Narungga update

The full detail of the 2019/20 State Budget will soon be released, and I expect substantial investment in multiple regions across the State will feature heavily.

The news last week that the Marshall Government is to deliver a record $1.115 billion for regional road projects is further evidence of the Liberal Government's commitment to communities outside of Gepps Cross.

This month has instilled in me great confidence that inroads are being made into addressing the many environmental and infrastructure issues occurring along Narungga electorate coastlines. 

The good news began with the announcement by Premier Marshall that work has commenced on developing a strategic plan to specifically address the vital issue of sustainable management of jetties across the State. With 18 in our electorate, and all being vital pieces of infrastructure of significant economic, recreation and tourism value, this was welcome news which came off the back of a recent visit by Minister for Transport & Infrastructure Stephan Knoll when YP Council representatives and I ensured he saw first-hand the upgrade works needed to just one jetty, Ardrossan.

The next visit I hosted was from Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs on 27-29 May, which included visits to Fisherman’s Bay, Wallaroo, Point Turton, Yorketown, Stenhouse Bay, Innes National Park, Edithburgh, Black Point, Ardrossan, Port Parham and Thompson’s Beach.

Coastal erosion and boat ramps were predominant topics; thus, I was very pleased that the day after the visit the Minister announced a new $4 million Regional Coast Protection Fund for local councils in the regions to access to directly tackle coastal problems.

This new substantial injection of an additional $1 million every year for four years will not only reap significant environmental benefits but will boost our regional economies as well by attracting more visitors.

Another worthy announcement was made on 24 May by Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Tim Whetstone, that a focussed strategy on how best to develop, support and grow regional South Australia has formally commenced. This is work I keenly support, and the process includes a community forum in Kadina on 15 July to which I encourage locals to participate.  All ideas are on the table; for more info and a copy of the discussion paper, contact my office or visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/regionaldevelopmentstrategy .

Lastly, there was good news this month for Yorketown Airstrip with the Marshall Liberal Government pledging $303,000 to help seal the runway to create an all-weather facility that can be relied upon to continue to provide lifesaving healthcare services for southern Yorke Peninsula.

For more updates, including grants information (note: the 2^nd round SA Heritage Grants are now open), visit www.fraserellis.com.au ; or contact the Narungga electorate office at 51 Robert Street Maitland -- phone 8832 2455, email [email protected]