regional communities consultative council 2005-07 (7)

Regional Communities Consultative CouncilReport 2005–2007

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tableing stamp

Regional Communities Consultative Council Terms of Reference

The Regional Communities Consultative Council is an independent advisory body that will make recommendations to the Minister for Regional Development on ways in which the Government and communities can work together to strengthen the capacity of communities to respond to local issues and opportunities.

The Regional Communities Consultative Council will undertake the following responsibilities:

�Advise�the�Minister�for�Regional�Development�about�the�•�broad�impact�of�decisions�on�regional�communities.

�Advise�the�Minister�for�Regional�Development�of�any�•�opportunities�for�initiatives�to�advance�the�social,�economic�and�environmental�development�of�regional�SA.

�Advise�the�Minister�for�Regional�Development�on�the�•�challenges�and�opportunities�in�the�provision�of�government�services�and�programs�to�regional�communities.�

�Advise�Ministers�and�Cabinet,�through�the�Minister�for�•�Regional�Development,�on�matters�that�may�be�referred�to�the�Council�by�them�from�time�to�time;�and

�Advocate�change�that�will�improve�the�quality�of�life�in�regional�areas.•�

< Wind farm - Hallett

Cover pictures

< Bethany vineyards - Barossa Valley

< Orange orchard - Riverland

Report 2005–2007 | 1

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

BACkGROund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

MEMBERSHIp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Regional Communities Consultative Council Members 2005–2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

WORk pROGRAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

STATE And REGIOnAL pOLICY And pLAnnInG pROCESSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

South Australia’s Strategic Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

kEY SASp TARGETS RELATInG TO RCCC ACHIEvEMEnTS And ACTIvITIES 2005–2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Regional Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Regional Impact Assessment Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Quantifying the contribution of regions to the well-being of the State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Regional Policy and Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

REGIOnAL ISSuES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Native vegetation management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Drought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Shared Services Reform. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Telecommunications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Public liability issues for community groups and community activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Port Vincent Aquatic Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Kingsford Industrial Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

LOOkInG FORWARd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

REGIOnAL COMMunITIES COnSuLTATIvE COunCIL 2005–2007 . . . INSIDE BACK COVER

RCCC COnTACT dETAILS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BACK COVER

COnTEnTS

2 | Regional Communities Consultative Council

This report outlines the work of the

Regional Communities Consultative Council

(RCCC) for the three-year term January 2005 to

December 2007.

During this period the Council has monitored and provided advice to the Minister for Regional Development on key issues affecting regional communities in our State, including infrastructure to support social and economic growth, and services such as health, transport, broadband access and water supply.

In particular, the RCCC has been able to bring a regional perspective to statewide planning processes and policy development through: commenting on draft new legislation and reviews of existing legislation; involvement in the consideration of the impact of government policy and decisions on regional communities through the Government’s Regional Impact Assessment Statement policy; contributions to key initiatives such as the development of uniform state boundaries by the Government Reform Commission and updating of the South Australia Strategic Plan; and recommending or commissioning relevant research.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all those who have been members of the RCCC during this period. It has been my privilege to work with such a committed group of people who have given voluntarily of their time and expertise to provide a valuable conduit between regional communities and the State Government.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Report 2005–2007 | 3

The knowledge, compassion and impartiality these members have brought to the many social, economic and environmental issues they have considered over their term has always ensured a balanced response to the Minister and Government.

On behalf of the RCCC, I would also like to thank the Honourable Karlene Maywald in her capacity as the Minister for Regional Development, for the respect she has shown this Council and for her dedicated commitment to regional South Australia. I greatly value the time she has given to engaging with me as the Chair and to the issues raised by the RCCC. I look forward to working with the new Minister for Regional Development the Honourable Rory McEwen MP.

I would also like to thank Phil Tyler, Executive Director of the Office of Regional Affairs, and his staff for the executive, administrative and research support they provide to the Council. In particular, the Council thanks Esther Roberts, Sam Bray and Jacqui Triggs for their excellent work as respective executive officers.

I acknowledge the sad passing of Mr John Legoe in December 2005. John was a long standing member of Council and greatly respected local government leader. He was a passionate South Australian and a strong advocate for the development of regions. His leadership, vision and friendship are sadly missed by many.

My thanks to the outgoing members, who I know will continue to work in their communities and to represent the interests of regional South Australia through many other avenues.

