Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island

Annual Report 2015-2016

Images courtesy of Brand Kangaroo Island and the South Australian Tourism Commission.

Contents Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Key activities to date 2015-2016: . . . . . . . 6

Improving the delivery of government services

and infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Assisting residents and businesses on KI

to deal with government agencies . . . . . . . . 9

Assisting to improve the local economy . . . . . . 10

Other activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

The year ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Contact details . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Foreword The Annual Report submitted by the Office of the

Commissioner for Kangaroo Island (OCKI) in September

2015 to the Deputy Premier, the Hon John Rau MP,

outlined the early work of the office that had only been

operational at that time for four months .

That report focused on identifying the opportunities

and challenges for the island, my meetings with key

stakeholders, the establishment of the office, and the

manner of continuing the work of the Kangaroo Island

Futures Authority (KIFA) .

As required under Part 5, Section 19 of the Commissioner

for Kangaroo Island Act 2014 (the Act), I am now pleased

to submit the 2015-2016 Annual Report .

This report sets out the key activities undertaken by my

Office in 2015-2016 building on work undertaken in the

previous financial year .

My office has continued to work closely with the

Kangaroo Island Council and the island’s peak bodies:

Agriculture Kangaroo Island, Business Kangaroo Island,

Kangaroo Island Food and Wine Association, Kangaroo

Island Industry and Brand Alliance, and Tourism

Kangaroo Island .

Similarly, I have built networks within the Government of

South Australia, which have greatly assisted in ensuring

the effective delivery of government services and

infrastructure on the island .

Most importantly, I am pleased that these industry

groups and government agencies are demonstrating

a strong commitment to working together with OCKI

to support economic development on the island while

balancing social and environmental concerns .

2

There are now more than $182 million in proposed and

approved developments taking place on the island over

the next three to five years, an increase on the $171m

identified in last year’s report . Further, the upgrade of the

Kangaroo Island Airport is expected to increase visitation

to the island by 30,000 people by 2021, contributing an

additional seven per cent to the island’s Gross Regional

Product (GRP) . Kangaroo Island is in a strong position to

contribute to South Australia’s economic growth .

I have initiated a series of projects that will support

businesses to benefit from and contribute to growth on

the island including the Kangaroo Island Transformation

Project . This project includes the Airport Upgrade Pilot

Project which supported construction companies and

contractors on the island to assess the opportunities

the upgrade presented for their businesses . The Airport

Upgrade Pilot was enthusiastically received and has

positioned the island’s business operators positively

for the tender process . There are also knock-on

opportunities for transport and logistic businesses and

airport management . I am pleased that the second

phase of the Transformation Project, launched by the

Premier on 27 July 2016, has prompted additional island

businesses to participate in the program .

I am continuing to work closely with developers to

support their negotiation of development approval

processes and to ensure they have appropriate

connections with State Government and energy and

water representatives . Through this work I have been

assured by many project proponents that they will focus

on the potential to source local services, products and

employees where possible and financially feasible . I have

also played a role in introducing developers to each other

where there might be potential for collaboration .

I have been honoured to have heard many individual

stories from islanders who have welcomed me into

their homes, shared their experiences, challenges and

triumphs . I am appreciative of the warm hospitality

of these individuals and the faith being put in me as

Commissioner for Kangaroo Island . The strong sense of

community, collaboration, determination and pride in the

island’s bountiful assets are some of the common themes

among those I have met .

I will continue to work with individuals, businesses,

industry groups, developers and governments to carry

out the functions of the Commissioner’s role and work

towards achieving long-term economic, social and

environmental sustainability on Kangaroo Island for

current and future generations .

To stay informed on the activities of OCKI throughout the

2016-2017 financial year, sign up to the E-news on our

website: www.kangarooislandcommissioner.sa.gov.au

Wendy CampanaCommissioner for Kangaroo Island

3

Introduction Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island

covering around 4,500 square kilometres of land and

situated 13 .5km from the mainland . Kangaroo Island has

a resident population of 4,4171 .

One third of Kangaroo Island is declared as conservation

or national park with 40 per cent of the island

comprised of native vegetation . Kangaroo Island’s

pristine environment, abundance of native wildlife and

spectacular natural attractions, make it the jewel in the

crown for South Australia’s tourism industry .

The tourism industry contributes 64 per cent to the

island’s GRP . Kangaroo Island attracts almost 200,000

visitors annually with 42 per cent of visitors from

interstate, 26 per cent from overseas and 32 per cent

from within South Australia . The industry currently

employs over 500 people directly, making up

23 per cent of the island’s regional employment .

Agriculture, forestry and fishing account for 26 per cent

of Kangaroo Island’s GRP with the island’s primary

produce including wool, grain, beans, canola, lamb, beef,

eggs, honey and seafood . A range of premium beverages

are produced on Kangaroo Island including wine, cider,

beer and spirits .

