australia, growth and development must development of initiatives that deliver key outcomes to our be targeted in ways that make our communities stronger regions. This Strategy seeks to: and more resilient, therefore alignment with state strategies (identified below) will also facilitate these outcomes. Key • provide strategic direction and focus for industry, guiding principles supporting this strategy include: community and government on priorities and needs of regional SA • Continual focus on building trade and sector economic • enable direct alignment of Government investment and contribution - a large proportion of the regional economy service delivery in areas of regional priority with those that is focussed on major industries including agriculture presented in the State’s Growth State Plan and the and mining. supporting 9 Industry Sector Plans • Skills development and migration – These will become • provide a focus for dialogue when bringing together more important as more skilled workers are demanded regional representatives to focus on key opportunities, by regional businesses, accompanied by a shift in priorities and needs of their regions family-owned businesses such as farms being bought by international companies. • support collaborative dialogue with the RDA committees on the ongoing implementation of their local strategies • Continued development of Adelaide and Greater Adelaide and plans – the ability for regions to grow and develop is also directly related to the ongoing success of South Australia’s largest • support the implementation of existing regional city. development and regional economic plans that are already developed or underway • A focus on South Australia’s Growth State targets – directing investment in regional centres that are forecast • promote the regional development priorities of the regions to grow will prioritise efforts and cement those regional established through the consultation process centres as hubs in alignment with State priorities and • communicate the future opportunities for regional strategies. development in a clear and coordinated way. • All levels of Government working together – this Regional A dedicated strategy to encourage focussed dialogue on Development Strategy will underpin the Growth State developing our regions is also important given the impacts initiative, noting that a number of activities towards of COVID-19 will be felt on the state economy for some time. growth and development of the regions are underway in There is an ongoing need to continually drive South Australia’s the Growth State enabling platforms and the nine sector investment and service delivery in key priority areas across plans. our regions both now and into the future. This approach will • Governments and industry working together – engaging enable a stronger economic recovery and support pursuit of business and community in government decision-making the long-term ambition of raising growth to 3% per annum, to enable local knowledge and input for better outcomes. as well as direct alignment with the South Australian Growth • Indigenous economic participation – supporting State initiative and the current involvement of industry and participation and opportunities for Aboriginal people to business in the underpinning sector-based plans. create jobs and employment, lift education and skills, and activate regional economic potential. This strategy will deliver a government plan for future investment, support and priorities to shape the future of the state’s regions over the long term, as well as a mechanism to regularly engage regional representatives and consider
11 Strategic Alignment
Photo credit: 12 South Australian Tourism Commission Alignment with whole-of-government initiatives
The South Australian Government has been focussed on This goal is reflected in the State’s major initiative, the Growth identifying areas of growth and how government can State initiative, aimed at achieving 3% annual growth for assist in unlocking and accelerating business expansion South Australia. and job creation. The government’s role is to foster sector wide growth by establishing and maintaining a competitive business environment.
Growth State
Growth State is a partnership between the South Australian These sectors are intrinsic to our regions – providing Government and industry to accelerate our economy through significant contribution to regional communities. business expansion and innovation. Sustainable growth will come from a coordinated government Growth State aims to achieve an increase in Gross State and industry commitment to shared goals and targets, Product (GSP) to an average annual rate of 3% per annum. collaboration and co-investment to drive practical actions. Nine priority sectors have been identified with substantial Growth State will have a focus on export areas across prospects for growth to achieve this target. These include: four streams of action – trade and investment, skills defence; space; hi-tech; food, wine and agribusiness; and innovation, infrastructure, and land, water and the international education; tourism; energy and mining; health environment. and medical industries and creative industries.
Growth State comprises four enabling platforms for which government will drive growth:
Trade and Investment Skills and Innovation Infrastructure Land, Environment
Lifting private sector Encouraging businesses By considering the long-term and Water investment from both and entrepreneurs to benefits for South Australia, The global move towards inside and outside the state start, innovate and grow the government is investing ‘clean and green’ products, and increasing exports is their companies in South in productive infrastructure, the world-wide climate- essential for economic growth Australia, and to collaborate with importance placed transition, a record level and to improve business with researchers and on directing capital to of tourists looking for new competitiveness. Business other businesses to build projects that drive economic experiences and shifts in needs to have the confidence commercial opportunities activity and growth, international and national to take risks – on new markets, remains critical. A highly boost productivity and waste policy, provide new products, and new skilled and responsive enhance liveability and land South Australia with new production/delivery methods, workforce will provide value, as well as address opportunities to drive our and government needs to businesses with ready constraints including state’s growth. Our iconic reduce barriers to investment access to the right mix of digital connectivity. This wine regions, unique wildlife, in the state and to promote trained employees needed platform is highly relevant pristine marine and fisheries South Australia to the world. to drive innovation, improve to the priorities of regional resources, and rich mineral Given the significant industries, productivity and take up South Australia, with the and energy resources are enterprises and businesses in new opportunities in global consultation demonstrating just some of our state’s the regions, this platform is markets. Skills and capability the importance of both environmental assets that highly relevant to the priorities development, including infrastructure, critical are essential to our export of regional South Australia. leadership development are services and digital sectors and to the regional a key ongoing priority for all connectivity. communities where they are regions in South Australia. located.
As these strategies evolve, the government will continue to listen and commit to policies, programs and projects collectively designed to lift the state’s competitiveness and attract investment. These strategies, and the enabling platforms of the Growth State initiative, will also inform the delivery and implementation of regional growth and development priorities.
13 South Australian Infrastructure Strategy
The 20-Year State Infrastructure Strategy suggests some initiatives for infrastructure and services development in our regions, including the formation of regional hubs to provide a more efficient, modern and complete range of regional services. The State Infrastructure Strategy builds on and takes account of all of the key infrastructure related initiatives across government relating to infrastructure, renewable energy, trade, tourism, skills development, innovation, wellbeing, environment, natural resource management, education, health and transport and serves to guide, prioritise and coordinate long-term investment in infrastructure across both metropolitan and regional South Australia.
Regional Blueprint Local Regional Strategic Plans
Regional Development South Australia (RDSA) is a unique model within Australia with tripartite partnership across Federal, State and Local Government and the eight South Australian Regional Development Australia (RDA) representative entities. Recently, all of the eight South Australian RDA’s have been working both across regions and within their own to develop strategic plans to drive economic recovery and growth.
These plans each detail specific industries and sectors, key themes, and investment opportunities, underpinned by analysis and statistics. These plans have been developed with extensive consultation across all levels and particularly local government, business and industry associations and private investors, for each RDA to have the support and mandate to deliver them.