I look forward to working with a number of incoming members over the next three years whose appointments will ensure a balance of new representation with the continuity and expertise of the existing membership.

The RCCC recognises that successful regional growth involves a role for both government and communities. Where there is strong local leadership working with responsive governments (at all levels) there are communities that can maximise opportunities and honestly face the challenges. The members of the RCCC are among those community leaders and throughout the next three year term will continue to develop the Council’s role as a conduit between communities and government.

Peter�Blacker

Chair, Regional Communities Consultative Council


The Regional Communities Consultative Council was established in 2002, by the South Australian Government, as an independent advisory body to make recommendations to the Minister for Regional Development on ways in which the State Government and communities can work together to strengthen the capacity of communities to respond to local issues and opportunities.

The RCCC’s key responsibilities include advising the Minister for Regional Development about the broad impact of decisions on regional communities and opportunities for initiatives to advance social, economic and environmental development that will improve quality of life in regional South Australia.

The membership of Council comprises key representatives from local government, regional development boards, business and community, with a broad geographic spread across regional South Australia.

The Council meets a minimum of four times a year, primarily in regional locations. Various meetings, functions, community forums and site visits are undertaken, which enable the Council to engage with community leaders, service providers, groups and individuals to identify issues and possible solutions.

The RCCC is not a decision-making body, but communicates to Government what it believes to be important messages from regional communities and its position and recommendations on specific issues.

The Office of Regional Affairs, in the Department of Trade and Economic Development, provides research and administrative support to the RCCC.

Regional Communities Consultative Council Members 2005–2007

During this period the RCCC has been chaired by Peter Blacker, a community leader with a long history of community involvement in regional South Australia and across the State. Its members have been drawn from a wide range of areas and activities across regional South Australia, including local government regional councils, regional development boards, farming businesses, rural consultancies, church and community services.

A full list of members is provided on the inside back cover.

MEMBERSHIp

Roy Blight, CEO Barossa Light Regional Development Board; Charles Melton, of Charles Melton Wines; The Hon. Karelene Maywald, MP and then Minister for Regional Development; and Peter Blacker, Chair RCCC, at an RCCC community dinner in the Barossa.Photo courtesy of SE Coastal Leader.

BACkGROund

Report 2005–2007 | 5

Site visits are an important part of the Council’s regional meetings, enabling members to experience first hand regional development issues and opportunities and for targeted meetings around key elements of its work program. Site visits undertaken during its term included:

Kangaroo�Island�Ligurian�Honey•�

�Kangaroo�Island�waste�•�management�depot�

�Cygnet�River,�Kangaroo�Island�•�(Koala�Management)

�Island�Pure�Sheep�Dairy,�Kangaroo�Island•�

�Emu�Ridge�Eucalyptus�Distillery,�•�Kangaroo�Island

Parachilna�Gorge�(cactus�infestation)•�

Port�Lincoln�Seahorse�Farm•�

�Port�Lincoln�Master�Plan�and�Port�facilities•�

�Southern�Rock�Lobster�facility,�Port�Lincoln•�

�Pilchard�freezing�facility�and�water�•�treatment,�Port�Lincoln

�Matthew�Flinders�Home,�Port�Lincoln�•�(aged�care�facility)

�Blue�Lake�Milling,�Bordertown�•�(primary�manufacturing�site�and�administration�centre)

This Council has continued to monitor and advise on key issues, including maintenance and development of appropriate infrastructure to support business and economic growth, and key services such as health, transport, broadband access and water supply.

In order to develop its work plan and appropriately advise the Minister for Regional Development on regional issues, the Council sought information and advice from regional stakeholders through community forums involving representatives of regional development boards, regional local government, area consultative committees, and government agencies. During its term, the RCCC held 10 regional meetings and forums. Other meetings were held centrally in Adelaide.

Regional Community Meetings & Consultations 2005–2007

May�2005�–�Kangaroo�Island�

August�2005�–�Wilpena�Pound�

November�2005�–�Port�Lincoln�

April�2006�–�Bordertown�

August�2006�–�Port�Augusta�

November�2006�–�Barossa�Valley�

February�2007�–�Port�Vincent�

May�2007�–�Kingston�SE�

August�2007�–�Port�Pirie�

November�2007�–�Riverland

WORk pROGRAM

Port Lincoln tuna fishing


Tatiara�Meat�Company,�Bordertown•�

�Arid�Lands�Botanic�Gardens,�Port�Augusta•�

EDI�Rail�Yards,�Port�Augusta•�

�Lakeview�Accommodation�Centre,�•�Port�Augusta

�Wolf�Blass�Winery�and�Visitor�Centre,�•�Nuriootpa

�Tarac�Technologies,�Nuriootpa�•�(recycling�wine�by-products)

