ABINET Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker & Alexandrina...YourSAy website (). Almost 6,000 votes were...

/YourFutureSA

BETTER TOGETHER

COUNTRY CABINET

STATE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Adelaide Hills,Mount Barker & Alexandrina

Adelaide Hills,Mount Barker & Alexandrina

September 2014

A message from Premier Jay Weatherill 3Minister for Regional Development’s Foreword 3Introduction 4 The importance of the region 4 Country Cabinet 5 Fund my Idea 6 What we heard 6Action taken in response to what we heard 7 Supporting local business to expand 7 Working with the Strathalbyn and Communities Suicide Prevention Network 7What we are doing to deliver on other important issues 8 Economic Development 9 Infrastructure and planning 12 Roads and Public Transport 14 Environment 17 Community 18

IndexIndex

2

COUNTRY CABINET

/YourFutureSABETTER TOGETHER

MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT’S FOREWORD

A MESSAGE FROM PREMIER JAY WEATHERILL

The Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker and Alexandrina regions are an asset to our great state. The area is renowned for its food and wine production and as a spectacular tourist destination for local, national and international travellers.

During Country Cabinet, my Ministers and I spoke to local people about a range of issues.

This report is the Government’s response to what we heard. It outlines our commitment to continue to work with the community to achieve a more thriving and prosperous region.

Work is already underway to achieve this. During Country Cabinet, the State Government announced more than $10 million in funding for road safety initiatives around the Adelaide Hills. We also

launched a new infrastructure plan for Mount Barker to respond to its growth demands.

The Government has also invested more than $300,000 into community services in Mount Barker and Strathalbyn, including health services.

An increasing number of people are choosing to live and work in the Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker and Alexandrina region, due to its lifestyle and the wealth of opportunities in the area. The Government is committed to supporting the region as it continues to grow.

The State Government’s second Country Cabinet, held in the Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker and Alexandrina region, provided a welcome opportunity for the Premier and Ministers to meet face to face with community members to discuss local issues.

The passion and pride demonstrated during the visit and the important local issues that were raised are a testament to the strength of community in this region.

For Cabinet members, it was not just about listening. We committed to present a report within 90 days outlining the State Government’s response to the issues raised, and we are pleased to now present this report to you.

As Regional Development Minister, my role is to support regional communities to build their social

and economic fabric, ensuring a sustainable future for rural South Australia.

The commitment made to me by the Premier to hold these Country Cabinets reinforces the value placed on our regions by the Government, as a crucial contributor to the state.

I extend my appreciation and thanks for your valuable input and feedback into the actions that could be, should be and need to be done to grow and prosper this unique part of South Australia.

Jay Weatherill Premier of South Australia

Geoff BrockMinister for Regional Development

3

THE RESPONSE


OUR REGIONSThree in every 10 South Australians live in a regional community. Regional communities make a major contribution to South Australia’s identity, quality of life and prosperity.

Regional South Australia generates much of our state’s wealth, contributing more than $20 billion towards our economy and producing more than 50 per cent of South Australia’s overseas exports. Building stronger regions is a priority for the South Australian Government.

Our regions help to define our state – breathing life into our state’s sense of itself, its culture and traditions and its place in the nation. Country South Australia not only provides an economic engine for the state, it contributes to our state’s unique character and helps define what it is to be South Australian.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE REGIONDue to its high rainfall and cool climate, the region makes a significant contribution to the state’s primary production. It also has a strategic importance for industries requiring access to metropolitan processors, markets and freight distribution.

The region is diverse, bordering the Adelaide Metropolitan area, the Barossa, River Murray, Lower Lakes and Southern Ocean.

The region is close to Adelaide, and its population continues to grow. Such significant growth brings both challenges and opportunities.

Hosting Country Cabinet gave Cabinet Ministers the opportunity to learn more about the area by engaging with the local community about the issues most important to them. Ministers heard from community and business leaders on matters such as regional and economic development, mental health, infrastructure and planning, roads and transport, tourism and the environment.

