State Government Response

/YourFutureSA

Mallee South

COUNTRY CABINET

Index

Premier’s Foreword 3

Minister for Regional Development’s Foreword 4

Introduction 5

Our regions 5

The importance of the Mallee South region 5

Country Cabinet 6

Fund My Idea 6

What we heard 7

Actions taken in response to what we heard 8

Other important issues 9

Economic Development 10

Transport, Infrastructure and Planning 12

Health and Ageing 14

Education and Community Services 16

Environment 20

Primary Production 22

Mallee SouthCOUNTRY CABINET

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Premier’s ForewordThe Mallee South region is an important part of South Australia. Its rich agricultural history continues today and the region is home to some of the State’s most productive primary producers.

During the September 2016 Country Cabinet in the Mallee South region, my Cabinet Ministers and I heard from a broad range of people about the issues that matter to them and their communities. Our conversations covered a wide variety of topics from healthcare and education to energy security and water licensing.

It was clear from these discussions that the Mallee South region is home to many dedicated, innovative people who are working hard to improve their community. The Mallee South community is strong and committed to securing a prosperous future for the region by growing the economy and improving the wellbeing of everyone living in the area.

This report outlines some of the measures the State Government is taking to strengthen the region’s communities and help local businesses expand. These measures include a new Early Commercialisation Fund and delivering more employment opportunities for local people through new projects, such as the SA Motorsport Park development.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Mallee South community to deliver a more prosperous future for the region.

Jay Weatherill Premier of South Australia

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State Government Response /YourFutureSA

Geoff Brock Minister for Regional Development

Minister for Regional Development’s Foreword

The State Government’s Country Cabinet visits have been positively received by the communities that have been involved to date.

At each Country Cabinet I’ve attended – as well as through my extensive travels around the State as Regional Development Minister – I’ve constantly been impressed by the passion of the locals, and the Mallee South is no different.

Residents in the council areas of Tatiara, Southern Mallee and Karoonda East Murray embraced this opportunity to meet face-to-face with the Premier and Ministers to discuss local issues.

Events like Country Cabinet help us to work together to ensure that we are tackling the important issues across the State.

There are always challenges for South Australia – but there are also tremendous opportunities for the State and for the regions. The following pages of this report offer a summary of what we heard during our visit to the Mallee South and our response back to the community.

I’d like to thank everyone for their hospitality and participation during our eighth Country Cabinet and look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of the area.

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Mallee SouthCOUNTRY CABINET

Our regions

Three 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 sense of self, culture, traditions and place in the nation. Country South Australia not only provides an economic engine for the State, it contributes to our unique character and helps define what it is to be South Australian.

The importance of the Mallee South region

The Mallee South region makes a significant contribution to South Australia’s economy. A significant proportion of our agricultural production occurs in this region, including products for export.

The region has a number of key strengths that will support future economic development. In particular, the region’s proximity to key transport routes and its quality ground water supply present significant opportunities for the region’s future.

The Mallee South region is home to a skilled and innovative workforce and there is potential for industrial expansion to create new jobs and attract more people to live in the area. The Government is keen to support the development of new opportunities, particularly diversified primary production.

The region’s high quality community services are vital to delivering a high standard of living for current and future residents. The region is home to an increasingly diverse population, including new migrant families which are providing new skills for the local labour force.

Introduction

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State Government Response /YourFutureSA

From 11 to 13 September 2016, Premier Jay Weatherill and the State’s Cabinet Ministers visited the Mallee South region for three days.

It was the second Country Cabinet held in 2016, as part of the Government’s Charter for a Stronger Regional Policy.

More than 400 people attended the Country Cabinet events. This included a community barbecue and public forum in Bordertown on Sunday 11 September. The event provided an opportunity for the community to raise issues and ideas for the region.

The Cabinet meeting was held the next morning in Pinnaroo and provided local Mayors and council Chief Executive Officers the chance to present to Cabinet on regional issues.

Cabinet met with business and industry leaders, local councillors and members of the community during a range of different activities.

Events included:

• A community barbecue and public forum in Bordertown

• A presentation by Mayors and Chief Executive Officers of the Tatiara District Council, District Council of Karoonda East Murray and Southern Mallee District Council

• An afternoon tea with community and business leaders in Lameroo

• A luncheon with community members in Karoonda

• Site visits by the Premier and Ministers

Country Cabinet

Fund My IdeaFund My Idea gives the community the chance to submit and vote on projects that will benefit the region. Up to $50,000 of funding is provided by the Government through Fund My Idea for each Country Cabinet.