�The�White�House�Community�Centre�•�and�Men’s�Shed,�Nuriootpa

�Ahrens�Group,�Sheoak�Log�•�(supplier�of�industrial�buildings,�silos,�structural�steel)

�Cape�Jaffa�Anchorage�Development,�•�Cape�Jaffa

Robe�Marina,�Robe•�

�Wangolina�Station�(family�winery),�•�Kingston�SE

�Glossop�High�School�Senior�Campus,�•�Berri

Gilbert�Street�Gallery,�Berri•�

�Berri�Barmera�wastewater�re-use�plant,�•�various�sites

�Flinders�University�Rural�Clinical�School,�•�Renmark

In order to make informed recommendations, the RCCC has also sought and received presentations on various issues, regions, projects and policies. These include:

�Regional�Development�Boards�in�each�•�region�visited

�Kangaroo�Island�Tourism�Optimisation�•�Management�Model

�Regular�updates�on�the�South�Australia�•�Strategic�Plan�by�the�Department�of�Premier�and�Cabinet

�Marine�Park�Areas�–�Department�of�•�Environment�and�Heritage

�Outback�Water�Supply,�Office�of�Local�•�Government

�Social�planning�process�undertaken�by�•�South�East�Local�Government�Association�–��Wattle�Range�Council

�Anglican�Community�Care�–�Wattle�Range�•�Council�Collaboration

�Office�of�Upper�Spencer�Gulf�Flinders�•�Ranges�&�Outback�–�Ministerial�Officer�OUSGFO�

�The�Government’s�involvement�in�the�•�Olympic�Dam�Expansion�–��Office�of�Major�Projects�and�Infrastructure

Wind farm - Hallett

Report 2005–2007 | 7

�Briefings�and�Reports�on�native�vegetation�•�management�–�Native�Vegetation�Council�and��Department�of�Water�Land�and�Biodiversity�Conservation�(DWLBC)

�State�Government�strategy�for�the�•�‘Connect�Australia’�funding�programs�–�Department�of�Further�Education,�Employment,�Science�and�Technology�(DFEEST)

�Review�of�Training�and�Skills�Development�•�Act�2003�(DFEEST)

Water�security�issues�–�DWLBC•�

�Regular�Updates�on�the�work�of�the�•�Government�Reform�Commission�-�Office�of�Government�Reform�Commission�

�Regular�Updates�on�the�update�and�•�regionalisation�of�the�South�Australia’s�Strategic�Plan�–�Department�of�Premier�and�cabinet

�Drought�and�drought�related�•�presentations�and�updates�–�Primary�Industries�and�Resources�SA�(PIRSA),�Rural�Financial�Counselling�Service�SA�Inc,�and�SA�Murray�Resource�Information�Centre�(SAMRIC)

�Tenby10�Strategy�to�reduce�blood�levels�of�•�Lead�in�Port�Pirie�children�–�Zinifex�(Now�Nyrstar)

�Regular�reports�from�the�Chief�Executive�•�of�the�Department�of�Trade�and�Economic�Development�(DTED)

�Regular�presentations�from�staff�of�the�•�Office�of�Regional�Affairs,�DTED

In addition, information was sourced from other states and international examples.

The Council’s role has been to analyse the information and advise the Minister for Regional Development, as appropriate, on key matters. In carrying out this responsibility the RCCC has used a priority topics approach and focussed its energies and interest to make a difference.

Wilpena Pound - Flinders Ranges


The RCCC has been an important voice for regional communities, raising and responding to many key matters affecting the regions and in particular has been able to bring a regional perspective to some key state wide planning processes and policy development.

This includes comment on draft new legislation and reviews of existing legislation, involvement in the consideration of the impact of government policy and decisions on regional communities through the Government’s Regional Impact Assessment Statement policy, contributions to key initiatives such as the development of uniform state boundaries by the Government Reform Commission and updating of South Australia’s Strategic Plan, and recommending or commissioning relevant research.