Introduction

4

COUNTRY CABINET


COUNTRY CABINETIn September 2014, Premier Jay Weatherill and the state’s Cabinet Ministers visited the Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker and Alexandrina region for two days.

It was the second Country Cabinet of the year, as part of the Government’s Charter for a Stronger Regional Policy.

Around 250 people attended a community BBQ and public forum in Mount Barker on Sunday 14 September. The event provided an opportunity for the community to raise issues and ideas for the region.

The Country Cabinet meeting was held in Strathalbyn the next day. The meeting included an opportunity for local councils to speak with the Cabinet.

Cabinet Ministers met with business and industry leaders, local councillors and members of the community during a range of different activities. The common aim was to discuss ideas that could add value locally, create more jobs and help communities thrive. Events included:

• A community forum and BBQ in Mount Barker attended by 250 people

• A presentation to Cabinet in Strathalbyn from the mayors and chief executives of Alexandrina Council, District Council of Mount Barker and the Adelaide Hills Council

• A lunch with community representatives at the Echunga Memorial Hall; and

• Individual site visits by the Premier and Ministers.

During the visit, the State Government announced:

• $10.4 million for road safety initiatives around the Adelaide Hills

• A new Infrastructure Plan for Mount Barker to respond to growth demands

• $300,000 for community health services in Mount Barker

• A new Service SA presence in Mount Barker

• Over $5,000 for a war memorial in Macclesfield

• $10,000 to assist the Anembo Park Sports Complex transition to new facilities after it was destroyed by fire

• Construction of 11 stimulus homes in Mount Barker; and

• Funding to assist community services in Strathalbyn.

The Government also officially opened the Mount Barker Park’n’Ride, a new pedestrian crossing in Hahndorf and a new Children’s Centre in Goolwa.

5

THE RESPONSE


WHAT WE HEARDThe message that Cabinet took away from the Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker and Alexandrina Country Cabinet was one of a highly productive, growing region with a strong, vibrant community. The region’s rapid growth is presenting new challenges and the community wants to work with the Government to address these, grow the region’s economy and improve the health and wellbeing of local people.

This report gives a snapshot of the Government’s response to what we heard in the Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker and Alexandrina region. It is not a comprehensive overview of everything being done, but it provides a sense of the Government’s interest and commitment to better outcomes for the region. Findings from the visit will continue to inform the Government’s support for the area into the future.

These include:

• Ministers heard that local industries are seeking more support to grow their markets, particularly export markets.

• The community wants to be more involved in urban and infrastructure planning processes.

• Ensuring services are doing all they can to maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of the regions’ community is critical.

• The region’s unique environment provides immense opportunities to expand its world-renowned premium food and wine products.

• The Government heard that more support is needed to improve local employment opportunities, particularly for young people in the region.

FUND MY IDEACountry Cabinet also saw the launch of the ‘Fund my Idea’ program in the Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker and Alexandrina region. Fund my Idea supports projects to the value of $50,000 in regions that host Country Cabinet.

People were invited to submit ideas for projects in the region, and the community voted on how they felt the money should be spent.

A total of 72 ideas, all generated by the community, were published on the Government’s YourSAy website (www.yoursay.sa.gov.au). Almost 6,000 votes were received from the community.

Fox Creek Mountain Bike Park Trail Extension(Human Projectile MTB Club Inc, $18,530)

The Human Projectile Mountain Bike Club will extend the popular Fox Creek Mountain Bike trail. The grant will allow trails to be built for intermediate riders, with a particular focus on cyclists aged 12-18, as well as developing family-oriented park facilities including playground equipment.

Rockit Rocks the Adelaide Hills (Rockit Performing Arts, $31,470)

Rockit Performing Arts will use the funds to contribute to building its new studio in Mount Barker. The grant will allow the group to install a sprung floor and a selection of therapy equipment for special needs students.

