September update - see you at the YP Field Days

I am pleased to advise the Narungga Electorate Maitland office is temporarily relocating to the YP Field Days site at Paskeville for the duration of next week’s important three-day regional event, from 24^th to 26^th September.

You’ll find us in the Cyclone Pavilion, in a joint stall with Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey MP.

Being a Parliamentary sitting week, I can only be on site for the Tuesday (24^th). However, electorate staff will be in attendance on all three days, to take enquiries and talk through any State issues you wish to have relayed to me. There will also be opportunity to fill in a questionnaire, and to provide confidential thoughts on the three upcoming conscience votes soon to be debated in the House of Assembly – the Statutes Amendment (Decriminalisation Sex Work) Bill, the Statutes Amendment (Abortion Law Reform) Bill 2018 and the Surrogacy Bill 2019 (the latter introduced last sitting). 

Well done to all involved in staging the 2019 Yorke Peninsula Field Days, and to all exhibitors for your participation, which ensures the ongoing success of this major biennial agricultural and tourism event.

I also encourage a visit to the Grain Producers SA site at the Field Days where there will be opportunity to provide input into the State Government’s proposed new SA Food, Wine and Agribusiness sectors strategy as part of underway public consultation (no bookings required). This follows the release of a discussion paper focused on growing these sectors already valued at $14.8 billion to the state, announced on 2 September by Minister for Trade David Ridgway and Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone MP. For more information visit www.yoursay.sa.gov.au/agribusinessgrowth

In reviewing my activities of the last month, I have welcomed the opportunity the winter break from Parliament afforded me to catch up with many constituents, incorporating visits with councils, small business, industry leaders and community members in Mallala, Port Wakefield, Snowtown and Lochiel, as well as across Yorke Peninsula.                

At Lochiel on 30 August, I met with Councillor John Nicholls (left) to see improvements made by Lochiel Progress Association to cater for growing numbers of visitors to Pink Lake, and to discuss traffic issues. A visit from the Minister for Health Stephen Wade MLC on 27 August was also very valuable, meeting with stakeholders and staff at Wallaroo, Maitland and Yorketown hospitals to discuss detailed planning for future workforces (and at Yorketown, seeing the plans for the upgrade of the theatre and recovery suites that are due to commence).

In response to community feedback, a second information session about the revised plans for the Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication project was held on 10 September in Port Wakefield. About 120 local residents attended to have their say directly to staff about the revised plans; we now await collation of the feedback received.

On 12 September in Parliament I enjoyed hosting a group of local school leaders, among them students from Snowtown Area, St Columba’s Memorial, Ardrossan Area, Maitland Lutheran and St Mary MacKillop schools. The day included a tour of Parliament House and the Parliamentary Library, observing sessions in the House of Assembly and Legislative Council, and lunch in Old Parliament House at which Premier Steven Marshall and Minister for Education John Gardner popped in to chat with the students. It is hoped that such a day can become an annual event for local student leaders.

Last Sunday, I was also privileged to give an address and plant a tree at the dedication ceremony for Shannon Methodist Church and Cemetery near Long Plains.

In grants news, I remind round 48 of the Active Club Program closes at noon next Wednesday, 25 September. This fund assists active recreation and sport clubs to provide programs and services, with funds of either $2,500 or $5,000 available. For more info visit https://orsr.sa.gov.au/funding or phone 1300 714 990.

The current round of the Grants SA program is also open until 30 September (more info at www.fraserellis.com.au). This fund offers non-profit organisations between $10,000-$100,000 for equipment, community activities, volunteer training or facility upgrades.