The RDSA have developed the South Australian Regional Development Blueprint, an over-arching strategy that encompasses the individual RDA priorities and strategies, and that also takes account of national and state regional development priorities, including those integrated with the Growth State and the South Australian Infrastructure Strategy. Underpinning the blueprint is a fully scoped and detailed project and investment pipeline, starting at conceptual through to shovel ready projects. The priorities of the blueprint and related regional strategies and plans have been taken into account when developing this strategy.
Photo credit: 14 South Australian Tourism Commission 15 Regional Development Strategy
16 Consultation and development processes
In May 2019, the Regional Development Strategy Discussion Paper was released and opened the consultation period on the formation of a state wide Regional Development Strategy. Throughout June and July 2019, a Community Advisory Panel, supported by PIRSA, undertook 14 regional and one metropolitan consultations.
The Community Advisory Panel met with over 100 individual stakeholders and over 280 members of the public attended the community forums held in the regional centres.
The members of the Community Advisory Panel for the Regional Development Strategy were:
• Mark Sutton (Panel Chair) – current Chair of the Regional Development Australia Far North Board and Director of the Outback Communities Authority. • Jeremy Conway – Chief Executive of Infrastructure SA • William (Bill) Spurr AO – has a strong background in tourism and education and is a current member of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council • Mayor Sam Telfer – is the past President of the Local Government Association of South Australia Mayor of the District Council of Tumby Bay • Tony Vaughan ASM – is the Chief Executive of the Royal Flying Doctor Service • Maree Wauchope – is the is Chief Executive Officer for the Barunga West Council and Chairperson of the Construction, Industry and Training Board
Parallel to the face-to-face engagement process, feedback was also sought via the YourSAy website and written submissions received by email or mail. 149 responses were received via the YourSAy website and 63 written submissions were received that assisted in determining the key strategic focus areas for regional development. On 1 November 2019, the engagement report was released, which summarised the consultation process and presented the broad themes identified during the engagement.
Alongside the consultation with industry sectors for the Growth State initiative, several regional priorities for South Australia were identified. This Regional Strategy takes account of both of these significant consultation and engagement processes to form five strategic pillars that will provide government clear direction on the priorities for future growth and development.
Photo credit: South Australian Tourism Commission 17 South Australian Regional Development Strategy
There are clear priorities that both government and industry Through the regional engagement process, we know that can collectively work together to achieve for regional South working in collaboration across regions derives the greatest Australia. benefit. This Regional Development Strategy, under the auspices of the South Australian Growth State initiative, These areas include infrastructure, connectivity, workforce provide a framework to identify future priorities that can be development, business resilience, manufacturing implemented across regions, businesses and industry. and the development of social, transport, energy, telecommunications, education and health related Many of these priority areas are also recognised in the infrastructure alongside actions that enhance community Growth State initiative and also enablers that would facilitate affordability, access to resources and general liveability. the aims of each region being delivered upon in a way that would maximise benefit to regional communities. This Regional Development Strategy identifies five strategic priorities that will guide government priority setting and Details of how these five priority areas will be progressed is engagement with regions, as well as enable clear alignment provided in the following sections. with the South Australian Growth State initiative.
The priorities are as follows:
Regional Regional Regional Leadership Regional Regional Voice Connectivity Services Investment & skills
Engaging regional Identifying and New and emerging Identifying and Continued focus on stakeholders, enhancing digital leaders in the regions addressing regional the development businesses and connectivity through are engaged and service gaps and and delivery of communities to telecommunications have access to the establishing solutions, initiatives that share values, identify and data professional and including hub and result in increased local solutions infrastructure personal development spoke models, for trade, productivity, and contribute to solutions in opportunities that the implementation profitability, identifying and partnership with all will enable their of critical services sustainability and implementing levels of Government, participation. for community growth. the priorities for RDAs and local Strategies are in safety, wellbeing and development and stakeholders. place to support liveability. growth in South Ensuring that major worker shortages Australia. infrastructure and seasonal worker programs, including demand. transport network solutions, engage representatives for local intelligence at the point of development and design.
18 Regional Voice
Engaging regional stakeholders, businesses and communities to share values, identify local solutions and contribute to identifying and implementing the priorities for development and growth in South Australia.
The challenges The opportunities
Regional communities seek clear Regional stakeholder engagement in opportunities to share their values government priority setting will help and priorities and to be part of the to shape the design, development process to shape their regions future. and implementation of projects and Importantly, regional communities investments to maximise the benefits in want to play a key role in contributing the specific region. The establishment to strategies and initiatives that will of the Regional Development Australia benefit their region and address local has facilitated greater engagement issues. There is an increasing need with the regions and the ability to focus for local ideas and local solutions, as discussions with whole of government. well as ensuring the community can participate, grow and develop these A joint governance process, that links ideas to achieve a successful outcome. the major government agencies with More can be achieved through the Regional Development Australia collaboration and cooperation, with a annual strategic planning processes, is clear agreed direction and leadership essential to enable regular engagement for the region as a whole, and a on priority setting and strategy unified approach to engaging with development for regional South government, industry and investors. Australia. There is a clear opportunity However, this engagement is not for government to engage regional always clear nor simple for regional stakeholders directly through jointly stakeholders to get involved. facilitated twice yearly meetings with the Regional Development Australia committees to consider dialogue on future priorities in context of the Growth State initiative, this strategy and the Regional Development Australia Blueprint and regional plans.
19 Achievements to date What success looks like Future priority actions
• Regional Development Australia’s • Regional businesses, stakeholders • Commencement of the joint whole- (RDA) 4-year funding commitment. and communities are engaged in the of-government and RDA twice • Reforming Local Government development and implementation of yearly engagement meetings for discussion paper completed. programs and initiatives on behalf regular dialogue on priorities and of their region and the development opportunities, with consideration • Regional Affairs Committee of local solutions. of Growth State Sector Plans, the established. • There is regular engagement Regional Development Australia • Regional Development Australia between regional representatives, Blueprint, this Strategy and local Plans established. through the RDAs, with Government regional strategic plans. • The Regional Development Australia agencies annually to determine • Regional Impact Assessments to Blueprint established including and discuss focus areas and be included in the assessment project pipeline. programs for future development, processes for evaluation and • Assistance programs developed and investment, service delivery and development of major regulatory implemented in regions to respond communication. reforms intended for consideration and recover from adverse events • Agencies utilise regional impact by Cabinet. (including COVID-19 and bushfires) . assessments in their decision • Whole-of-government session on • Actively engage the voice of our making for regulatory reform and/ regional priorities held twice yearly Indigenous Nations in projects, or significant Government-led with invited stakeholders and RDAs policy and programs. programs. to present on key priority topics. • Encouraged regional representation • Major government-led programs on government board and or initiatives, such as workforce committees to ensure SA’s regional development, skills and training, population is appropriately regional infrastructure, health, represented. aged care, education services • The Department for Education’s 10 and/or social development year Aboriginal Education Strategy programs, involve representation will support our students to thrive of and consultation with, regional academically, culturally and stakeholder representatives. socially throughout their learning.