The two highest projects, as voted by the community, were successful:

6

COUNTRY CABINET


WORKING WITH THE STRATHALBYN AND COMMUNITIES SUICIDE PREVENTION NETWORKThe Strathalbyn community is deeply concerned about increasing rates of suicide in the local area. The community has done some fantastic fundraising work for mental health programs and has established the Strathalbyn and Communities Suicide Prevention Network.

The Network is seeking further assistance to better support people in the community at risk of suicide.

In response to this, TAFE SA will work in conjunction with the Strathalbyn and Communities Suicide Prevention Network to deliver its Mental Health First Aid program in the Strathalbyn community.

The Premier has provided funding to Headspace, the national youth mental health network. Headspace helps young people who are going through a tough time to get back on track.

Following the most recent suicide in the area, Headspace worked with local high school students to offer support and reduce the incidence of contagion suicide.

With the funding provided, Headspace will continue to provide suicide prevention and mental wellbeing programs in local high schools. This will be achieved through a variety of initiatives that offer support as well as training for companions.

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS TO EXPANDThe Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker and Alexandrina region is home to some of the state’s most iconic brands and world-class products. Industries have asked for assistance to access new export markets. The Government will do this by including businesses on international trade delegations and providing expertise to support them to grow.

Two of the region’s most iconic businesses, Beerenberg and Jurlique, sought the assistance of the Government with planned expansions of their manufacturing operations.

To support Beerenberg’s expansion proposal, the Government is working with SA Water and Food SA on issues regarding trade waste disposal, waste water regulations and charges.

A case manager is working with Beerenberg and SA Water to resolve trade waste disposal issues, both associated with current operations and the proposed future expansion and upgrade of the production facilities.

The Government has been working with Jurlique to determine the best way it can support Jurlique’s plans to expand its manufacturing facility.

Jurlique has been advised of programs that could assist its future plans, such as the Next Generation Manufacturing Investment Programme and the Business Transformation Voucher Program.

The Government will continue to work with Jurlique to provide ongoing support and advice.

Action taken in response to what we heard

Action taken in response to what we heard

7

THE RESPONSE


What we are doing to deliver on other important issues

What we are doing to deliver on other important issues

8

COUNTRY CABINET


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTThe region’s agricultural and horticultural production continues to make a critical contribution to South Australia’s economy. Many of the region’s businesses and primary producers told Cabinet Ministers of the enormous scope they have to expand their operations, increase production and create more employment opportunities in the region. Many of these businesses are world leaders in the production of high quality produce and are eager to work with the Government to realise their full potential.

Key opportunities for the region include the production of fresh food, cool climate wines and orchard crops, including cherries and apples. The Adelaide Hills is one of Australia’s most successful premium wine regions.

There has also been a notable growth in the region’s high quality cheese and dairy producers. Cheese is the highest value form that dairy products take and the Government is supporting the industry in the region to develop new and innovative value-added products.

Key issues Our Response

The Government is in the process of developing a small business capability building package, which will assist local business owners to improve their ability to compete and grow. This is being done through consultation with internal and external stakeholders.

Business growth in the Adelaide Hills is increasingly focused around premium food and wine production. An increasing regional sophistication and self-sufficiency has emerged in the Adelaide Hills over recent years and because of the area’s close proximity to Adelaide, businesses can also readily trade with those in the city.

The $15 million Regional Development Fund is a key mechanism to support the expansion of our regional industries and grow a region’s economic base. The Fund is a competitive process and new job outcomes are a key requirement for project delivery.

More support is needed for the expansion of existing businesses and industries

9

THE RESPONSE


The Strategic Employment Fund has been established to deliver employment projects through a list of preferred providers. Employers with job opportunities will be able to work with preferred providers to find workers with the skills they need.

In 2014/15 the Skills for Jobs in Regions Program will provide funding of up to $140,000 to support young people across the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu regions to access employment and skill development opportunities.