The community put forward 12 proposals for Fund My Idea in the Mallee South region. The ideas were published on the YourSAy website www.yoursay.gov.au and over a three week period the community voted on how they felt the money should be spent. The top-voted ideas are still being assessed and the outcome of Fund My Idea will be announced soon.

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Mallee SouthCOUNTRY CABINET

The message Cabinet took away from the Mallee South Country Cabinet was one of a region wanting to make the most of its natural advantages to grow its economy.

The region’s proximity to major transport networks is an advantage, but these need to be maintained to keep them safe and efficient. The region’s ground water resources are also a significant asset, but these require careful management to ensure they are protected for the long term.

The region’s industries have the potential to grow, particularly if electricity supplies can be significantly increased. The region also has skills shortages in some key industry sectors and the community wants more people to move to the region to ensure these skills gaps can be addressed sustainably.

This report gives a snapshot of the Government’s response. It is not an exhaustive list of everything being done in the region, but gives a sense of the Government’s commitment to work with local government, business and the community to build a stronger region.

This includes:

• Grants to support new businesses

• Securing employment opportunities from the SA Motorsport Park development

• Addressing skills shortages

• Planning for future health and community services in the region

• Supporting migrant communities

What we heard

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State Government Response /YourFutureSA

More Grants to Support Businesses

A number of businesses in the region are looking to grow their operations or start new diversified enterprises. Businesses in the region could benefit from the new $10 million South Australian Early Commercialisation Fund. The fund opened on 18 November and will assist South Australia’s entrepreneurs and innovative organisations looking to commercialise novel products and services.

The new $50 million South Australian Venture Capital Fund could also benefit local businesses. This fund will attract private venture capital co-investment in local innovative ventures and is expected to open in the first half of 2017.

Securing Opportunities from the SA Motorsport Park Development

The $80 million SA Motorsport Park development by the Peregrine Corporation at Tailem Bend will bring significant economic benefit to people living in the adjacent Mallee South region. The Motorsport Park is due for completion by July 2017 and includes facilities for drag racing and a 7.2 km race track with pits, a hotel and caravan park. It is proposed that a second V8 supercar race be held annually at the park, generating an economic benefit of $3.07 million from an estimated 2,000 intra and interstate visitors.

The Government is developing skills and employment projects that will support local job seekers to fill some of the more than 1,000 new jobs the project is expected to create. For example, a Jobs First Subsidised Training List project has recently been approved, which will offer training and employment opportunities in the hospitality sector.

The SA Tourism Commission will work with the Regional Marketing Manager, local council and tourism operators in the region to develop collaborative partnership opportunities that leverage the Motorsport Park facilities and events. This will include promotion of the new development as a key feature of the ‘Mighty Murray Way’ Touring Route.

Actions taken in response to what we heard

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Mallee SouthCOUNTRY CABINET

Other important issues

State Government Response /YourFutureSA

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The region has a number of key economic growth options, including diversified primary production operations. The region has some significant strengths for potential investors, including proximity to major transport routes, quality ground water and affordable land. The community is seeking support from the State Government to address skills shortages in key industries. There is also concern that poor internet coverage and limited electricity supply are impacting economic development in some areas.

Economic Development

Attracting and retaining skilled workers is a challenge and the region is reliant on migrant workers

Limited mobile and broadband coverage impacts the region’s economy and community wellbeing

Key Issues

Attracting and retaining workers outside major population centres is a nation-wide challenge. To help regional small business owners to attract and retain local staff, the Government’s Small Business Workshop Program offers half day workshops on staff recruitment and retention. The Jobs First Subsidised Training List initiative also provides service providers, employers and individuals the opportunity to co-invest in high quality skills and employment projects that connect people with jobs.

The Department of State Development’s local Regional Manager will work with employers to identify specific requirements that could be met through projects to connect local job seekers with jobs. The Government can also offer staff recruitment and retention workshops in the region if enough local businesses are interested.

Immigration SA can assist and advise on visa eligibility issues at an employer and regional level. The Specialist Migrant Services unit can assist employers seeking skilled migrants who may be willing to work in a regional area.

Poor mobile coverage has a significant impact on regional communities. Effective mobile and internet access is vital for primary producers, particularly during grain harvest, to ensure real time market information is accessible throughout the day.

On 1 December 2016, it was announced that only 20 South Australian black spot sites will receive Commonwealth Government funding under Round 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Programme. This is a disappointing result, because funding for in excess of 30 new base stations was expected, based on information provided by Optus & Telstra.

New base stations will include:

• Mindarie (Riverland/Murraylands)

• Maggea & Pata (Riverland/Murraylands)

• Mundulla West (Mallee South).