Members of the RCCC bring a regional perspective to a number of government advisory and working groups including the:

Population�Advisory�Group;•�

Volunteer�Ministerial�Advisory�Group,�and•�

Community�Engagement�Board•�

South Australia’s Strategic Plan

The involvement of the RCCC Chair on South Australia’s Strategic Plan (SASP) Update Team and its members’ involvement and facilitation of the regional consultation process contributed significantly to the revised Plan.

Targets specific to regional South Australia were removed from the original plan (with the exception of regional population levels) in favour of a more comprehensive process of ‘regionalising’ the plan over a two-year period.

Current and former members of the RCCC continue to be involved in the regionalisation of the Plan through regional steering committees developing Plan targets relevant to the regions. The Premier has appointed Peter Blacker as Chair of the Community Engagement Board, which provides an ongoing mechanism for community involvement with the Plan and overseeing the process of regionalisation of the Plan (Refer. SASP p.9).

For the RCCC the Plan’s key objectives are an important guide for monitoring service delivery across the state and informing its consideration of how it can best influence Government policy on key issues affecting regional South Australian communities. All of the major issues for regional communities are reflected in the plan and it is important that the targets represent key performance indicators, not only for the Government, but for all community members and leaders.

STATE And REGIOnAL pOLICY And pLAnnInG pROCESSES

Report 2005–2007 | 9

kEY SASp TARGETS RELATInG TO RCCC ACHIEvEMEnTS And ACTIvITIES 2005–2007

SASP Objective SASP Targets1 Growing Prosperity T1.1 Economic Growth

T1.5 Business InvestmentT1.7 Performance in the public sector – customer

and client satisfaction with government services

T1.8 Performance in the public sector – government decision making

T1.9 Performance in the public sector – administrative efficiency

T1.11 UnemploymentT1.14 Total ExportsT1.15 TourismT1.21 Strategic Infrastructure

2 Improving Wellbeing T2.3 Sport and RecreationT2.4 Healthy South AustraliansT2.7 Psychological Wellbeing

3 Attaining Sustainability T3.4 Marine Biodiversity

4 Fostering Creativity and Innovation T4.8 Broadband Usage

5 Building Communities T5.6 VolunteeringT5.9 Regional Population Levels

6 Expanding Opportunity T6.19 Non-school qualifications

Key Interactions across the Plan Economic growth and ecological footprint

10 | Regional Communities Consultative Council10 | Regional Communities Consultative Council

Regional Infrastructure

Economic infrastructure continues to be a key issue for regional communities and the RCCC has been a driving force in the ongoing support for regional infrastructure through the Regional Development Infrastructure Fund (RDIF). The Fund, managed by the Office of Regional Affairs, supports regional infrastructure projects that contribute to economic viability and development in regions, for the benefit of the State and regional communities.

Continuing strong growth in regional South Australia requires investment in energy, water and water treatment, transport and telecommunications

infrastructure. The growth of new industries and growing environmental pressures are also creating a need for new kinds of infrastructure investment.

In early 2006, the RCCC commissioned research which assessed the value of the Regional Development Infrastructure Fund, both in terms of its contribution to economic development in regional South Australia and its return on investment for the State, demonstrating that for every RDIF dollar invested there is an average of $80 increase in Gross State Product.

The RCCC submitted its position to the State Government in support of the Fund, which now receives ongoing funding of

The Two Wells Glasshouse - An RDIF supported project

STATE And REGIOnAL pOLICY And pLAnnInG pROCESSES >

Report 2005–2007 | 11

$3 million each year and contributes to key SASP targets of lowering regional unemployment, increasing regional populations, encouraging regional investment, and increasing the State’s export earnings.

SASP Reference:

T1 .1 Economic GrowthT1 .11 UnemploymentT1 .14 Total ExportsT1 .21 Strategic InfrastructureT5 .9 Regional Population Levels

Regional Impact Assessment Statements

The Regional Communities Consultative Council is a key point of contact as part of the consultation process for government agencies preparing a Regional Impact Assessment Statement (RIAS) in accordance with the guidelines of the Government’s policy statement on regional impact.