160 young people will be assisted to become work ready and a minimum of 80 people will get a job as a result of the project.

There is a need to expand local employment opportunities

The Government is preparing a business case for the development of the Cleland Master Plan to improve visitor experience, which will attract more people into the region.

A key component of the Master Plan will be building on Cleland’s relationship with Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, to attract more international tourists.

In addition, Cleland will soon be installing a Visitor Information Booth to promote other attractions and businesses within the Adelaide Hills. Cleland will continue to build its relationship with local producers to ensure its café offering is reflective of the local region.

A business case for the Master Plan has commenced and it is anticipated that it will be completed in 2015.

The apiary industry is subject to many natural threats, in particular bushfires. Significant fire events occurred in two important beekeeping areas (Southern Flinders and Murray Mallee) in early 2014. These fires impacted on the availability of a number of key beekeeping sites both on public and private land.

In response to these events, the Government convened the South Australian Apiary Industry Interagency Taskforce to address the availability of temporary alternative sites on public land. The taskforce includes all relevant State Government departments, Local Government Association, South Australian

There is strong desire for Cleland Wildlife Park to expand its contribution to economic growth in the region

Beekeepers would benefit from greater access to public land for hives

Key issues

Economic Development continued

Our Response

>>

10

COUNTRY CABINET


Apiary Association and South Australian Apiary Industry Advisory Group.

In mid-2014, the Government released a new policy and procedure for beekeeping on National Park and Wildlife reserves and Crown Land as part of improving the management framework for this activity. The policy was developed in conjunction with industry and supporting agencies.

There are a significant number of B&B operators in the region who encourage and attract 2-night stays, particularly over weekends.

The Government has contributed more than $820,000 in grants to develop accommodation and hospitality facilities in the region in recent years.

The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) is producing a new television commercial for the Adelaide Hills for the Best Backyard campaign. This commercial will promote an extended stay in the region, showing experiences being enjoyed over a number of days. Accommodation is also expected to be a part of the commercial.

The SATC works closely with key accommodation providers and tour operators throughout the region to ensure their product is included in key international distribution channels.

The Government is committed to establishing the Adelaide Hills as an international mountain bike tourism destination and is working with stakeholders and industry groups to realise this goal.

The Government is also investing $8.5 million in northern and southern parks of the Mount Lofty Ranges to create new and improved visitor facilities and opportunities that will not only benefit local communities, but provide more things to do for tourists.

Encouraging longer stays in the region is crucial for growing the tourism industry


Economic Development continued

>>

11

THE RESPONSE


INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLANNINGThe region’s population continues to expand rapidly, particularly around the Mount Barker area. While this is bringing enormous benefits, it is also creating new challenges and the Government is working hard with the community to address these.

The Government has been working closely with the District Council of Mount Barker to co-ordinate and plan for new neighborhoods in Mount Barker. In September this year, Planning Minister John Rau announced the release of the Mount Barker, Littlehampton and Nairne Strategic Infrastructure Plan.

The plan provides information on a wide range of infrastructure necessary to support growth within the area. This includes transport, power, education, cultural and community facilities, as well as health, recreation and open spaces. A copy of the plan is available at: http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/planning/mtbarker.

The Government and Council will continue to seek the views of the community for any change of land zoning and strategic land use directions. The Council is currently seeking comments on a Draft Master Plan for the Mount Barker Growth Area, further details are available at: http://www.dcmtbarker.sa.gov.au/managinggrowth.


SA Power Networks has proposed capital expenditure for bushfire risk reduction in its regulatory proposal for the 2015-2020 period, which has been submitted to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER). Interested stakeholders have the opportunity to provide views to the AER on the proposal, including capital expenditure for bushfire risk reduction. Submissions close Friday, 30 January 2015. Information on lodging submissions is available at the AER website (www.aer.gov.au).