A total State Government co-contribution of $1,326,030 (from a total pledge of $2 million) will be provided for 15 of the 20 new base stations. The use of unallocated portion State Government’s proposed $2 million co-contribution has yet to be determined. It could be used to co-fund additional high priority black spot sites, outside of the Commonwealth Blackspot Programme, as part of two-way agreements between the State Government and either Telstra or Optus. Telstra and Optus are receptive to this approach.

Our Response

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State Government Response /YourFutureSA

Inadequate power supply is preventing some industries from expanding

The cost of electricity is a detriment to industrial expansion in the region

Skills development is required in key industry and service sectors

The Government understands there are businesses in energy intensive industries that are unable to expand due to an inability to augment power supplies to the Keith-Bordertown region. The Government has met with industry representatives regarding cold storage for fresh produce in the region and understands the issues involved.

Consideration will be given to how funding can be used to support critical infrastructure in regions that support the Government’s priority of making South Australia the best place to do business. The Government is continuing to liaise with RDA Limestone Coast and RDA Murraylands and Riverland in relation to this matter.

The Government has introduced a number of measures to increase competition in the energy market with the aim of driving down electricity costs. These include:

• Procuring 75 per cent of the State Government’s long term electricity needs from a source that introduces new competition into the energy market.

• Committing $24 million towards a program to incentivise companies to extract more gas and increase local market supply.

• Introducing into Parliament new legislation that will enable the Australian Energy Regulator to periodically and systematically monitor the performance of the electricity wholesale market.

• Supporting the near-finished upgrade of the Heywood interconnector that enables electricity to be imported and exported between Victoria and South Australia from 460 MW to 650 MW.

• Committing $500,000 towards ElectraNet’s assessment of a new high capacity interconnector between South Australia and the eastern states, which will improve wholesale market competition.

• Tasking the Essential Services Commission of South Australia with providing advice on whether the electricity price increases by major retailers are justifiable.

At a national level, the Government has advocated for increased interconnection so that energy can be traded readily between states, which would also increase competition among energy generators.

The community reported skills shortages in aged care and childcare services in the region. Local industries also expressed concerns about retaining skilled workers. The Government is supporting the community to meet these needs by delivering quality training in the area.

In 2015, TAFE SA delivered more than 750,000 hours of training to nearly 3,700 students from the Murray and Mallee region. This included training in real-world workplaces, such as:

• The Certificate III in Water Operations (Wastewater Treatment) at the South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board

• Certificate III in Retail Baking at Bordertown Bakery

• Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) at a local Aged Care Facility at Millicent and the Millicent Public Library

TAFE SA also supports critical skill development, like food safety and adult migrant English classes at the Bordertown Migrant Resource Centre.

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Transport, Infrastructure and Planning

Maintaining regional road networks is important for road safety and the viability of the region’s economy. The community told us they want a transport network that is safe, reliable and efficient. The community wants to know if the new planning system will facilitate projects that meet critical local needs and when innovative solutions that reduce the burden of regulation will be introduced, such as electronic drivers’ licences.

Maintenance, including shoulder sealing, is an issue on a number of roads in the region

More overtaking lanes are needed on the Karoonda Highway and Mallee Highway

Key Issues

A range of maintenance works have been completed or are planned for key routes throughout the region, with a particular focus on shoulder sealing programs. The Integrated Transport and Land Use Plan identifies a range of further works to be undertaken in the future.

Mallee and Karoonda Highways:

The Government has undertaken $330,000 of resurfacing works along the Mallee Highway. A further $2.3 million of shoulder sealing works has been undertaken on the Karoonda Highway.

More heavy vehicles use these routes during harvest season, but the estimated increase in traffic is well within the range of typical increases in regional areas. The Government will monitor the traffic resulting from this year’s harvest and will consider further upgrade projects if warranted.

Naracoorte – Bordertown Road:

Approximately 4.1 km of shoulder sealing near the Riddoch Highway was completed in 2011/12 and a further 4 km of shoulder sealing is proposed near Gap Road in 2016/17. In addition 3.5 km has been identified for resealing between Six Mile Road and Watson Road in 2017/18.

Frances – Naracoorte Road:

Approximately 28 km of the 76 km length is considered rough. Some isolated maintenance work has been undertaken and rough surface signs installed. Around 26 km has been identified for shoulder resheeting in 2018/19 and 2.8 km south of Frances Township has been identified for assessment in 2019/20 for resealing.

The selection of locations for overtaking lanes is primarily driven by road network studies and strategies that have identified overtaking lane locations, taking into account levels of service and road safety conditions. Overtaking lanes are identified and prioritised across the State. Overtaking lanes on the Mallee Highway and Karoonda Highway are not as high a priority as those identified for other roads – including Noarlunga - Victor Harbor Road, Mount Barker - Strathalbyn Road, Main North Road, Riddoch Highway and Lincoln Highway.