The RCCC also monitors proposed changes to government programs and services and may advise the Minister for Regional Development when a RIAS is appropriate. During its three year term, the following RIAS were prepared or committed to on the advice of the RCCC:

Health�Care�Bill�2007•�

Shared�Services�Reform•�

�The�Department�of�Environment�and�•�Heritage�will�undertake�a�RIAS�on�each�of�the�19�marine�parks�proposed�under�the�Marine�Parks�Bill

�Country�Health�SA�will�prepare�a�RIAS�•�on�South�Australia’s�Regional�Health�Care�Plan

RIAS documents are publicly available on the Department of Trade and Economic Development’s website www.southaustralia.biz

SASP Reference:

T1 .8 Performance in the public sector – government decision making

T2 .4 Healthy South AustraliansT3 .4 Marine Biodiversity

Report 2005–2007 | 11


Legislation

The RCCC monitors the regional impact of legislation amendments and the introduction of new legislation and during its three-year term made submissions and/or provided input either independently or through the Office of Regional Affairs with regard to the following:

�Review�of�the�Sustainable�•�Development�Bill

�Review�of�the�Native�Vegetation�Act�•�and�Regulations

Introduction�of�the�Health�Care�Bill�2007•�

�Review�of�the�Skills�Training�and�•�Development�Act

Introduction�of�the�Marine�Parks�Bill�2006•�

SASP Reference:

T2 .4 Healthy South AustraliansT3 .4 Marine BiodiversityT6 .19 Non-school qualificationsKey Interactions across the Plan

Economic growth and ecological footprint

Quantifying the contribution of regions to the well-being of the State

In 2005 the Council advanced the economic study commissioned by the previous Council, which produced a report Quantifying the Economic Contribution of Regional South Australia, and oversaw the development of an Input – Output model for all thirteen regional development board (RDB) regions.

The Regional Industry Structure and Employment (RISE) Impact Model, provides a database describing regional economic structure and a capacity to undertake regional economic impact analysis. The Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) uses the model for various purposes, including economic impact assessments, and the development of regional profiles.

The use of the model has lead to structural change studied in the South Australian Regional Development Board regions using Shift-Share analysis, which is a technique that compares regional growth with growth at the State level, over a certain period of time.

SASP Reference:


STATE And REGIOnAL pOLICY And pLAnnInG pROCESSES >

Report 2005–2007 | 13

Regional Policy and Planning

In addition to the provision of advice and information discussed throughout this document, the RCCC also provided input into a number of other plans and processes, including:

�•� A Guide to South Australia’s Regional Plans and Policies prepared�by�the�Department�of�Trade�and�Economic�Development�to�coordinate�information�about�State�Government�agency�policies�and�plans�for�implementing�South�Australia’s�Strategic�Plan�in�regional�and�rural�South�Australia.�

�A�response�from�a�regional�perspective�•�to�the�Minister�for�the�Status�of�Women�regarding�the�development�of�a�public�document�on�the�Government’s�commitment�to�women’s�safety�in�South�Australia.

�Feedback�and�advice�to�the�Government�•�Reform�Commission�on�the�development�of�uniform�State�Government�boundaries.

�Advice�to�the�Government�Reform�•�Commission�as�part�of�a�review�of�the�Regional�Facilitation�Groups�(now�Regional�Coordination�Networks)�responsible�for�the�coordination�of�issues�and�activities�from�a�whole�of�Government�perspective.�

SASP Reference:

T1 .7 Performance in the public sector – customer and client satisfaction with government services


T1 .9 Performance in the public sector – administrative efficiency

Wind farm - Hallett

Report 2005–2007 | 15

Over the course of the three-year term numerous issues were considered by Council and brought to the attention of the Minister for Regional Development, the Minister’s Cabinet colleagues, or portfolio departments.

Native vegetation management

In response to issues raised across regional South Australia, the Council commissioned research into the systemic issues associated with the assessment of applications for native vegetation clearance and identified a need to improve both the policy framework and administration of the native vegetation approval process, to ensure timely and ecologically sustainable regional development.

The RCCC made comprehensive submissions to the review of the Native Vegetation Act 1991 and Native Vegetation Regulations 2003 and the review of the administration of the Act and Regulations, undertaken by the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) in 2006–2007.

The Council’s submissions addressed issues and recommendations in three key areas – policy framework, legislative context, and assessment and administrative processes – and contributed to the development of significant new directions for native vegetation management in SA including measures aimed at increasing transparency and consistency and simplifying processes.

Monitoring of the implementation of the measures remains a key priority for the RCCC as it moves into a new term in 2008.

SASP Reference:




Key Interactions across the Plan

Economic growth and ecological footprint

Drought

Since late 2006, the RCCC has been monitoring the impact of the drought in South Australia and has made it the basis of a number of meetings and consultations in the communities it has visited since.