The risk of fire from energy infrastructure is a concern

12

COUNTRY CABINET



It is not feasible to re-route freight rail away from the current corridor, particularly where freight has its origin or destination within Adelaide. While there is community concern about noise and bushfire risk, freight train operators are required to comply with Environment Protection Agency (EPA) license conditions and the general environmental duty under Section 25 of the Environment Protection Act 1993 (SA) (the Act).

These conditions require freight rail operators to comply with strict noise emission standards, which are monitored by the EPA.

The responsibility for the management of fuels available for bushfire within the freight rail corridor rests with the Australian Rail Track Corporation, who acknowledges this. Since this land is privately owned, vegetation control to reduce fuels for bushfire is the responsibility of the relevant local government Fire Prevention Officer.

The Government is committed to working with affected councils on the strategic direction for primary production set out in the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide. This includes identifying areas of significance and updating sections of the SA Planning Policy Library affecting primary production and rural land.

Any consideration for the rezoning of agricultural land to residential use will consider the impact of the potential loss of productive land and any limitations new land uses may impose on existing businesses. This matter will be investigated in depth in the review of The 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide.

Specific industries that are experiencing difficulties related to urban expansion, for example dairy farmers, may be eligible to access Government funds, such as those under the Regional Development Fund. This Fund is a competitive process and new job outcomes are a key requirement for projects to deliver on.

The interchange’s west-facing access ramps, servicing movements to and from Adelaide, are a first priority for the Government to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety. East-facing ramps, servicing movements to and from Murray Bridge, will be constructed for the interchange at a later date.

Noise and bushfire risk from the freight rail line is a concern

The impact of residential growth on primary producers is a significant issue

The community wants East-facing ramps included in the development of the Bald Hills Interchange

13

THE RESPONSE


ROADS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTPublic transport coverage over such a large region will always be difficult, especially with relatively low population density in comparison to metropolitan areas. Despite these challenges, the Government is committed to improving and increasing capacity within the region.

The community told the Government that access to transport is a significant factor disadvantaging unemployed youth and people seeking educational opportunities in the city. The State Government is committed to improving access to public transport and is constantly reviewing how we can better deliver services to the community.

One example of the way in which the Government is assisting disadvantaged groups is through Community Passenger Networks (CPN), which are funded through the Home and Community Care program to facilitate access to transport for people who are transport disadvantaged. The Hills CPN provides a central point of contact for public transport in the Adelaide Hills area and assists people by providing transport information and direct transport services where no other appropriate services exist. Direct transport services are provided by volunteer drivers using council-owned vehicles.


There is no access from freeways to adjacent properties and any application for a service station would need to consider access approval, the owner’s preparedness to develop a site, the availability of infrastructure, appropriate zoning and an environmental assessment.

The Government is considering the potential implications for service centre type developments adjacent the freeway. However, the issues of safety, access and the impact on the surrounding land use are always the Government’s first priorities.

The community wants to know why proposed 24-hour petrol stations can’t be located adjacent the freeway, rather than in Adelaide Hills townships

14

COUNTRY CABINET


Due to the cost of duplicating the single rail line currently utilised for freight services, there are no plans to extend passenger rail services to Mount Barker. The Government is focused on improving bus services between the Mount Barker area and the city to accommodate the region’s expanding population.

Since January 2011, a number of additional Adelaide Metro public transport services have been introduced into the Hills area. Extra services have been introduced between the Hills and the city, as well as within local routes and on Saturdays. A new Park’n’Ride facility for around 400 cars was opened on Dumas Street, Mt Barker in January 2014. This was supported by four additional services from Mt Barker to the city in the morning peak period and two additional services from the city to Mt Barker in the afternoon peak.

Australian Transit Enterprises (LinkSA) services operating between Mount Pleasant, Mount Torrens and Tea Tree Plaza have recently been reviewed and a new timetable has been proposed to give passengers more options to travel to towns within this area and better connections to Adelaide Metro services at Tea Tree Plaza.

