COUNTRY CABINET

Mallee South

State Government Response

/YourFutureSA

COUNTRY CABINET

Mallee South

Index

Premiers Foreword

Minister for Regional Developments Foreword

Introduction 5
Our regions

The importance of the Mallee South region

Country Cabinet

Fund My Idea

What we heard

Actions taken in response to what we heard

Other important issues

Economic Development

10

Transport, Infrastructure and Planning

12

Health and Ageing

14

Education and Community Services

16

Environment 20
Primary Production

22

State Government Response

/YourFutureSA

Premiers Foreword
The 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
States 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 regions 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

COUNTRY CABINET

Mallee South

Minister for Regional

Developments Foreword
The State Governments Country Cabinet visits have been positively received
by the communities that have been involved to date.
At each Country Cabinet Ive attended as well as through my extensive travels
around the State as Regional Development Minister Ive 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.
Id 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.

Geoff Brock
Minister for Regional Development

State Government Response

/YourFutureSA

Introduction
Our regions
Three in every 10 South Australians live in a regional community. Regional communities
make a major contribution to South Australias identity, quality of life and prosperity.
Regional South Australia generates much of our states wealth, contributing more
than $20 billion towards our economy and producing more than 50 per cent of South
Australias 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 Australias
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 regions proximity to key transport routes and its
quality ground water supply present significant opportunities for the regions 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 regions 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.

COUNTRY CABINET

Mallee South

Country Cabinet
From 11 to 13 September 2016, Premier Jay Weatherill and the States Cabinet Ministers
visited the Mallee South region for three days.
It was the second Country Cabinet held in 2016, as part of the Governments 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

presentation by Mayors and Chief Executive Officers of the Tatiara District Council, District
A
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

Fund My Idea
Fund 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.

State Government Response

/YourFutureSA

What we heard
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 regions proximity to major transport networks is an advantage, but these need to
be maintained to keep them safe and efficient. The regions ground water resources are
also a significant asset, but these require careful management to ensure they are protected
for the long term.
The regions 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 Governments response. It is not an exhaustive list of
everything being done in the region, but gives a sense of the Governments 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

COUNTRY CABINET

Mallee South

Actions taken in response

to what we heard
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 Australias 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.

State Government Response

/YourFutureSA

Other important
issues

COUNTRY CABINET

Mallee South

Economic
Development
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.

Key Issues

Our Response

Attracting and retaining

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

Attracting and retaining workers outside major population centres is a nationwide challenge. To help regional small business owners to attract and retain
local staff, the Governments 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 Developments 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.

Limited mobile and

broadband coverage
impacts the regions
economy and community
wellbeing

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 Governments 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.

10

State Government Response

Inadequate power
supply is preventing
some industries from
expanding

/YourFutureSA

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 Governments 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 cost of electricity is

a detriment to industrial
expansion in the region

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 Governments 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 ElectraNets 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.

Skills development is
required in key industry
and service sectors

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.

11

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Mallee South

Transport, Infrastructure
and Planning
Maintaining regional road networks is important for road safety and the viability of the regions 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.

Key Issues

Our Response

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

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 years 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.

More overtaking lanes

are needed on the
Karoonda Highway and
Mallee Highway

12

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.

State Government Response

/YourFutureSA

Electronic licences
would assist holders of
multiple heavy vehicle
licences

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.

How will new planning

rules assist rural
developments, including
waste depots?

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.

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.

For example, Tatiara District Councils 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.

The Rubble Royalty

is a cost pressure for
regional councils

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.

ll other councils pay the $0.55 per tonne Royalty on the basis that the
A
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 schemes 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.

Can unused railway land

in Bordertown be used
for different purposes?

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 Governments
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.

13

COUNTRY CABINET

Mallee South

Health and Ageing

The 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.

Key Issues

Our Response

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

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.

Social Development
Committee Regional
Health Services inquiry

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.

Ageing health
infrastructure in
Bordertown

The South East Regional Community Health Services 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.

14

State Government Response

Access to mental health,

drug and alcohol support
services is a concern

/YourFutureSA

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.

Increasing demand for

aged care services

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.

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

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.

Ambulance transfer fees

for Keith and District
Hospital patients

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.
SAASs 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 SAASs role and structure in an
integrated health system, to assist in achieving the objectives of
Best Care. First Time. Every Time.

15

COUNTRY CABINET

Mallee South

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 regions
community is dependent on a range of community services. The Governments support is sought to
improve access to these services.

Key Issues

Our Response

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

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.

16

Future of Karoonda
swimming pool

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 Governments 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.

More support is needed

for migrant students in
Bordertown

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.

State Government Response

/YourFutureSA

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

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.

A lack of reliable
internet is impacting
regional students
learning

The Department of Education and Child Developments 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 Governments
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.

17

COUNTRY CABINET

How will child

protection reforms
impact rural areas?

Mallee South

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 Australias 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 Australias 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 Agencys 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 for

volunteers should
be portable between
organisations

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
organisations 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.

More support is needed

for migrant groups in the
region

18

The Australian Migrant Resource Centre is receiving additional funding

from the South Australian Government to support the Centres 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.

State Government Response

Falling CFS volunteer

numbers is a concern

/YourFutureSA

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.

Additional Police are

needed in the Southern
Mallee area

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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COUNTRY CABINET

Mallee South

Environment
Protecting the regions environment is critical for agricultural productivity in the future. This includes
the regions 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.

Key Issues

Our Response

Maintenance planning
for the South East
Drainage Network

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:

Management of feral
deer and goats is a
concern

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 regions parks.

Maintenance of fire
breaks and access tracks
is a concern

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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.

State Government Response

Clarification sought
about carry-overs for
annual water licence
allocations

/YourFutureSA

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.

Fluctuations in the price

of River Murray water
can make agricultural
business planning
difficult

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-sidedrivers-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.

21

COUNTRY CABINET

Mallee South

Primary Production
The 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.

Key Issues

Our Response

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

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 Governments 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:

Concern that Victoria

introducing electronic
livestock tagging will
reduce markets for South
Australian farmers

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.

22

State Government Response

Clarification sought
about a proposed cattle
transaction levy

/YourFutureSA

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 animals 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 funds
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.

Concern about
management practices
at some olive groves in
the region

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.

23