Our Response

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State Government Response /YourFutureSA

Electronic licences would assist holders of multiple heavy vehicle licences

How will new planning rules assist rural developments, including waste depots?

The Rubble Royalty is a cost pressure for regional councils

Can unused railway land in Bordertown be used for different purposes?

The Government is currently working through legislative amendments to the Electronic Transactions (Government Documents) Act 2000 and the Motor Vehicles Act 1959 to support the introduction of electronic licences through the Digital Pass project.

This will form part of the Digital Pass, being developed to store a diverse range of Government issued credentials on a smart phone. Proof of Age cards, Real Estate licences and high risk work licences are examples of the credentials that will be housed on a citizens’ Digital Pass. It is hoped drivers’ licences will be available in late 2017.

The new planning system will introduce clearer and simpler assessment pathways for development applications, and a new planning and development code to simplify planning processes.

For example, Tatiara District Council’s previous landfill and waste transfer application was refused consent as an undesirable use in the Primary Production Zone. As a non-complying use in the zone, the decision was not able to be appealed by the Council.

Under the new planning system, non-complying development will be replaced by ‘restricted’ or ‘impact assessed’ development, depending on the specific nature of the development. In the latter case, an applicant will be able to appeal a decision by the relevant authority if it refused to assess the application (not currently possible under the existing legislation), and in the former there would be no appeal rights for either applicants or third parties (currently third parties could appeal a decision). This should provide the applicant with greater redress should the planning authority not approve the application, or if there were third party objections.

Extensive consultation was undertaken by the Government to understand the issues faced by councils and to develop a solution to alleviate undue hardship faced by smaller remote and regional councils. The State Government, in consultation with the Local Government Association, agreed to remove the impact on small rural councils and minimise the overall impact on local government, by providing:

• An exemption from the Royalty payment for small councils with general operating revenue equal to or less than $5 million.

• All other councils pay the $0.55 per tonne Royalty on the basis that the State Government retains 25 per cent of payments and 75 per cent goes into the Local Government Research and Development Scheme fund to be redistributed back via the scheme’s objectives.

Metropolitan councils (and their sub-contractors) procure extractive minerals for council works on a commercial basis from private quarries (where Royalty is payable) in the Adelaide region and surrounding areas.

The Government agrees in principle to lease the portion of rail yards in Bordertown to Tatiara District Council, subject to further negotiations and on the condition it can be terminated by three months written notice at any time. The railway land at Bordertown has been identified as surplus to Government’s requirements, however, is not yet available for disposal due to a number of environmental and heritage items associated with it.

The heritage listed railway station and platform is also a designated stop for The Overland passenger rail service and this needs to be addressed before the facility can be offered for sale, as there are issues surrounding public access and the use of the pedestrian walkway.

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Health and AgeingThe region is home to some excellent regional health and community services. The community values these services, particularly the hospital network and sought assurance that local health services would be supported into the future. There are concerns about the ability of local people to access support for mental health and substance abuse issues close to their home. The community is also seeking clarification about planning for regional health infrastructure.

Access to medical services, including General Practitioners, can be difficult

Social Development Committee Regional Health Services inquiry

Ageing health infrastructure in Bordertown

Key Issues

As a result of a partnership between the Government and Rural Doctors Workforce Agency (RDWA), since 1 September 2016 the Pinnaroo and Lameroo communities have had access to 1.6FTE doctors working across both towns; 0.6FTE from the resident GP and 1.0FTE by an RDWA locum until a doctor can be recruited to this permanent post. Karoonda receives regular visiting GP services from Mannum up to three days each week, with remote on-call cover at other times.

South Australian Virtual Emergency Services (SAVES) video conferencing equipment has been installed in the Emergency Departments of all of the Mallee hospitals. This will enable all sites to access after-hours medical support in Emergency Departments, to supplement and sustain local and visiting GP arrangements.

The Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) supports patients who have to travel long distances for medical care. Patients are eligible to access PATS subsidies when they are required to travel further than 100 km each way to access their nearest medical specialist.

The Social Development Committee is conducting an inquiry into Regional Health Services. The Committee will draft a report based on written submissions and oral evidence received during the course of the inquiry and other relevant material. The final report and its recommendations will then be tabled to both Houses of Parliament and forwarded to relevant Ministers who will provide a response to the report and any recommendations.

Any person or organisation wishing to make a written submission addressing the terms of reference, may still do so through the Secretary to the Social Development Committee, GPO Box 572, Adelaide 5001, or email to sdc@parliament.sa.gov.au. Submissions received by the Committee about the Regional Health Services inquiry and additional information about the Committee itself is available at: www.parliament.sa.gov.au/sdc.