20 Regional Connectivity
Identifying and enhancing digital connectivity through telecommunications and data infrastructure solutions in partnership with all levels of government, RDAs and local stakeholders. Ensuring that major infrastructure programs, including transport network solutions, engage representatives for local intelligence at the point of development and design.
The challenges The opportunities
Digital connectivity provides a real- Ensuring affordable access to first- time avenue to connect with the rate digital infrastructure is a clear world in business, education, service opportunity that stands to benefit delivery, social interaction and many every corner of our society and other areas. Improved connectivity economy. Its importance has been can assist to grow some regional areas demonstrated by the enforced through fostering entrepreneurialism isolation brought on by the pandemic, and new industry development in the need to remote access resources, regional areas. Consequently, digital and the need to lift productivity and connectivity can play a significant enterprise in the face of adversity. This role in attracting investment and disruption has significantly changed population into regional South the way we work and learn, but Australia. brings opportunity, particularly for regional enterprise seeking to boost Road infrastructure is also vital in capacity, scale and productivity, ensuring that regional communities for communities seeking to access are able to move people, products resources, including remote education, and services in and out of regions. and for remote working to open up a Roads are the cardiovascular system wider array of potential employment of the economy and regional society. opportunities, not to mention the Connections direct to consumers or to importance of uplifting systems that ports and airports are usually by road support and protect public safety. and the state’s road infrastructure must be constantly maintained to Safe, reliable and productive transport support the demand for regional networks are particularly important for product. regional areas for export markets. As tourism is a major economic driver in regional South Australia, improving the road network also has flow-on effects with the visitor economy.
21 Photo credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
Achievements to date What success looks like Future priority actions
• Continuing to work with Industry • Regional businesses, stakeholders • Commencement of Round six for the and regions on the implementation and communities are engaged Mobile Black Spot Program. of the Mobile Black Spot Program in the prioritisation processes for • Work with communities to ($10 million). regional infrastructure, utilities and understand areas of greatest • Royalties for Regions Program services and their implementation. mobile phone coverage need, developed. • There is a process to identify prioritising areas that align with the • 20-Year Infrastructure SA Strategy priorities for regional digital Commonwealth’s Mobile Blackspot developed with clear regional connectivity improvements that Program. infrastructure focus. considers the priorities and needs of • Develop a strategic approach the regions and their communities. • Implementation of high speed to improving digital connectivity Internet in public schools and • There are regular updates provided across regions. preschools (SWiFT – Schools With to regional communities on • Harness the SWiFT network to internet Fibre Technology). the priorities for infrastructure, enable industry and government connectivity, social infrastructure • Facilitated Gig City development at connectivity. and business and service related Whyalla and Mt Gambier. • Continue planning and engagement deliverables by Government. • Improved telecommunications and process to identify road transport digital connectivity in regional SA maintenance and upgrade priorities communities to deliver economic for future investment in line with the and social benefits to residents and 20-year Infrastructure Strategy. businesses. • Continue engaging regional • Build on the capabilities and communities on South Australia’s partnerships established between Road Safety Strategy. SA Government, Industry and • High Productivity Vehicle (HPV) research organisations to further Route Network Development - to consider satellite based natural investigate possible expansion of resource and hazard monitoring the HPV network to improve land across South Australia. transport capacity, efficiency and • Actively engaged regional reliability and improve access to communities to inform the freight nodes. development of South Australia’s • Southern Fleurieu and KI Road Safety Strategy. Connections - A network strategy to identify improvements for safety, capacity for growth and productivity.
22 Regional Leadership and Skills
New and emerging leaders in the regions are engaged and have access to the professional and personal development opportunities that will enable their participation. Strategies are in place to support worker shortages and seasonal worker demand.
The challenges The opportunities
While many of South Australia’s New and emerging leaders need current regional leaders hold multiple access to the available forums, leadership positions, in volunteer mentorship and leadership organisations, on boards, in councils, development in both professional business and communities, there and personal attributes so that they remains a need to ensure the next can contribute effectively towards generation of leaders are engaged, the communities they intend to serve. involved and have access to the The development of local leadership opportunities that will further skillsets and experiences provides a them as regional leaders in their group of invested individuals who can communities. There is a need to contribute the momentum to get things develop the community of future done and that inspire others to take leaders who can set and achieve the similar steps towards driving change in economic strategies of the future, their regions and sectors. Encouraging identify opportunities for growth and the development of leadership skills diversification, innovate, engage across a broader cross section of with others, and foster community our regional communities so that our participation. leaders reflect our diversity leading to better outcomes across regions. Growing and maintaining a skilled regional workforce are major concerns Developing strategies to attract and across the state. Difficulties with maintain a skilled regional workforce attracting the necessary skilled labour remains a key priority and ensuring required to fill positions can restrict the access to education, on the job the ability of regional South Australia training, skills development resources to grow and expand businesses and is key to this. Attracting and retaining industries. the residents and workers needed to support economic growth will help to Understanding pathways from school address a shortfall in labour and skills to gain regional employment needs required to deliver major infrastructure greater clarity. Regional communities and build industry and enterprise, are eager to see school curricula which in turn, supports liveability. content that supports the main However, in sectors like resources and economic base of regions and ensure defence, many of the skills need to that higher education and educational be imported. This calls for a renewed pathways are made available to them focus on education, skills development in regions. and training to develop local talent and ensure that higher education and career pathways are made available especially to school leavers.
