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Water resources the focus of Barossa & Light plan

Media Release | 17 December 2007

The Waterproofing Barossa & Light Region Master Plan 2008 is one of the inaugural recipients of grants from the new Regional Project Fund.

The Barossa and Light Regional Development Board will receive $85,000 to prepare a water security plan for the region as part of a State Government initiative that is injecting $1.4 million into South Australia's regional economies.

The Barossa & Light Region's Master Plan is one of eight projects funded under the Regional Project Fund, which replaces the pool of funds previously provided directly to the State's regional development boards. It focuses on proposals that contribute to state-wide strategic priorities, such as those embodied in South Australia's Strategic Plan.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Industry and Trade Karlene Maywald says the timely project will explore water sources and storage options needed to meet the region's ongoing requirements.

"Given the ongoing importance of water resources to the region's economic prosperity and sustainability, long-term planning is critical to reduce the negative impacts of drought in the future," Minister Maywald says.

The other projects to receive RDF funding are:

  • Eyre EDB (Port of Thevenard Economic & Social Impact Study & Business Case) - $60,000 for a business case for the upgrading of the Port of Thevenard, including deepening the Yalata Channel and improved port infrastructure.
  • Kangaroo Island DB (KI Water Gap Recognition) - $91,000 for a business case into the costs of transporting passengers and freight between KI and the mainland. 
  • Limestone Coast DB (Growing Sustainable Businesses) - $75,000 to fund a business development and mentoring program for 15 regional manufacturing/processing businesses. 
  • Murraylands RDB (Monarto Precinct) - $105,000 for a Monarto Precinct business case to investigate the need for infrastructure and extra industrial and residential land between Murray Bridge, Mt Barker and Strathalbyn. 
  • Northern RDB (Outback SA Centre of Sustainable Excellence Project) - $50,000 to investigate affordable energy and water supply solutions for remote communities, including Indigenous communities.
  • Southern Flinders Ranges DB (Construction & Engineering Capacity Building Program) - $50,000 to establish two construction and engineering worker training centres, with training focused on Indigenous persons and farmers affected by the drought. 
  • Whyalla EDB (Mine Operator Training Centre) - $25,000 for a feasibility study for a Mine Operator Training Centre at one of the former OneSteel mine sites in the Middleback Ranges near Iron Knob.