Through its geographically isolated location, Kangaroo

Island faces unique challenges in accessing services,

ensuring the provision of infrastructure and growing its

economy . Such challenges were outlined in the Paradise

Girt by Sea Report commissioned by the Economic

Development Board of South Australia in 2011 .

KIFA was formed by the South Australian Government

in 2011 on the recommendation of that report . KIFA

undertook important work in developing the local

economy and establishing the island’s brand, which is

increasingly being used in the promotion of Kangaroo

Island’s products and experiences . The Kangaroo Island

First Report was commissioned by KIFA and laid the

foundation for work undertaken by the Office of the

Commissioner for Kangaroo Island .

1 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2011) ‘Kangaroo Island’, Code 407011145 (SA2)

4

The Commissioner for Kangaroo Island Act, became an

Act of Parliament in 2014 and I was appointed to the

role of Commissioner in May 2015 . The Commissioner

is responsible for three key functions:

• Improving the delivery of government services and

infrastructure;

• Providing assistance to businesses and individuals

in dealing with government agencies, and;

• Assisting to improve the local economy .

This Annual Report sets out the key activities undertaken

in the 2015-2016 financial year to perform the functions

under the Act .

5

Key activities to date 2015-2016:

Improving the delivery of government services and infrastructure

Section 8(a) of the Act sets out the Commissioner’s

functions:

,,to improve the management,

co-ordination and delivery of infrastructure and services provided by government agencies on Kangaroo Island,,

A series of activities have occurred in 2015/16 to fulfil

this responsibility, set out below .

Management Plan for Housing on Kangaroo Island

Under Part 4 of the Act, the Commissioner is able to

develop Management Plans to ensure the effective

delivery, management and coordination of government

infrastructure and services or assist in improving the

local economy .

In May 2016, my Office developed a draft Management

Plan for Housing on Kangaroo Island . This draft plan

drew on findings from the Kangaroo Island Community

Housing Strategy . The development of the Strategy

was funded by KIFA and highlighted a need to address

the provision of housing infrastructure and associated

services on the island .

The Draft Management Plan for Housing on Kangaroo

Island passed through Cabinet on 6 June and was

gazetted on 9 June 2016 .

The draft plan sets out its objectives, proposals and

priorities for assessing the current and future housing

needs on the island . As required under the Act, public

representations were invited on the draft plan (between

14 June and 15 July 2016) and comment was sought by

OCKI from relevant Ministers whose agencies are likely

to be impacted by the Management Plan .

6

A Local Advisory Board for Housing on Kangaroo Island

has also been formed . As required by the Act, feedback

is being sought from the Board on the draft plan . The

board will also be considering the submissions received .

The Management Plan is expected to be finalised in

October 2016 .

The Draft Management Plan for Housing is available on

the website .

Local Advisory Boards

Pursuant to Part 3 of the Act, Local Advisory Boards can

be established “to provide advice to the Commissioner

in relation to any matter referred to the board by the

Commissioner (and in particular in relation to any

management plan or proposed management plan

referred to the board)” .

Housing on Kangaroo Island

A Local Advisory Board for Housing was formed

on 14 June 2016 following invitations to key state

government agencies, the Kangaroo Island Council and

an advertisement placed in The Islander for community

representatives .

The Local Advisory Board for Housing will provide advice

in relation to the provision of housing infrastructure and

delivery of services and other matters relating to housing

on Kangaroo Island .

As required by the Act, consultation occurred with the

Kangaroo Island Council regarding the nominations

received .

Membership of the Board was announced on 14 June

2016 and includes:

• Dr Chris Lease, (Presiding Member) Department of

Health and Ageing

• Ms Danielle Bament, Department of Communities

and Social Inclusion

• Mr Andrew Boardman, Kangaroo Island Council

• Mr Graham Brown, Junction Australia

• Ms Soula Dagas, Community Living Australia

• Ms Bec Davis, Kangaroo Island Community Housing

Association Inc

• Ms Meredith Harris, Kangaroo Island Health Services

• Mr Ian Kent, Kangaroo Island Community Education

(representing Department for Education and Child

Development)

• Ms Maria Palumbo, Renewal SA

• Mr Colin Taylor, Public Nominee

• Ms Margaret Watson-England, Community Living

Options

The Board undertook an induction and held its inaugural

meeting on Tuesday 26 July 2016 . It is expected that the

Board meets every 12 weeks .

The Terms of Reference for this Local Advisory Board

are available on the website .

Medical and Health Services

Preliminary consultation with medical, health and

community services providers on the island was

undertaken in February 2016 to identify challenges and

opportunities for improvement in service delivery .

The identified priorities fell into three key themes:

Aged Care

• Ensuring long-term planning for Kangaroo Island’s

population;

• Ensuring facilities available for current and future

high-needs community members .