23 Achievements to date What success looks like Future priority actions
• Flexible Industry Pathways • Regional communities have access Leadership for school students have been to resources for skill and capability developed and endorsed by development. • Development of a regional leadership capability development industry and are being introduced • Career pathways, resources and program in alignment with the across South Australia to meet support are available to school cross-jurisdictional and bespoke industry needs. leavers and others seeking career Rural and Regional Leadership • Progressing the Mobilising Seasonal development advice;. program of the Australian Rural and Regional Workforce program, • There are clear pathways for Leadership Foundation. and to explore opportunities to enterprises to engage locally to • Increasing regional representation stabilise workforce supply and seek support for attracting and on whole-of-state initiatives and facilitate access to Commonwealth retaining workers, providing worker committees, particularly in regional Government support. support programs and accessing infrastructure and social service • Work with primary producers and skills development programs. program implementation. industry leaders to build resilience • There are strategies put in place • Work with business and to adverse events, such as drought to align new business development industry to drive innovation and and bushfire. initiatives with skills development entrepreneurialism through whole- • Continue to support farm families, initiatives, where innovation hubs of-government engagement in the local businesses and rural and other programs are being state sector plans. communities dealing with drought establish, these are supported by conditions, including mentoring and skills attraction initiatives that build • Development of a 10 Year Education business support services. local capability in the region. Workforce Strategy for Educational Leaders and Teachers under • South Australia’s Regional • Regular benchmarking of regional development in 2021, with focus on Designated Area Migration skills needs enables strategic strengthening country workforce, Agreement to provide the workforce skills development including initiatives that support opportunity for local employers planning and the establishment of attraction to and retention in the in industries important to regional programs that meet current and regions. South Australia, to sponsor skilled emerging needs. overseas workers in situations where • There are programs established that they are unable to source workers support new and emerging leaders from the local labour market. in the regions, and that address • The Clontarf Academy trial is succession planning challenges. located in 4 Regional communities with the intended outcome of developing clear post school employment pathways for Aboriginal students. • Development of an Aboriginal education workforce plan that will inform future staff strategies and targets including attraction and retention of Aboriginal staff into rural and remote schools. • Established Orbis which delivers exemplary learning for educational leaders and teachers, that achieved country participation of 50% in 2019 in its launch year.
24 Workforce and skills development • Work with regions to develop workforce strategies within industry and across a region, commencing with the seasonal worker program in agriculture and tourism. • Deliver skills-based training in regional areas to ensure accessibility and ensure that resources are in place to extend skills programs in regional areas. • Improve information provision on industry skills needs, options for transitioning to available training and skills development programs to businesses and schools. • Provide career counselling support to regional schools so that students in regional communities are aware of the career options available to them in their local region. • Work with RDAs to be a coordination point for job network information across the regions and work with RDAs, government departments and training providers to ensure fit for purpose regional training solutions are established for critical economic sectors. • Establish regional hubs for further education or university support, including digital hubs for remote and distance learning, to support people wanting to continue education. • Continue benchmarking the demographics and uptake of education and skills services regionally to inform future investment decision making. • Consider support mechanisms for secondary school students to understand the opportunities under the VET Program that drives transitions to skilled careers and better meets the needs of industry for underpinning strong economic growth. • Evaluate the Flexible Industry Pathways pilot to inform full implementation, planned for 2022.
Photo credit: South Australian Tourism Commission 25 Regional Services
Identifying and addressing regional service gaps and establishing solutions, including hub and spoke models, for the implementation of critical services for community safety, wellbeing and liveability.
The challenges The opportunities
Liveability is a measure of the Regions are resilient and creative and attractiveness of a region to people willing to work collaboratively with all and is the sum of the factors that levels of government to drive regional add up to a community’s quality solutions that meet local needs. of life including the built and Effective regional service delivery natural environments, economic ensures that regional residents are prosperity, social stability and supported in their decision to live equity, educational opportunity, and in regional areas and that regions cultural, entertainment and recreation are able to prosper by offering the possibilities. Services that contribute liveability that is key to community life. to liveability, are significant to all Informing future policy and programs South Australian regions, including the through cross-border opportunities, necessary access to all government working together with neighbouring services, such as healthcare, states, local governments and education, police and emergency communities, will deliver to improving a services. However, regional areas better service outcome. recognise that it is not always possible to offer all services directly in every regional town and centre, and that innovative methods to ensure services can be delivered may occasionally be required, as well as embracing the well-known ‘hub and spoke’ delivery models or other solutions in order to gain wider access to services.
26 Photo credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
Achievements to date What success looks like Future priority actions
• Address public school digital • There are clear pathways for • Considering the decentralisation of connectivity to improve academic Regions to work collaboratively services from Government where outcomes by connecting, with government to drive regional there is a distinct advantage to collaborating, creating, and solutions. achieve the outcomes required. accessing online resources more • Regional communities are • Identify more secure public sector readily. thriving with increases in regional jobs available to regional employees • Provided significant capital population and services to support to empower local decision making funding and investment to improve the expansion. for government programs, services the infrastructure across South • There are policy and programs and initiatives. Australian schools and pre-schools. deliver the service outcomes in • Ensure that the enabling platforms • Reform of the local health network regional communities. of the Growth State initiative take governance structures completed. account of regional priorities when • Landscapes SA reform implemented. establishing new programs and services on behalf of government. • Community based drug rehabilitation program in Riverland developed. • Entrepreneurial Schools Program delivered. • Family and Business mentors for drought and fisheries management service provision. • Supporting Country Arts SA through the Arts Strategy.
27 Regional Investment
Continued focus on the development and delivery of initiatives that result in increased trade, productivity, profitability, sustainability and growth.
The challenges The opportunities
The timely and targeted deployment There are clear opportunities to drive of infrastructure and other economic growth and development in the regions development projects offers a across the major economies that compelling means of facilitating currently support our communities. regional growth and development. Already there are sector plans for Infrastructure investment is not the major economies of agriculture, confined to economic infrastructure; energy and mining, health and social and other infrastructure medical, tourism and education is fundamental to a fair, skilled, as well as clear identification of healthy, sustainable and productive infrastructure, social infrastructure, community. water, skills and development and trade opportunities for South Australia. Fostering innovation is also essential Furthermore, there are opportunities in a large state with a relatively small to attract new investment, leverage population. It is particularly pertinent investment and build on the growth to development in the regions. A range strategies across individual regions of investment priorities are already for multiple development initiatives documented under the auspices of that lend to boosting state revenue the Growth State initiative for South and also that result in developing the Australia. The focus will continue to region, providing greater liveability be on those projects which enhance opportunity and attracting people to productivity, growth, profitability, the area for employment and lifestyle. and competitiveness and spread the investment geographically. Achieving the above will require Regional Grants programs are also ongoing commitment to the Growth a mechanism for accelerating small- State targets and the priorities already to-medium projects, as well as larger quantified, as well as ensuring that state and federally-funded projects stakeholders and government continue that are a solid co-investment. to work together to achieve these aims.
