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2002 - THE YEAR IN
REVIEW Water: One of the long term benefits from 2002 is the recognition that Eyre Peninsula has a water problem after being told many times over the past few years that there is no problem. The announcement of a $32 million desalination plant to be located on the Tod Reservoir is a step in the right direction but 2003, not 2004, should be the due date. Streaky Bay is now connected into the main Eyre Peninsula reticulated water system with the pipeline installed and operating. Water carting from the main in this region is at last a thing of the past and the aquifer can be allowed to recharge. Power: Six wind power companies – Ausker Energies, Hydro Tasmania, Pacific Hydro, Babcock & Brown, Westpower and Wind Prospect – are all active on Eyre Peninsula. Progress continues and hopefully 2003 will see the first turbines in place. Agriculture: Good prices are counteracting the poor season however the effect will be lessened by the exchange rate which is going up. That will have a detrimental effect on exports and hence Eyre Peninsula since we export nearly $1 billion of produce from this region in a good year. The agricultural season was patchy nevertheless we missed the worst of the drought due in part to good conservation practices which are an integral part of present day farming on Eyre Peninsula. Aquaculture: Kingfish farms have been in the news, one of the facets being their success. The industry is going through some growing pains, the same as every other farming and fishing industry. However as issues become known, licence conditions and education can enable everyone to utilise our natural resources. Fishing: The cray season is improving. Fishermen have put through a significant milestone with the change to a quota system for this region. Quotas have worked well in the southeast. The loss of PIRSA and fisheries staff was a negative, with education, training and compliance issues a concern. Environment: The water is flowing through the pipes from the Port Lincoln grey water re-use scheme and will be connected to Ravendale oval and the racecourse (both with large lawned areas) early in the new year. Water re-use schemes are happening across the peninsula with Wudinna one of the most recent. Roads: Progress has continued on road widening, and on the Lock-Elliston, Lipson-Ungarra, and Bratten Way roads, with assistance from all levels of government – federal, state and local. Education: A great disappointment was the funding cuts to approved expenditure for the Ceduna Area School which will delay the school’s full redevelopment. The review of the future of the Port Lincoln schools has received a boost with a person now appointed to oversee the process. Tourism: The highlight of the year was definitely the eclipse of the sun and all the activities planned around it at Ceduna, while the launch of the new seafood and aquaculture trail is a project that will bring long term benefit to our region. The Year of the Outback drew many visitors to events on Eyre Peninsula while our people also participated in bigger events such as the Cattle Drive. Parliament: The loss of a Liberal Government was regrettable however the result in Flinders was the best ever with 65.31% of the first preference vote and 78.42% of the two-party preferred vote supporting my team. I thank you for your support and undertake to continue to work hard on your behalf. The Labor Cabinet visit was the first of our efforts to educate the new Ministers. The electorate: Together we have achieved much. I particularly appreciate those who have brought my attention to matters of concern, and those who have been prepared to work on submissions to back up requests for change. Many victories have been won. Working for Eyre Peninsula and our people is our priority, but your participation is needed for the most success to be achieved. |
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