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Government commits to regional statement

4 May 2011

A regional statement for South Australia will be developed to enhance the State Government’s commitment to building sustainable regional communities.

Regional Development Minister Gail Gago said the statement would also identify emerging challenges and opportunities.

Ms Gago said the Government had made a significant investment in regional South Australia through programs including the $20 million Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund, the Upper Spencer Gulf Enterprise Zone, structural adjustment assistance for the South East and the ongoing Regional Development Infrastructure Fund.

“Now is the time to consolidate and build upon current initiatives with the development of a statement for regional South Australia as the vehicle for improved regional economic, social and environmental outcomes,” the Minister said.

“South Australia will benefit from a statement, which will highlight to regional communities and to government agencies the linkages between government plans, strategies, programs and services.”

Ms Gago said the statement would reaffirm the Government’s commitment to regional areas.

“It will highlight the importance of regional communities to the continuing economic development of the state, including new opportunities from major resource and other projects,” she said.

“It will help to identify the challenges and opportunities facing regional communities and elaborate on the government’s approaches to regional planning, service delivery and development."

“The statement will encourage regional communities to take ownership of those important initiatives that will drive future regional prosperity.”

The Minister said the independent Regional Communities Consultative Council would help develop the statement.

“There will also be consultation with government agencies, key stakeholders, and other Ministers throughout the process,” she said.

Work on the statement is expected to begin in the next few weeks.