The South East Regional Community Health Service’s building is safe, maintained and provides sufficient space for the staff based there, but refurbishment is not recommended due to its age and structure. Accordingly, a new location is likely to be required at some time in the future.

There is no plan to relocate at this time, however, the Government would be pleased to work in partnership with the community to plan a facility if there was progress toward the building of a multipurpose health centre. Country Health SA will approach local government authorities to arrange an informal meeting of interested parties to share views on local health and aged care facilities.

Our Response

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State Government Response /YourFutureSA

Access to mental health, drug and alcohol support services is a concern

Increasing demand for aged care services

Funding is required to plan for the future of the Keith and District Hospital

Ambulance transfer fees for Keith and District Hospital patients

Country Health Mental Health Services have multidisciplinary community teams based in Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier to service the Upper South East and Mallee region. These teams provide outreach services and work with local General Practitioners to provide support and assistance, including facilitating telehealth assessment services. Regional mental health inpatient units have been established in Mount Gambier and Berri to offer acute services closer to where people live and minimise the need to travel to Adelaide.

Drug and Alcohol Services SA (DASSA) clinicians are located in Mount Gambier and Murray Bridge. These services are staffed by full-time nurses who support individuals seeking outpatient alcohol and other drug treatment. Teleconferencing facilities are also available to improve access to assessment, counselling and referral services to regional clients in Bordertown, Lameroo and Pinnaroo.

In addition to direct clinical care, the Alcohol and Drug Information Service provides confidential telephone counselling, information and referrals to services throughout South Australia. This service is available to everyone and can be contacted on 1300 131 340.

The Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service provides ongoing support for General Practitioners and hospital staff to treat people with drug and alcohol problems in their care. This service can be contacted on (08) 7087 1742.

The Commonwealth Government has funding responsibility for both residential and community aged care. The State Government works closely with the Commonwealth Department of Health to meet the requirements of service delivery for aged care across rural and remote South Australia. The State Government is also preparing for deregulation of Home Care Packages in February 2017, which will enable a more flexible workforce to meet the needs of older people.

Keith and District Hospital receives an ongoing, annually indexed grant which is paid monthly. In 2016/17 the grant is $538,676. An additional subsidy has been made available to provide confidence to Keith and District Hospital that it is able to remain solvent while they work to improve its business model. These funds are released as needed throughout the year to a maximum claimable level of $458,324. This brings the total funding available to Keith and District Hospital to $997,000.

SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) is a user pays service. Any services provided by SAAS to or from a private health facility are routinely invoiced directly to the patient. In the case of a public hospital, the originating hospital is charged. SAAS has a statutory requirement to charge a fee for ambulance service provision pursuant to the Health Care Act 2008. SAAS appreciates the financial burden an unexpected ambulance bill can place on individuals and has provisions in place to assist with repaying these costs.

SAAS’s service delivery model had evolved over time and its role in the South Australian health system is changing with demand for services increasing and becoming more complex. In light of Transforming Health, there is an opportunity to reconsider SAAS’s role and structure in an integrated health system, to assist in achieving the objectives of ‘Best Care. First Time. Every Time.’

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Education and Community Services

In addition to educating children, schools play a significant role in the life of regional communities. The community wants school facilities to be maintained and the standard of education to keep pace with the rest of South Australia, including web-based learning. The wellbeing of many members of the region’s community is dependent on a range of community services. The Government’s support is sought to improve access to these services.

Access to transport is a challenge for isolated carers in the region

Future of Karoonda swimming pool

More support is needed for migrant students in Bordertown

Key Issues

The availability of transport is a known barrier for carers and care recipients accessing support and respite services in the region and more broadly across regional South Australia. Community organisations can contact Grants SA on 1300 650 985 or email grantsSA@sa.gov.au to discuss options for grant funding to improve access to existing transport services or to investigate other possible community-based transport services.

The Government also supports Community Passenger Networks (CPN), which facilitate access to transport for people who are transport disadvantaged. CPNs assist clients through the coordination and brokerage of transport services, the provision of transport information and direct transport services where no other appropriate services exist.

The Murray Mallee Transport Scheme administers a CPN for Southern Mallee District Council, District Council of Karoonda East Murray and the Coorong District Council.

The Government is working with local authorities to determine a future for the Karoonda Area School Pool. Officials from the Department of Education and Child Development have met with the school, the Governing Council and District Council of Karoonda East Murray to discuss alternative replacement proposals. A business case is being prepared by the school and Council for the Government’s consideration. In addition to the above proposal, the Government will make a $300,000 contribution to the school to support its management of the facility.

