Another busy month

November has been another busy month, in both Parliament House and across the electorate meeting with constituents and attending multiple events. 

Other recent diary highlights have included officially marking the completion of the first 15 kilometres of the predator management fence on southern Yorke Peninsula in Warooka for the Rewilding “Great Southern Ark project; attending a showcase concert at Central Yorke School Performing Arts Centre at Maitland; and speaking at the Corny Point Progress & Renovation Committees’ grand opening of the Corny Point historical photo display, this day including a presentation about the Ethel Wreck and the unveiling of a plaque.

In Parliament over the last two sitting weeks, I have contributed to debate on the Summary Offences (Trespass on Primary Production Premises) Amendment Bill, and on the Crown Land Management (Section 78B Leases) Amendment Bill. Re the former, it was an important opportunity to highlight the need for increased protection for our farmers and our State’s vitally economically valuable primary industries, sadly necessary in the wake of a recent surge in anti-farm activism. Re the Crown Land Management Bill (which has now passed through the Lower House), this motion is of particular interest to local shack owners at Innes National Park and around Marion Bay, Port Clinton, Port Broughton and other areas, proposing an important new pathway for retaining such shacks instead of demolishing them, offering instead improved tenure or freehold opportunities. 

I also moved an important motion to mark National Agriculture Day on 21 November and delivered a Grieves speech to highlight the “Fat Farmers” health initiative that commenced in Maitland and has gone on to be a state-wide movement inspiring many. All my speeches are loaded on this website and can be viewed via the Parliament tab.

Other news of note is the outstanding achievement by Redwing Farm Stay and Wallaroo Marina Apartments at the recent SA Tourism Awards, both local tourism favourites which were awarded gold medals and will now vie for National Tourism titles in their categories.

I was pleased to have Minister for Sport and Recreation the Hon. Corey Wingard MP in Mallala recently to present $76,000 from the Grassroots Football, Cricket and Netball Facilities Program for Mallala Netball Club to upgrade courts and facilities; and also for Wakefield Regional Council to receive $41,900 from the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing to link the Walk the Yorke and Riesling Trail, a significant 55-kilometre project (Copper Trail) to run from Balaklava to Port Wakefield.

On 30 October, I was also very pleased to be advised Mallala Primary School was that week scheduled for hook up to world class high-speed internet, as part of the ongoing roll out of the Marshall Liberal Government’s $80 million “Schools with Internet Fibre Technology Program”. By mid-next year, 507 school sites, including all in Narungga, are set to be connected to the fibre optic providing speeds up to 1,000 times quicker than their previous connection.

In grants news, the Ageing Well Community Grants are now open, for incorporated, non-profit organisations who work with and for older people in our communities. There are three streams available, with applications closing 17 January; for more information visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/communitygrants  or phone 08 8204 2420.

In closing, with Christmas now less than six weeks away, I encourage us all to shop local in support of our small businesses which are the backbone of our local and State economies. Your dollars spent locally are an investment in local jobs and a vibrant retail sector in our towns and can make a real difference.

(PS - thanks to all for support for my current participation in "Movember" with a group of friends in support a mate who recently had an adverse diagnosis. This is the first time I've taken part in this great initiative to raise funds and awareness about men's health and all encouragement is greatly appreciated.)