More public transport options are needed within the region and to improve connections to Adelaide


Sporting and recreational facilities are key assets that support local communities.

The Government’s commitment to sport and recreation was shown in its fast approval of grant funding to support the creation of temporary facilities for the Anembo Park Sporting Complex Clubhouse after it was destroyed by fire in September 2014.

The Government supports better planned and more sustainable sport and active recreation facilities through a number of approaches.

The Community Recreation and Sport Funding Program assists organisations to plan, establish or improve sport and active recreation facilities that meet the needs of the community.

The next funding round for the 2015/16 financial year is anticipated to open on 16 February 2015 with a closing date of 20 April 2015.

Further information about the grant program and applying for funds can be found at http://www.ors.sa.gov.au/funding.

Support is needed to upgrade and replace sport, recreational and social infrastructure

15

THE RESPONSE


The South Australian Government has been a significant supporter of the Amy Gillett Bikeway, investing $4.5 million since 2009.

The first three stages from Oakbank to Woodside, Woodside to Charleston and Charleston to Mount Torrens were opened to the public in January 2010, July 2011 and May 2014, respectively. The total length of the route from Oakbank to Mt Pleasant is about 17 km. The bikeway uses sealed road shoulders, quiet back streets in towns and a constructed shared use path.

The Adelaide Hills Council may wish to apply for funding under the Planning and Development Fund for further upgrades to the bikeway.

The next stage of the Amy Gillett Bikeway

Key issues

Roads and Public Transport continued

Our Response

Improving road safety across South Australia is a high priority for the Government. The recent tragedy at the Glen Osmond Road intersection has made the lower section of the South Eastern Freeway a particular priority for action and the Government is working closely with the community and road users to improve safety on the freeway.

Since the tragic incident in August, the State Government has introduced a number of new initiatives to improve safety on the freeway, including reducing speed limits from Crafers to 60 kilometres per hour for trucks and buses over 4.5 tonnes, and 90 kilometres per hour for cars.

The Government has also announced a series of further measures, including a new national road safety campaign for truck drivers, new signage and road markings. The name of arrester beds will be changed to safety ramps and the Government will cover the cost of removing any heavy vehicle that enters a safety ramp under emergency conditions.

The Government held an industry forum in October and has met with the South Australian Road Transport Association, the Livestock and Rural Transport Association, Transport Workers Union and the RAA to identify potential actions to improve infrastructure, training, licensing and vehicle compliance.

The Government is working through a number of possible solutions that will further enhance safety on the South Eastern Freeway.

Safety on the South Eastern Freeway

16

COUNTRY CABINET


ENVIRONMENTThe Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Plan recognises the unique environment of the Adelaide Hills. The plan identifies a number of strategic actions and local sub-regional responses aimed at managing or addressing the sometimes competing objectives of the natural environment and land use planning.

The Government has indicated that it is willing to consider similar protection within the Adelaide Hills to the two bills it has enacted to help protect the unique character of the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. These bills complement the protection that is already afforded by the Watershed Zoning of much of the Adelaide Hills.

Further strategic analysis and consultation on the role of the Adelaide Hills will occur during the review of The 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide which is due for completion at the end of 2015.


The Native Vegetation Council Heritage Agreement Scheme facilitates the protection of native vegetation without the need to amalgamate titles. Under section 23 of the Native Vegetation Act 1991 (SA) heritage agreements are binding on future landholders and protect important bushland in perpetuity.

Landholders may apply for fencing assistance and release from rates and taxes in respect to the heritage agreement area. Landholders may also be eligible to apply for assistance with management works aimed at protecting and improving the conservation value of the heritage agreement area.

The Government has an action plan to further enhance the plaza and obelisk at Mount Lofty Summit. The plan includes the painting of the obelisk, replacing the lighting of the obelisk, trimming trees to open up the view, installing telescopes for viewing purposes, relocating the bins away from the main plaza, and installing bicycle racks.