In 2016, English as an Additional language or Dialect (EALD) students in Bordertown schools received more than $120,000 in General Support funding and Geographic Isolation funding, as per their entitlements.

General Support funding is provided to improve EALD students’ learning outcomes. Geographic Isolation funding provides targeted intervention to improve the learning outcomes for newly arrived students who, because of their location in regional schools, are unable to attend a metropolitan primary Intensive English Language Program or secondary New Arrivals Program. Geographic Isolation funding is provided for individual students on a termly basis. Bordertown schools need to ensure they apply for funding each term for all eligible students.

Our Response

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State Government Response /YourFutureSA

‘Childcare on the Go’ is resolving gaps in service provision in Karoonda

A lack of reliable internet is impacting regional students’ learning

Childcare on the Go (CoG) has operated in the Mallee region for 13 years providing a long day care service to families with children from three months to 10 years. The Lameroo CoG and Pinnaroo CoG both offer long day care two days a week in their communities, making use of the local preschool sites on the days that the preschool service does not operate. There is a waiting list for CoG services, however, there is no capacity to increase the number of days, as the preschool operates its service on alternate days. The Geranium CoG is not currently operational, but is preparing to offer alternative Fridays in the future.

The Department of Education and Child Development’s “Delivering Digital” strategy includes the development of a roadmap for the deployment of improved bandwidth to schools across South Australia. Bandwidth improvement implementation will begin in early 2017.

New internet provision technologies, such as the availability of NBN services and 4GX, are penetrating the Mallee South region and are key considerations for schools within the area. The State Government and Telstra have recently undertaken feasibility studies to implement improved 4GX services at schools in the region. The Commonwealth Government’s NBN rollout is prioritising regional areas and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. The new NBN Skymuster satellite service can also provide improved internet access for remote students.

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How will child protection reforms impact rural areas?

Police checks for volunteers should be portable between organisations

More support is needed for migrant groups in the region

The Child Protection Systems Royal Commission Report The Life they Deserve, was published in August 2016. The Report includes 260 recommendations relating to improvements for South Australia’s child protection system. The Government will release its response to the report by the end of 2016, but has already accepted 38 of the recommendations. The new Department for Child Protection was established on 1 November 2016, following the early acceptance of recommendations by the Government and demonstrating the ongoing commitment to improving South Australia’s child protection system.

Recommendations under consideration that may impact rural areas include the following:

• R214, Reform funding and structural arrangements to enable a single agency to oversee the service hub facilities across all communities. This agency should regularly map, in collaboration with the local community, the needs of children and families through an annual Local Assessment of Needs.

• R220, Prepare an annual Local Assessment of Needs for each regional area.

• R221, Ensure that the Agency’s practitioners in regional areas have access to ongoing professional development, through locally delivered training and videoconferencing.

• R217, Develop strategies to improve out-of-home care options in regional areas including:

• focusing attention on the recruitment of foster parents, particularly in areas of need; and

• identifying areas where there is a demand for residential care placements and develop facilities in those areas.

Police checks are issued by South Australia Police (SAPOL) and are free to volunteers of community organisations which have been provided with a Volunteer Organisation Authorisation Number by SAPOL. Police checks are required according to the policy of each organisation. It is also up to an organisation’s policy as to how long they are valid. These checks are not transportable.

Department for Communities and Social Inclusion Screening Clearances issued for people working with children, aged, vulnerable and people with disability are valid for 3 years and transportable between roles.

The Australian Migrant Resource Centre is receiving additional funding from the South Australian Government to support the Centre’s delivery of services to migrants in the Limestone Coast region. A service agreement is currently being finalised with the Australian Migrant Resource Centre for 2016/17 until 2018/19. Culturally and linguistically diverse groups and communities are a priority group for funding under the Grants SA program. Further information is available at www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/grantssa or call 1300 650 985.

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State Government Response /YourFutureSA

Falling CFS volunteer numbers is a concern

Additional Police are needed in the Southern Mallee area

Maintaining CFS volunteers within rural areas can be challenging. The Volunteer Services Branch (VSB) supports CFS with a range of tools to increase volunteer retention rates including:

• Regional TV commercials broadcast earlier this year focusing on people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, youth and women.

• Surveying existing members to understand why they are leaving the service, to identify ways to make volunteering more attractive and satisfying to existing and new volunteers.

VSB and CFS will continue to review membership numbers in specific regional locations to ensure brigades with declining membership bases are provided with tailored recruitment assistance and guidance. The total number of volunteers across the Mallee CFS Group was 259 as at 1 July 2016, a reduction of 27 members from the previous year. A significant portion of the reduction was in the Galga and District Brigade, which reduced from 30 to 18. Most other brigades in the Mallee Group have maintained a steady membership base.