28 Achievements to date
• Developed the 20-year State • $10 million over three years for • Housing and homelessness Strategy Infrastructure Strategy to support a program to co-fund greenfield • Once-in-a-generation $25 million economic and population growth. exploration activities to facilitate rebuild of the 1,600km South • Regulated to lift the Genetically new major minerals discoveries, Australian Dog Fence. Modified Food Crops Moratorium on driving further mine developments • Growing the Grains Export Sector mainland South Australia to provide and stimulating growth, investment, to establish an Oat Breeding economic benefits for our industries. exports, jobs and innovation in the Centre of Excellence to accelerate, • Commenced opening of reservoirs commercialise and extend the oat South Australian mineral resources providing new recreational and breeding activities undertaken in sector. tourism opportunities . South Australia. • $15 million annual Regional Growth • Invested $10 million into the • Growing the Grains Export Section Funding to support projects in Queensland Fruit Fly Sterilisation to expand pulse breeding by regional South Australia to drive Program for biosecurity response. supporting a Pulse Cooperative economic development. • Responded to fruit fly detections Research Centre, which will deliver • Under the Parks 2025 Strategy – and implemented eradication market focused varieties suited to build the capacity of parks across measures to maintain South South Australian condition. our state to conserve our natural Australia’s fruit fly freedom status. • An investment of $20 million landscapes and wildlife, activate • Invested major funding for has been made over four years nature-based tourism, boost the infrastructure development in waste from 2018 – 2022 to develop state economy and strengthen local industry to continue to increase and implement a Rural Health communities. landfill diversions. Workforce Strategy. The Rural • Assess future market opportunities • Pest control measures to prevent, Medical Workforce Plan and for and develop an investment reduce and eradicate feral animals the SA Ambulance Workforce attraction strategy around the and pests. Plan were released in 2019 and utilisation of excess renewable 2020 respectively. The Nursing • Supported the development energy generated in South Australia of the South Australian Grain and Midwifery Plan and Allied to attract new energy intensive Health Plan are currently out Industry Blueprint for industry to business to the State. harness strengths to capitalise on for consultation and work has • Investigate the expansion of opportunities. commenced on the Aboriginal aquaculture zones for emerging Health Workforce Plan. • Developed the South Australian industries to increase aquaculture • A Rural Generalist Training Network Planning Strategy includes plans for investment and production. seven regional areas of the state, as was established in 2020 to grow • $7.5 million to support industry well as The 30-Year Plan for Greater and support the medical workforce productivity and strengthen Adelaide. across country South Australia. biosecurity in the red meat and • The Rural Health Undergraduate • Supported the Wine Business wool sectors. Growth Program which assesses Scholarship program provides • Developing the sport and and supports improving profitability scholarships up to $20,000 recreational Infrastructure Plan. and potential growth for small to for a range of health courses. • Develop the SA Jetties Strategic medium winemaking businesses. Scholarships are also available for Plan to identify a sustainable existing employees in regional Local • Implemented the Agriculture approach to the future Health Networks for Certificate and Technology (AgTech) Strategic management and prioritisation of Postgraduate level studies. Plan to drive growth, productivity investment for SA jetties. and supply chain optimisation in collaboration with industry.
29 What success looks like Future priority actions
• New investments in regional • Reporting on progress against this • Support for permanent employees communities enhance economic Strategy and the RDA strategies, at a regional LHN or RSS studying and regional development across all through the Building Better Regions or intending to study at Certificate regions. website. or Postgraduate level in a range of • Employment in regional • Continuing to examine mechanisms disciplines with $4,500 for one year communities prosper with to address worker shortages and of their studies. security and longer-term career the ability to attract and secure • Deliver the $42.8 million health opportunities. seasonal workers for agricultural infrastructure stimulus package • Regional business are profitable harvest. which includes: and provide the services to support • Establish innovative solutions to – a new $4.3 million ambulance the communities. workforce challenges by engaging station at Port Augusta • Investment opportunities are with local representatives, – a $4 million boost for delivered through the relevant communities of interest, Strathalbyn Aged Care Lifestyle mechanisms to provide a focus on cooperatives and enterprise facilities to further support the productivity, growth, profitability clusters. soon-to-be constructed facility and competitiveness. • Facilitate opportunities in new – completion of the Kalimna or emerging markets and trade; Hostel redevelopment for use develop ways to maximise the value as a community health facility of the supply chain. (additional $2 million; total of • Work with regions to strengthen $3 million) the transport network and identify – a $15 million expansion of the constraints. Gawler Hospital emergency • Engage with Government on ways department to minimise unnecessary red tape – a $10 million boost for regional burdens. health sustainability works • Continue to deliver the Regional including country hospital. Growth Fund program. • Examine both land-based transport • Continue to deliver the Mobile Black infrastructure and ports to identify Spot program. the latent capacity in current • Ensure that regional priorities are infrastructure and the incremental integrated with the priorities of the investments that would optimize Growth State initiative. supply chain efficiency for sectors or producers. • Encourage students studying a range of health courses in regional South Australia to apply for scholarships worth up to $20,000, as part of the RSS Rural Health Undergraduate Scholarship program.
30 Regionally focussed priorities, opportunities and achievements to date
31
Far North
Mining is undoubtedly the Far North The Far North is home to some of the richest region’s most dominant industry and mining resources in the world, attributing to the Far North regional economy will continue to benefit from mining given over 50% of the state’s developing mineral the potential revealed in exploration projects and over 80% of the state’s operating programs over the past decades. Over 50,000 km2 of the outback mines. The region covers a vast and diverse in the region are under exploration landscape, with an area of 799,850 square leases with exploration companies prospecting for a diverse range of kilometres, which takes in the sparsely settled minerals, with strong interest in copper, country of the north of South Australia and gold, nickel, lead, zinc, magnetite, chromium, tin, coal, diamonds, heavy accounts for 80% of the State’s land mass. mineral sands, iron ore and uranium.
Renewable energy is also an emerging sector in the region, underpinned by recent large investments.
The Tourism and Defence sectors are fast emerging as important industries for the economic sustainability of the region.
The Far North is home to the Outback and the Flinders Ranges tourism areas, which attract over half a million visitors per year.
