A commitment by the State Government to invest $110 million to help expand the Northern Adelaide Plains irrigated food production area could make it the premier “food bowl” in Australia.

Premier Jay Weatherill, joined by Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Leon Bignell and Minister for Water Ian Hunter, today announced the State Government has submitted an application to the Federal Government’s National Water Infrastructure Development Fund (NWIDF) to help fund the project.

Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo who was present at the announcement said the project would create 3700 jobs in and around Adelaide’s northern suburbs and add more than $500 million a year to the State’s economy.

“If the application is successful, the State Government will invest $110 million in the project - through SA Water – and is seeking a $45.6 million funding commitment from the Federal Government,” Mr Piccolo said.

“It would deliver an additional 12 gigalitres (GL) a year of recycled water suitable for agricultural use from the Bolivar Waste Water Treatment Plant – an increase of 60 per cent – to help expand the State’s irrigated agriculture industry.”

“New infrastructure would be built to deliver this recycled water to industry, with capacity to increase to 20 GL a year as demand and access to interstate and overseas Markets grow.”

“The State Government will continue to work with proponents, industry groups and growers in the region to ensure a fair, equitable and transparent process, and determine how they can participate in the additional recycled water allocation which delivers the greatest state benefit.”

“I have been told by people in the industry that this investment could make the region the premier food bowl in Australia,” he said.

Susie Green, Horticulture Coalition of South Australia said the announcement is a positive for horticulture in South Australia, in particular in Adelaide’s northern region.

“The investment in the NAIS will assist in creating jobs in the region,” Ms Green said.

AUSVEG SA, the state-wide body representing South Australia’s $550 million vegetable industry, welcomed the announcement for its potential to grow jobs and investment in Adelaide’s North.

Jordan Brooke-Barnett, AusVeg National Manager, Public Affairs said AUSVEG welcome this investment, which is critical to allow Northern Adelaide Plains growers to compete and grow in domestic and export Markets.

“The growers of the Northern Adelaide Plains region will be able to put these water resources to use providing additional jobs,” Mr Brooke-Barnett said.

“Additional economic activity in this vital region of our state.

“Horticulture already contributes $1 billion in farm-gate value to our state per annum and can be a leader in driving economic growth in Adelaide’s North,” he said.

Mr Angelo Demasi, CEO of the SA Produce, has welcomed the Premier’s announcement today to invest $110M in the Northern Adelaide Plains Irrigation scheme.

“The Market looks forward to working on the detail with the State Government in the coming months,” Mr Demasi said.

“We hope this investment will provide our local growers with much needed high grade affordable water which can expand our production volumes for export Markets,” he said.

Brian Robertson, Hortex Executive Officer said that from the growers’ perspective, it is a great opportunity and good to see that the Government is looking to invest in the industry.

“The industry needs this kind of investment for its future growth.

“The investment will go toward producing a premium quality product for the export Market; the growers are really looking for ways to improve their products for the export Market,” Mr Robertson said.

Mr Piccolo said the project would also reduce impacts on the environment by making better use of recycled wastewater.