The Murray Mallee Local Service Area (LSA) has two major police stations, seven smaller stations and seven single person stations including, Karoonda, Pinnaroo and Lameroo. Since 2013 the Murray Mallee LSA has remained constant at 159 full time police positions. Currently, the Murray Mallee LSA has a total of 160 established police positions and 11.5 non-sworn administrative positions.

As a normal part of policing responsibilities, LSAs are able to call upon the assistance of metropolitan-based police officers and specialist crime investigators to assist in protracted or complex investigations. A number of specialist crime branches have also supported Murray Mallee LSA in the investigation and resolution of murder, drug and sexual crimes investigations.

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EnvironmentProtecting the region’s environment is critical for agricultural productivity in the future. This includes the region’s invaluable water resources. The community is seeking support from the Government for the maintenance of the South East Drainage Network. Concern was also raised about the management of feral animals and fire load reduction.

Maintenance planning for the South East Drainage Network

Management of feral deer and goats is a concern

Maintenance of fire breaks and access tracks is a concern

Key Issues

The South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board Management Plan has been revised with clearer goals to manage the South East Drainage Network infrastructure to benefit primary production and the environment, and develop land and drainage infrastructure assets. The State Government commits $2.295 million per annum (indexed) for the ongoing maintenance and capital works of the South East Drainage Network. Of this funding, 66 per cent is dedicated to capital works and operational maintenance. Alternative funding sources are also being pursued.

The Management Plan is supported by an Operational Project Plan that prioritises capital and operational work, including:

• Applying innovation (e.g. floodway crossings across drains for wide agricultural machinery, reed cutting contractors for sensitive aquatic environments, and extending aerial spraying programs)

• Improved scheduling of drain clearing, spraying, and construction of bridges, culvert crossings and regulators

• Directing efficiency savings to managing the drains in the Upper South East, and the support of funding submissions (e.g. Green Army) for rehabilitating part of the Upper South East network

• Continued collaboration with stakeholders, such as the Limestone Coast LGA, Regions SA and PIRSA to develop funding submissions

Feral deer management in the Upper South East includes an aerial program on National Parks and reserves, as well as some private properties adjacent to the parks which is an effective method of controlling feral deer numbers. The feasibility of trapping deer is being investigated and may provide an alternative solution for land managers.

Landholders are able to access trap/muster yards to assist in the removal of feral goats and they can also access Government staff support to coordinate action across multiple properties. The parks within the area will continue with existing control programs and seek funding where possible. A program of ground-based shooting will be maintained, as will landholder coordination for the removal of goats from areas adjoining the region’s parks.

Fire access tracks across the major reserves in the area are maintained on a four-to-five-year cyclic vegetation management program in line with state standards for fire access tracks. This maintains a fuel reduced zone and clearance for vehicle access including track surface maintenance for 4WDs. Government staff regularly meet and work with CFS groups. The role and maintenance of fire access tracks will be the topic of upcoming conversations. This will help to better clarify the expectations of these tracks in fire management activities.

Our Response

21

State Government Response /YourFutureSA

Clarification sought about carry-overs for annual water licence allocations

Fluctuations in the price of River Murray water can make agricultural business planning difficult

Water Allocation Plans are developed with extensive analysis of water resource use trends and capacity, and community consultation, such as through the Mallee Water Resources Committee.

The provision of carryover in the SA River Murray Prescribed Watercourse is guided by the South Australian River Murray Private Carryover policy. The policy aims to provide flexibility during dry times by allowing for a percentage of unused water allocation at the end of one water year to be granted by the Minister for use in the following water year. Private Carryover may be made available to holders of Class 3a, 3b, 4 and 7 Water Access Entitlement shares. Carryover volumes have been made available for the first time for allocation in the 2016/17 water use year.

Further information is available at the following link:

www.environment.sa.gov.au/managing-natural-resources/river-murray/water-allocation-and-trade/private-carryover/private-carryover-policy.

The Mallee Water Allocation Plan, adopted in 2012, does not provide for the carryover of unused irrigation entitlement between water use years. The decision not to allow carryover was based on analysis of water use, which showed that there were no significant water savings made in wet years that would potentially be carried over in dry years. Water use requirements can be met with full annual allocations and supplemented by trade if required. This position was agreed by the community-based Mallee Water Resources Committee.

The nature of any market means that prices will vary depending on demand and supply-related factors. Individual water users in the region may elect to monitor and plan for price variability by examining trends in the water market, or factors that may affect the market and their business decisions, such as long term weather outlook.

Three comprehensive water market reports published in February to April 2016 show that key influences and variables on water prices include annual water availability, changes in demand, as well as characteristics of water rights (such as historic reliability, access to carryover and associated holding fees and charges).