32
Priorities Achievements to date
• Attraction of renewable and clean • $125 million secured to upgrade • Improve understanding of outback technology industries and research South Australia’s section of the Eyre groundwater resources and develop facilities Highway from Port Augusta to Perth a model for the future provision • Value adding to new horticultural – including $32 million to upgrade of shared and cost-effective production through the expansion Eyre Peninsula Roads following the infrastructure in the Far North of of manufacturing industries closure of the rail line the state for multiple mining and energy developments, as well as • Tourism infrastructure i.e. • Construction commenced on the for outback communities and other accommodation and attraction $200 million duplication of the economic enterprises facilities Joy Baluch AM Bridge project, partnering with the Commonwealth • $140 million upgrade of the APY • The Improving Great Artesian Basin Main Access Road Drought Resilience Program • $10 million to upgrade the 100-year- (next iteration of GABSI program) old Dog Fence to protect our • Previous rounds of the Great – SA has access to $9.1 million over livestock industry Artesian Basin Sustainability five years • $135 million of State funding has Initiative (GABSI) – to replace, upgrade, repair bores and water • Upgrading water supply to SA been provided toward the capping delivery structure Water customers in regional areas - of the Strzelecki Track $9-10 million per annum to SA Water • $6 million to cap Adventure Way has over four year regulatory period. been completed • Upgrading water supply for select • Seven Mobile Black spot locations Future opportunities aboriginal communities that funded • Freight corridors and tourism road are part of Community Service • $4.8 million investment in projects development and maintenance Obligation payment – approx. $10 as part of the Regional Growth million to SA Water over four year Funding • Supporting air access to remote regulatory period attractions and communities via the • $3.2 million to support state’s Regional and Remote Airstrip • Water and Infrastructure Corridors environmental remediation activities Upgrade Program (RAUP) - $5.6 million at Bird Lake in Port Augusta • Digital connectivity in • $15 million to upgrade Fregon telecommunications and data Anangu School • Enhancing access to essential • $7 million upgrade to the Roxby Services in areas of power, water, Downs Area School waste management • $4.6 million upgrade to Port Augusta Secondary School • $50,000 for permanent dialysis on the APY Lands • Drafted and consulted on a new Pastoral Lands Bill which will provide a contemporary and flexible legislative framework that will support the continued economic growth of the state’s pastoral industry, while ensuring the sustainable conservation of the rangelands for future generations
33 Yorke and
The Yorke and Mid North region is an Mid North area of 34,930 km2 located 80km to the north of Adelaide. The Yorke and Mid North region hosts Primary production dominates the region’s economy, with the traditional Australia’s Largest Inland Port and broadacre farming (cropping and Logistics Centre and also comprises a livestock), viticulture and forestry, as well as a healthy fishing industry and significant area of highly productive the growing industries of intensive agriculture and horticultural land. livestock and aquaculture. Horticulture and forestry are part of the landscape in the Southern Flinders, while pig and poultry production and lot feeding for sheep and cattle are undertaken across the mid and southern parts of the region where infrastructure and climate are optimal for production. The region’s primary production industries are complemented by value-adding processing and finishing, an expanding services sector and strong tourism markets. This region has contributed 43.7% of South Australia’s GSP for Grains.
The region is home to the Clare Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions, and the Southern Flinders is building a strong reputation as viticulture and wine production expands in this area.
The Yorke and Mid North incorporates three tourism regions – the Clare Valley, the southern part of the Flinders Ranges, and the Yorke Peninsula – each different in their tourism offering and visitor profile.
Other economically important industries for the region include mining and resources and their supporting industrial sector, renewable energy (particularly wind turbine generated power). The region has nearly half of South Australia’s current wind energy capacity and is expected to grow.
34 Priorities Achievements to date • Expansion of Hornsdale Power Reserve as the first successful • Value adding to agriculture and • $62.5 million for Barrier Highway project under the Grid Scale manufacturing upgrade from Cockburn to Burra – Storage Fund • Increasing livestock industry growth construction works commenced • Draft and consult on a new and development • $55 million to upgrade the Horrocks Pastoral Lands Bill which will provide a contemporary and • Increasing renewable energy Highway Corridor – construction flexible legislative framework applications underway that will support the continued • $88.5 million for the Port Wakefield • Upgrading water supply for select economic growth of the state’s Road overpass and highway aboriginal communities that pastoral industry, while ensuring improvements – construction are part of Community Service the sustainable conservation of the underway Obligation payment - $10 million to rangelands for future generations SA Water over four year regulatory • Investing $5 million to upgrade period Clare High School • Upgrading water supply to SA • Investing $10 million to upgrade Future opportunities Water customers in regional areas - John Pirie Secondary School $9-10 million per annum to SA Water • Investing $3.5 million to upgrade • Duplication of the gas pipeline from over four year regulatory period Kadina Memorial School Whyte Yarcowie to Port Pirie • Investing $4 million to upgrade • Telecommunications and data Moonta Area School connectivity • $720,000 for Ardrossan Hospital • Potential improvements to the road upgrades freight network to improve land • $605,000 to upgrade surgical transport capacity, efficiency and facilities at the Yorketown Hospital reliability and improve access to • $1 million is provided for Regional freight nodes Theatre sustainment works, • Examine both land-based transport including the Northern Festival infrastructure and ports to identify Theatre at Port Pirie the latent capacity in current • Seven Mobile Black spot locations infrastructure and the incremental funded investments that would optimize supply chain efficiency for sectors • $800,000 investment in projects or producers. (State-wide) as part of the Regional Growth Funding • $120 000 towards the extension of the Riesling Trail to Auburn
35 Adelaide Hills,
The regional economies are driven by Fleurieu & primary production and associated manufacturing. The Adelaide Hills has a strong horticulture industry, while the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island Kangaroo Island have sheep and dairy production as important sectors. Viticulture is prominent throughout the region. The The Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo two most significant manufacturing Island regions combined cover an area of sectors in the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island regions are 6,663 square kilometres. food products, and wine and spirits manufacturing.
Tourism has been identified as a major driver for economic growth throughout the combined regions. The experiences include arts, crafts and boutique food and wine in the Adelaide Hills, the coastline and beaches of the southern and eastern Fleurieu and Coorong and Lower Lakes, food and wine in the McLaren Vale grape growing region, and the natural wonder that is Kangaroo Island.
There is also strong growth in industries that service growing populations, such as education and health.
36 Priorities Achievements to date • $12 million to upgrade the intersection between Old Princes • Value adding in the horticultural, • The first stage of Victor Harbor Highway and Woodside Road at dairy and wine sectors Road duplication between MSR Nairne • Developing tourism opportunities and McLaren Vale, with funding • $3.9 million to enable the provided in partnership with the Metropolitan Fire Service to • Investing $117 million for the new Commonwealth replacement of implement a retained staffed fire Aldinga Payinthi College the Granite Island causeway to station at Mount Barker to the • Investing $10 million to refurbish the maintain the important tourist upgrade facilities and expand new Goolwa High School connection between Granite Island services at Mount Barker Hospital • Flows for the Future Program – and the mainland • $24.3 million package and approx. $20 million commonwealth • Murray Bridge High School elected $10.3 million to connect utilities funding to implement Phase 2 of the as one of the state’s first specialist infrastructure to support the program across the Eastern Mount entrepreneurial schools development of the new Thomas Lofty Ranges • Investing $5 million to upgrade Foods International processing • $28 million for improving security Aldinga Beach B-7 school plant near Murray Bridge and water supply to Kangaroo • Investing $2 million to upgrade Island Willunga High School • Investing $6 million to upgrade Future opportunities Mount Barker High School • Transport – Improved accessibility • Investing $9.99 million to upgrade to commercial and labour markets Mount Barker Primary School • Meeting infrastructure needs of • Investing $1.8 million to upgrade rapidly growing regional centres Eastern Fleurieu R-12 school • Delivering potable water and • Investing $9.8 million to upgrade environmentally appropriate Mount Compass Area School management of waste water • Investing $5 million to upgrade • Power availability and reliability Victor Harbor R-7 school • $500,000 for McLaren Vale District War Memorial Hospital • $300,000 for Mount Compass recreation park • $11.8 million for Myponga Trunk Main Access Track Upgrade • Six Mobile Black spot locations funded • $4.5 million investment in projects as part of the Regional Growth Funding • $6 million for a new day visitor facility along the Great Southern Walk • $8.5 million to build a new 24-bed aged care facility at Strathalbyn.