The Government provides funding for small grants (up to $5,000) for projects on Government-managed parks and reserves. The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board also provides financial assistance to support different sectors of the community to sustainably manage natural resources across the region. This includes Action Grants for schools and community groups, incentives for rural landholders and grants for primary industries.

Is title amalgamation a potential means of protecting native vegetation in the Adelaide Hills?

The Mt Lofty Summit site should be upgraded, including repainting the Obelisk

There is concern about reduced access to grants for environmental programs

17

THE RESPONSE


COMMUNITYThe region has a vibrant, diverse and growing community. It is home to a wide range of South Australians, from families who have farmed the region for generations to recent migrants. Its communities are strong, but they are also facing new challenges and local people are working together with the South Australian Government to meet these.

One example of this type of collaboration is the Adelaide Hills Youth Round Table Forum. The Forum was held on 28 October 2014 and focused on participation for local young people with an emphasis on employment.

Working groups are now being established to implement effective ways to address employment pathways for young people, taking into consideration other factors such as housing, transport, health and wellbeing.

This type of engagement between the community and the Government is critical to not only better understand local issues, but to work together to put in place solutions that solve them.


The Government is exploring ways to connect TAFE SA and private Registered Training Organisations with employers and industry to improve access. TAFE SA has employed six regional managers to work with local government, students, schools, business and industry to ensure training is aligned to the needs of local economies.

The higher cost of delivery in the regions is recognised through location loadings on subsidies paid through Skills for All. The loadings vary from 10% for regions classified as “accessible” to 40% for areas classified as “very remote”. Some parts of the Adelaide Hills are considered to be highly accessible and TAFE SA attracts the state-wide provider loading. Other parts of the Adelaide Hills are considered to be less accessible and training delivered by TAFE SA attracts both the state-wide provider loading and the regional loading.

There are higher costs and less access to local education and training opportunities than in metropolitan areas

18

COUNTRY CABINET


It is proposed that Statewide Youth Mental Health Services for 16-24 year olds will commence in 2014 with the destination of ‘every contact strengthens a young person’s wellbeing, mental fitness and engagement with life’. Youth Mental Health Services will work in partnership with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to ensure services are developmentally oriented and youth friendly.

Adelaide Hills Community Mental Health Team will have two Youth Mental Health Clinicians and the team will work closely with the Youth Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Youth Mental Health Consultation Liaison Coordinator and the Youth Mental Health Clinical Lead Consultant Psychiatrist who are experts in the field and are responsible for the Barossa Hills Fleurieu region.

The Government has also provided support to the Strathalbyn and Communities Suicide Prevention Network and additional funding to Headspace to expand mental wellbeing and suicide prevention programs for young people in the local area.

SA Ambulance Service is constantly reviewing its service delivery model to ensure it is appropriately resourced and that resources are in the correct locations to provide a high-quality responsive ambulance service to the community.

The Adelaide Hills area can be covered by crews from Parkside, Campbelltown, Murray Bridge, Mitcham and Ashford, however crews are sent to wherever they are needed at any given time.

Access to mental health services can be difficult, especially for young people

The coverage and capacity of ambulance services in the Adelaide Hills

Increasing rates of homelessness have diverse causes, including poverty and unemployment, outside the direct influence of Specialist Homelessness Services.

To focus on providing integrated service and joint case management to meet the needs of young people, the Government is finalising the ‘Young Educated and Housed Guidelines’. The guidelines promote collaborative practices between specialist homelessness services and education providers. This aims to maximise opportunities for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to remain connected with school and education. It is anticipated that the guidelines will be publicly released by the end of 2014.

Increasing rates of youth homelessness in the region


19

THE RESPONSE


ABINET Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker & Alexandrina...YourSAy website (). Almost 6,000 votes were...

Documents

Transcript of ABINET Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker & Alexandrina...YourSAy website (). Almost 6,000 votes were...