The drought has had a significant adverse impact on the South Australian economy in 2006/07, exacerbated further by a poor 2007/08 cropping season, increasing farm debt levels, and high grain prices, which are also impacting on intensive livestock industries. Irrigated horticulture reliant on the River Murray is being severely affected by the relatively sudden and severe loss of water supply. River Murray irrigators also face long term impacts if perennial crops do not survive the current drought.

< Banrock Station Wine & Wetland Centre - Riverland

REGIOnAL ISSuES


Regular reports to the Minister for Regional Development, by the RCCC, on the impact of the drought on regional communities have focussed largely on the flow-on effects including the social impact and, in particular, the need for increased counselling and mental health support for rural communities and schools. Many of the RCCC’s concerns have also been highlighted at Leaders’ Forums in the areas of Industry, Business, Social and Natural Resource Management and by the Premier’s High level Task Force, and many have now been addressed in measures announced by the South Australian Government.

The RCCC remains concerned that, while the resources boom has supported many rural families’ capacity to earn off farm income in the mining industry during the drought, there are longer-term problems for the supply of skilled labour for the rural sector and for the sustainability of rural communities.

The RCCC will continue to monitor, report, and make recommendations on the impact of the drought in regional South Australian communities.

SASP Reference:

T1 .1 Economic GrowthT1 .11 UnemploymentT1 .14 Total ExportsT1 .15 TourismT2 .7 Psychological WellbeingT5 .9 Regional Population Levels

Shared Services Reform

In September, 2006, the South Australian Government announced that it would establish a shared services organisation to support all Government portfolios in order to reduce duplication of internal administrative services and create more simplified and efficient processes (a recommendation of the Greg Smith review).

Representatives of the RCCC met with the Shared Services Reform Office (SSRO) to discuss the proposed reforms and the associated regional impacts.

Following advice from the RCCC, a full Regional Impact Assessment Statement (RIAS) was prepared and the SSRO committed to continuing consultation with the RCCC at key points during the reform process.

SASP Reference:




REGIOnAL ISSuES >

Report 2005–2007 | 17

Telecommunications

Regional consultations have highlighted many difficulties/gaps in service provision in regional telecommunications, including telephone, mobile telephone networks and internet connection (access to broadband).

The RCCC:

�Opposed�the�sale�of�Telstra�by�the�previous�•�Federal�Government�and�advised�the�Minister�for�Regional�Development�that�a�needs�analysis�was�required�to�ensure�that�funding�is�available�to�all�communities�not�just�those�with�critical�mass�or�political�relevance.

�Advised�the�Minister�for�Regional�•�Development�of�concerns�of�duplication�when�OPEL�was�awarded�the�Australian�contract�by�the�previous�Federal�Government�and�supported�the�South�Australian�Government�proposal�to�transfer�proposed�infrastructure�from�areas�of�high�duplication�to�areas�not�covered�or�with�minimal�coverage.

�Has�raised�concerns�that�Satellite�rather�•�than�ADSL�or�wireless�would�be�relied�upon�to�meet�the�Australian�Broadband�Guarantee.

All of these concerns have been included by DFEEST in negotiations with the Federal Government.

SASP Reference:




T4 .8 Broadband Usage

Spinifex - Riverland


Public liability issues for community groups and community activities

The RCCC, through its community consultative forums, has continued to receive feedback on issues regarding the cost and burden of managing public liability insurance for community groups and activities.

The RCCC continues to provide advice and recommendations to relevant Ministers and to seek new approaches to mitigate the insurance burden on the many community organisations with minimum insurance needs who play a valuable role in their community and whose existence continue to be threatened as a result of this burden.

SASP Reference:

T2 .3 Sport and RecreationT2 .4 Healthy South AustraliansT5 .6 VolunteeringT5 .9 Regional Population Levels

Port Vincent Aquatic Centre

The RCCC supported the Port Vincent community’s concerns about the possible closure of the Port Vincent Aquatic Centre.

The local community now continue to enjoy the Port Vincent Aquatic Centre following the Minister for Education and Children’s Services’ decision to continue to fund Australia’s only government funded school aquatics program, ensuring valuable vocational and water survival skills continue to be taught across South Australia.

SASP Reference:

T2 .3 Sport and Recreation

Aquatics Centre staff and school students.Photo courtesy of Port Vincent Primary School.