37 Limestone
The Limestone Coast regional Coast economy is driven by agricultural and forestry production and manufacturing associated with these industries. The The Limestone Coast is an area of more region provides excellent grazing for livestock and good conditions for than 21,000 square kilometres in the cropping, viticulture and forestry and south eastern corner of South Australia. is well known for its dairy production. The Limestone Coast region contains a Manufacturing in the region is largely very diverse range of industry sectors based on adding value to agriculture and forestry via processing and which makes for a robust and expanding packaging forestry, food and wine business community. The region is largely products. Value added food and beverage processing has been characterised by fertile soils, reliable supported by diverse sources of rainfall and significant groundwater quality produce, leading irrigation infrastructure, strategic transport resources. linkages and a skilled workforce.
38 Priorities Achievements to date • Manage the South East Forestry Partnerships Program to improve • Value adding to significant forestry • Mount Gambier airport the productivity and sustainability resources through advanced improvements completed of industry manufacturing • Reviewing water allocations in the • Providing ultra-high-speed internet • Agricultural and horticultural Limestone Coast connectivity to eligible businesses in Mount Gambier enabling them production and value adding • $14 million towards the Naracoorte to better compete the in digital • Developing and expanding the dairy and Kroemers Crossing economy and, in the process, sector roundabouts contributing to economic growth, • Developing other premium food • Mount Gambier High School elected jobs creation and investment products for Asian markets as one of the state’s first specialist attraction entrepreneurial schools • Enhancing tourism experiences • Upgrade of the Naracoorte • Investing $4 million to upgrade roundabouts and the Saleyard Kingston Community School junction – for improved freight • Investing $5 million to upgrade access Naracoorte High School • South East Flows Restoration Project • Investing $6 million to upgrade - $60 million jointly funded by SA Mount Gambier High School Government and Commonwealth • Investing $5 million to upgrade Government Reidy Park Primary School • Investing $7 million to upgrade Grant High School Future opportunities • $170 million to deliver safety and productivity upgrades along • Transport (Green Triangle Freight targeted sections of the Princes Action Plan) Highway • South East Drainage Network • $2.1 million for renal dialysis Unit at (maintenance and upgrade) Mount Gambier • Power availability and reliability • $1 million for regional theatre • Mobile phone coverage and high sustainment works, including the Sir speed broadband availability Robert Helpmann Theatre in Mount Gambier • $130,000 for Naracoorte caves nature playground • $100,000 for Great Southern bike trail • $14.6 million for Penola bypass • $1 million for Lighthouse Lodge Aged care facility upgrade • Five Mobile Black spot locations funded • $11.6 million investment in projects as part of the Regional Growth Funding • New fire station to be constructed at Yahl
39 Barossa,
The region’s economy is dominated by Gawler, Light, primary production and associated manufacturing – predominantly linked to the wine industry. The uplands of the Mount Lofty Ranges support Adelaide Plains broadacre and livestock farming. This transforming topography is recognised for its world leading The Barossa, Gawler, Light and Adelaide Plains cereal farming, some horticulture region includes the Barossa Valley, the and established viticulture. The south eastern ranges predominate as private town of Gawler, the Northern Adelaide Plains grazing land running sheep and and the Samphire Coast. The population is dairy cattle. The ranges include the Mount Crawford pine plantation and spread across a diverse region from the sparsely the dam catchment areas protected populated coastal areas, across broadacre by Conservation Park. The region’s production of smallgoods leads the cropping lands to the fertile and world famous way for high value-adding food wine producing Barossa Valley. It includes the industries, while grape growing is the cornerstone of a world-renowned wine major township of Gawler, which is home to manufacturing industry. more than 20,000 people. Manufacturing in the region is largely based on adding value to primary production via processing and packaging of food and wine products, production of farming machinery and associated light engineering. The dominance of the manufacturing industry is due to the establishment of large wine producing facilities, some of the largest in the southern hemisphere, which process not only locally grown grapes but large quantities from other grape growing areas
Food manufacturing is a growing industry in the region. The growth of this industry is attributable to the wine industry, with many restaurants co-existing within existing wineries but stand-alone restaurants and eateries have also contributed to the growth.
Tourism is a major industry and the region hosts the University of Adelaide’s tertiary education campus, equine hospital and research and education facilities.
40 Priorities Achievements to date Future opportunities
• Water reuse treatment and • Additional $5 million Explore SA – • Upscaling tourism accommodation distribution the Gawler Challenge • Establishing further entrepreneurial • Energy distribution and localised • $11 million for increased Dublin development in food and beverage alternative energy generation Saleyards access • The establishment of future Ag-tech • Telecommunications and digital • One Mobile Black spot location sites in horticulture, wine and grains connectivity funded • The development of a centralised • Innovation and Entrepreneurship – • $1.1 million investment in projects business and community ‘architecture’ as part of the Regional Growth engagement hub • Investing $116 million for the Funding redevelopment of the new • $100,000 for a business case for a Riverbanks College B-12 at new Barossa Hospital Angle Vale • Investing $10 million to upgrade Gawler and District College • $4.34 million to upgrade Balaklava High School • $15 million to upgrade Kapunda High School • $7.5 million to upgrade Nuriootpa Primary School • $4.4 million to upgrade Nuriootpa High School • $500,000 provided to the Light Regional Council towards the upgrade of Lyndoch Road. • Facilitate commercial, industry and government investment proposals such as the water infrastructure Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme • Commence targeted upgrades to South Australian regional transport corridors including Eyre Highway, Barrier Highway and Horrocks Highway • Transport infrastructure development - Northern Connector completed
41 Murraylands
The region’s economy is dominated Riverland by primary production (broadacre grains, livestock, horticulture, fruit, nuts and wine grapes). The production The Murraylands and Riverland region is an and revenue from these industries and the secondary industries that depend area of 36,720 square kilometres in the central on them are closely tied to climatic eastern part of South Australia covering the conditions. Murray River and adjacent Murray Mallee to The Murraylands regional economy the Victorian border. is dominated by broadacre grain and livestock production. The exception to this landscape is the land adjacent to the Murray River system which benefits from irrigation and supports highly productive horticultural production. The Riverland is dominated by intensive horticulture, fruit, nut and wine grape production.
Tourism has traditionally provided an important second source of revenue to the region. It is, however, dependent upon the availability of water for leisure activities particularly along the River Murray system.