Further information can be sought in these reports:

Tim Cummins & Associates (2016). Water Market Trends. Trends in Northern Victorian Water Trade 2001-2015. http://waterregister.vic.gov.au/images/documents/Water%20Market%20Trends%20Report.pdf

Aither (2016). Contemporary trends and drivers of irrigation in the southern Murray-Darling Basin. https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/16007

Aither (2016) Supply-side drivers of water allocation prices. http://www.agriculture.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/water/aither-supply-side-drivers-final-report.docx

The ability to trade water access rights provides flexibility in water use, production and farm management for agricultural industries. A water access entitlement is a business asset and therefore may help water users or investors to manage risk and debt in response to changes in resource availability, other external factors and their own business objectives. Trade in water allocations may assist water users to manage variation in seasonal water availability. Water brokers may be able to offer advice to those seeking to sell or buy water rights.

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Mallee SouthCOUNTRY CABINET

Primary ProductionThe region has a rich agricultural history which continues today. The region is highly productive and many farmers have adopted new methods and technologies to increase yields and product values. The recent drought was a very difficult period for primary producers in the region and there is ongoing concern about the effectiveness of drought support from the State and Commonwealth Governments. The community is seeking clarification about the adoption of new livestock tagging regimes and potential changes to livestock levies.

Limited access to drought relief funding and restrictions on drought relief service delivery are concerns

Concern that Victoria introducing electronic livestock tagging will reduce markets for South Australian farmers

Key Issues

The Government is currently focused on support for planning and preparedness for droughts and on support for health and wellbeing of people and communities in times of hardship. Farmers have access to extensive taxation provisions to enable them to minimise tax and spread their risk, including the Farm Management Deposit Scheme, which has recently been amended to provide more benefits to farmers.

The Commonwealth Government’s Concessional Loans are the principal direct assistance to farm businesses. The uptake of those has been low. Some reasons for that include:• A low number of applications

• Applicant businesses assessed as providing insufficient security for the loans

• A significant proportion of farmers having negotiated improved interest rates from their bank, probably as a result of the existence of the concessional loan schemes

• A proportion of farmers who do not consider the scheme offers sufficient benefits and prefer to have only one financier

• Others who are not willing to have a second mortgage registered on the farming land

There was significant support provided in the Upper South East through:• Regional coordination of support services

• Provision of support information

• Technical workshops for farmers

• Study tour for young farmers

Victoria will only begin tagging lambs with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags from the start of 2017. There will be a lengthy transition from visual to RFID tags. Taking the development of cattle RFID as the example, it is likely that RFID usage will spread throughout the sheep industry over a period of years. This may also to some extent be driven by processors

The greatest cost involved in implementation of RFID in the sheep industry will be the creation of electronic infrastructure (tag readers and computer equipment) at sale yards and abattoirs. It is likely that some form of subsidisation arrangement would need to be sought, at least partially using redirected industry funds.

The Government will not be initiating a move to RFID tagging in South Australia in the foreseeable future, but notes the need to plan for this eventuality should RFID tag usage become widespread. This issue will be referred to the South Australian Sheep Advisory Group for further consideration.

Our Response

23

State Government Response /YourFutureSA

Clarification sought about a proposed cattle transaction levy

Concern about management practices at some olive groves in the region

Contributions to the Cattle Industry Fund are collected by distributors of ‘ear-tags’ at the time of purchase (once per life of each animal at a cost to the breeder only). The industry is seeking to adopt a transaction method (as per the Sheep Industry Fund) whereby contributions are made each time an animal is sold (may occur multiple times throughout the animal’s life at the cost of the breeder, feedlot, abattoir, etc.). The transaction method is reported to be more equitable, with more stakeholders who benefit from the fund’s programs required to contribute. It also has the potential to derive more funds for the benefit of the industry programs.

Both Livestock SA and the South Australian Dairy Association have endorsed the proposal, however, the three largest stock agents oppose the change, as they consider it to be an undue cost on their administrative processes. The Government will undertake modelling to forecast the financial outcomes from adopting an alternative system (i.e. cost of implementation vs income received) with a view to further engagement with stock agents.

Orchard management is the responsibility of the land owner. Olive groves are normally established with Council Development Approval including separation distances from stands of native vegetation. Orchard maintenance provides protection against infestation from insect pests such as fruit fly.

The Mallee South olive plantations are largely outside of the Riverland Fruit Fly Free Area where this is a more prominent issue. Where necessary, Biosecurity SA engages with peak industry groups to develop messaging around orchard maintenance. There is no legislative requirement to manage this risk outside of an outbreak situation.