REGIOnAL ISSuES >

Report 2005–2007 | 19

Health

The Council provided input into the Department of Trade and Economic Development’s submission on the Health Care Bill 2007. The Bill facilitates the key changes required to implement the South Australian Government’s Health Care Plan. The Department’s submission incorporated regional health issues that have been raised with the Regional Communities Consultative Council, including:

�Concerns�around�the�previous�reform�•�resulting�in�a�single�country�health�region,�which�was�implemented�in�July�2006.�

�Lack�of�health�transport�infrastructure�•�(the�risk�of�heavy�reliance�on�volunteers)�and�the�cost�of�transport.

��South�Australia’s�aging�population�and�the�•�trend�towards�smaller�aged�communities�in�regional�South�Australia�and�the�potential�impact�on�access�to�services.

�Workforce�issues�including�skills�shortages�•�and�difficulties�attracting�and�retaining�skilled�health�professionals�in�regional�communities.

�The�high�cost�of�upgrades�to�aging�•�regional�facilities�and�the�fear�that,�as�a�result,�hospitals�and�other�facilities�will�be�closed�rather�than�maintained.

SASP Reference:

T2 .4 Healthy South Australians

Kingsford Industrial Estate

Following its meeting in the Barossa Valley in November 2006, the RCCC convened a roundtable of key stakeholders involved in the stalled development of the Kingsford Industrial Estate. This led to completion of the Master Plan and the implementation of systems to advance the development, which secured $600,000 in Regional Development Infrastructure Fund support.

SASP Reference:

T1 .1 Economic GrowthT1 .5 Business Investment

Flinders Ranges


Over the next three year term 2008 to 2010 the Regional Communities Consultative Council will continue to consult with communities on key issues such as health, training and education, transport and infrastructure and to report to the Minister for Regional Development on the issues raised.

Drought and its impact on South Australian regional communities will remain a key focus for the Council going into a new three year term. Alongside this are issues around the resources boom and the economic, social and environmental impact on regional communities, which the Council has identified as a major consideration going forward.

The RCCC will continue to advocate for regional representation on relevant boards and committees and is keen to increase the flow of information and communication between communities and government.

Regional consultations through forums, site visits and targeted meetings remains an important tool for the RCCC and this approach will continue into the next term. The RCCC is well aware that, through this process, it risks raising expectations in communities with regard to issues that are not within its scope or ability to resolve. However, members are often in a position to share similar experiences within their own communities. In addition, this approach is effective in identifying issues that are relevant across a number of communities and may warrant State Government consideration.

LOOkInG FORWARd

Chairman Peter Blacker with Anita Bowen – President Barossa Region Residents Association, Jane Lowe – RCCC Member, and Roy Blight – CEO Barossa and Light Regional Development Board

During this period the following people gave their time, experience and expertise as members of the Council:

Peter Blacker (Chair) – Port LincolnDeb Agnew – Mt BurrJoy Baluch AM – Port Augusta Bill Boehm – Roxby DownsMark Braes – MillicentJeff Burgess – GulnareBill Clifford – Murray Bridge Bishop Eugene Hurley – Port Pirie Karen Kaak – FinnissJohn Legoe (Dec) – Kingston Monika Klein – CockaleechieJane Lowe – CedunaKym McHugh – Mount CompassBill McIntosh AM – BlinmanIan O’Loan OAM – Mallala Jeffrey Mincham – CherryvilleHeather Moore – Tailem BendJanet Sawyer – Whyalla Dr Ruth Schubert – Mt GambierClaire Smith – Berri Phil Tyler – AdelaideCraig Wickham – Kangaroo IslandJeanette Wormald – Northern Mallee

Executive Officers who supported the RCCC during this term:

Esther RobertsSam BrayJacqui Triggs

REGIOnAL COMMunITIES COnSuLTATIvE COunCIL 2005–2007

Printed on Revive Silk - an Australian made recycled paper.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

KINGSTON

CEDUNA

WHYALLAPORT AUGUSTA

BLINMAN

PORT PIRIE GULNARE

PORT LINCOLN

COCKALEECHIE

ADELAIDE CHERRYVILLEMALLALA

MURRAY BRIDGETAILEM BENDFINNISS

MT COMPASS

BERRI

KANGAROO ISLAND

MT GAMBIER

MILLICENT MT BURR

RCCC ConTaCT deTails

Executive OfficerRegional Communities Consultative Council

GPO Box 1264Adelaide SA 5001T 08 8303 2423F 08 8303 2350E [email protected]

regional communities consultative council 2005-07 (7)

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