Photo credit: 42 South Australian Tourism Commission Priorities Achievements to date Future opportunities
• $87.5 million secured to upgrade • Investing $5 million to upgrade • Intensive horticultural production the Sturt Highway from Renmark to Renmark High School Ag-tech innovation hub Gawler • Investing $5 million to upgrade • Increasing production in the dairy • $9.4 million to the South Australian Loxton High School sector to capitalise on processing Riverland floodplains integrated • Nine Mobile Black spot locations and market opportunities infrastructure program funded • Deliver the DiSC® personal • $1.5 million to upgrade Yamba • $10.8 million investment in projects assessment tool used to help reduce quarantine station facilities under the Regional Growth Funding conflict and improve teamwork, communication, and productivity • Investing $17.2 million for the • Providing more timely information in the workplace focusing on redevelopment of Berri senior for River Murray irrigators campus of Glossop high school behaviour and communication • Implement Water for Fodder styles • $7 million to upgrade the Murray Commonwealth Program Bridge Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital • Continue with the implementation • $8.3 million for Tailem Bend Keith of the $90 million Riverine Recovery pipeline and Coomandook tank Program funded by the SA additional storage Government and Commonwealth • $52.4 million for Murray Bridge Government wastewater treatment plant • Final commissioning of the South relocation Australian Riverland Floodplains • $10.4 million for Mannum Adelaide Integrated Infrastructure Program pipeline $150 million (Commonwealth) • $10.3 million to connect utilities infrastructure to support the new Thomas Foods International processing plant • Murray-Darling Basin Efficiency Measures Program grants based on proposed works and water savings • Investing $54 million (Commonwealth) into the South Australian River Murray Constraints Measures Project • Investing $70 million into Project Coorong (Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin) • Investing $37.6 million (Commonwealth) into Sustaining Riverland Environments Program • Upgrading water supply for select aboriginal communities that are part of Community Service Obligation payment – approx. $10 million to SA Water over four year regulatory period
43 Eyre and
The regional economy is driven by Western mining, primary production and associated manufacturing. The region has a Mediterranean climate making The Eyre and Western region is a region primary production a major contributor to the region’s economy. The region with a rural and coastal environment with is highly export orientated, exporting approximately one third of South Australia’s on average over 90% of its grain and over 80% of seafood produced in the coastline stretching over 2,000 kilometres region. from the Upper Spencer Gulf to the Western The region is renowned for its high Australian border. The region incorporates quality premium grains and sheep 232,781 square kilometres of land in the far production (meat and wool). The commercial fishing and aquaculture west of South Australia (23.6% of the state). industries produce about 80% of South The north west of the region incorporates part Australia’s seafood product. of the Great Victoria Desert and the Maralinga Mining is one of the largest contributors to the region’s economy Tjarutja Aboriginal Lands, and abuts the and include heavy mineral sands, Western Australian border. iron ore, gold, silver, kaolin, uranium, nickel, magnetite, hematite, zircon, graphite and gypsum. Large tracts of the Eyre Peninsula are under petroleum exploration licences and mineral exploration tenements targeting iron, base metals, graphite, heavy mineral sands, uranium and diamonds. Whyalla is the principal centre in the region for manufacturing, steel production and resource processing.
44 Priorities Achievements to date Future opportunities
• $10 billion plus in mining & • $1.6 million to support the oyster • Export infrastructure, ports, roads, processing industry rail, air • Oil & Gas $3 billion investment in • $4 million upgrade to Ceduna Area • Power transmission & generation exploration over next 12 months School • Funding secured for the Water and • Energy production ‘home of • $4 million upgrade to Cummins Area Infrastructure Corridor project Australia’s most diverse range of School future energy resources’ • $15 million upgrade to Port Lincoln (R Garnault) High School • Food production, value add • Targeted upgrades on the Tod, agriculture, fishing & aquaculture Birdseye and Lincoln Highways to • International Tourism, great white improve safety and access following dive, swim with tuna and seals, the closure of the freight rail service whale watch, Nullabor on the Eyre Peninsula • $100 million for a new secondary • $20.5 million for Port Lincoln school in Whyalla Wastewater treatment plant • Water and Infrastructure Corridors • $6.2 million for Tod River dam safety - $5.6 million • Eight Mobile Black spot locations • $10 million towards upgrading funded water supply for select aboriginal • $750,000 investment in projects communities that are part of as part of the Regional Growth Community Service Obligation Funding payment • Providing ultra-high-speed internet connectivity to eligible businesses in Whyalla, enabling them to better compete in the digital economy and, in the process, contributing to economic growth, jobs creation and investment attraction. • $1 million to open Bratten Bridge to road trains higher mass heavy vehicles
45 Implementation of this Strategy
46 The Regional Development Strategy underpins the South Australian Growth State initiative by providing clear direction towards key priorities for growth and development on behalf of regional South Australia.
This Regional Development Strategy will complement The next steps the State’s strategic initiatives and provide an aligned governance mechanism that ensures engagement To enable the anticipated growth through this strategy, the between government and regional representatives following key steps will be undertaken in the first year: towards common goals. • Engagement between government and the RDA to ensure Implementation will involve a Steering Committee with that priorities and actions are established for the RDA membership from the major government agencies, with workplans that underpin the Regional Blueprint a regional service remit, together with the involvement • Agreement by government that this strategy supports the of Regional Development Australia (South Australia) wider Growth State initiative and for participation with representatives and other key stakeholders. Government the RDAs in twice yearly steering committee meetings to representatives will include those agencies with leadership enable dialogue on priorities and programs roles in each of the Growth State initiative areas of Investment and Trade, Skills and Innovation, Infrastructure • Respond to the challenges identified for each of the and Land, Water and Environment. The government will focus subsectors on areas where there is immediate alignment of Regional • Responding to the challenges identified through Development pillars with Growth State which will include COVID-19, supporting growth in key industries to enhance facilitating infrastructure that can enable region wide employment and recovery development and growing leadership and supporting skills • Addressing workforce challenges as a key priority through and workforce in regions. the existing joint government/industry/regions program
The Steering Committee supporting this Regional • Implementing the regional impact statement process Development Strategy will meet twice yearly to collate and report on current initiatives and identify key priorities under each of the strategic pillars that align with the respective sector and state strategies.
This approach will enable the implementation of the strategy to address the feedback of the consultation, that advised the need for, and opportunity to, consider partnerships and co-investment between all levels of government and local and private enterprises, as well as greater emphasis on place based decision making to involve and engage regional representatives in priority planning and program development.
The Steering Committee will meet twice yearly with the RDA Boards and other key stakeholders to seek input, advice and support as well as identify new priorities over time, for future opportunities by which regional communities and government can collectively collaborate to implement this Strategy.
47