Improving Service Delivery

• One point of referral for all services and resourcing a

‘position’ to update and maintain a list of services on

and off the Island;

• Enhanced, on-island, provision of psychosocial support

and family counselling;

• Ensuring continuation of current mental health services .

Transport

• Enhance on-island transport services;

• Improved transport between the island and mainland

for specialist appointments .

Work will continue with the medical, health and community

services providers to address the identified priorities .

7

Sports and Recreation

In February 2016, a workshop was held with the Office

for Recreation and Sport and the Kangaroo Island

Council . It was attended by representatives from

Kangaroo Island’s key associations and clubs with the

aim being to determine priorities to ensure access to

resources, government services and grants .

Some of the key priorities included:

• Increasing collaboration between clubs for strategic

planning, grants and facilities;

• Exploring options for establishing a position to provide

secretarial / executive officer support to the clubs

to assist with strategic planning, management of

expenses, grant writing;

• Improving access to training sessions through the

provision of community bus services or by staggering

times for training .

The Kangaroo Island Council and the Office for Recreation

and Sport provided information on grants, the STARCLUB

program and other available assistance .

Work will continue with Kangaroo Island’s sports and

recreation clubs and associations in 2016-2017 to

address these priorities .

Youth

A meeting with members of the Kangaroo Island Youth

Committee was held in January 2016 to determine how

to identify issues for youth on the island . The committee

assisted in establishing some preliminary issues such as:

• Lack of transport;

• Lack of activities and associated resources;

• Underage consumption of drugs and alcohol;

• Need for a dedicated youth worker on the island .

Further forums will be held with youth seeking input from

a broader number of young people across the island to

address some of these issues and identify areas where

government services and infrastructure could meet the

needs of Kangaroo Island’s youth .

Local Transport

Transport on Kangaroo Island has been raised at several

of the workshops in relation to medical services,

sports, recreation and youth . Work has occurred with

staff within the Department of Planning, Transport

and Infrastructure to develop a ‘Passenger Survey’ to

identify the transport needs of the island’s population .

This survey will be delivered in 2016-2017 and will be the

basis of future work to improve the provision of transport .

Consideration has also been given to the ongoing

funding, and contractual and operational issues

supporting the Rockhopper service .

8

Assisting residents and businesses on KI to deal with government agencies

Section 8(b) of the Act sets out the Commissioner’s function:

,,to provide appropriate

assistance to residents and businesses on Kangaroo Island in dealing with government agencies (with a view to ensuring co-ordinated delivery of infrastructure and services to such residents and businesses) ,,

Activities in 2015-2016 to fulfil this responsibility, are set

out below .

Energy Security Focus Group

The Energy Security Focus Group was formed in

September 2015 and is continuing its role in advising me

on options for securing energy to the island .

As part of the determination of the Australian Energy

Regulator, SA Power Networks is considering alternative

solutions for the island’s energy security (in addition to

the replacement of the undersea cable) . Their findings

will be tabled in a draft report that will be published in

October 2016 .

The Institute of Sustainable Futures will be hosting a

workshop with the Kangaroo Island community on the

island in September 2016 to discuss renewable options

for energy security .

In January 2016, the Focus Group adopted a statement

setting out expectations related to energy security,

reliability and costs of connecting to the grid . This

statement is proposed to underpin consideration of

proposals emerging from SA Power Networks and is

available on OCKI’swebsite .

Kangaroo Island Airport Upgrade

Support was provided to Kangaroo Island Council

to prepare a grant application to the Australian

Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund seeking

$9 million of funding to match the $9 million pledged

by the Government of South Australia . The Federal

Government funding was secured in late 2015 .

Liaison continues with the Department of Planning,

Transport and Infrastructure, the Council and the SA Tourism

Commission on matters relating to the airport upgrade .

This project is recognised as a ’game changer’ for the

island resulting in a projected 30 per cent increase in

tourists visiting the island over the next five years .

The project will also allow direct interstate flights,

significantly increasing the accessibility of Kangaroo

Island for domestic and international tourism .

Marine Parks

The Commissioner established a Marine Parks Working

Group comprising several local fishermen and the

Department of Environment, Water and Natural

Resources . The group has met on several occasions to

discuss issues associated with the impact of sanctuary

zones on fishing stock .

The establishment of sustainability measures and the

reporting against these measures will be key issues going

forward . There is an ongoing expectation of engagement

by the State Government with the fishing industry on

Kangaroo Island regarding the impact of sanctuary zones

from both economic and environmental perspectives .

9

Supporting Developments on the Island

Work continues to support developers navigating

government approval processes . This support is provided in

a number of ways such as monitoring timely responses and

intervening where delays occur, introducing developers to

key government staff and agencies, liaising with Council and

being available to discuss local investment opportunities,

engaging with businesses, undertaking community

consultation and finding employees .

There has also been a close liaison established with

Investment Attraction South Australia to link up potential

investors with developments .

Assisting to improve the local economy

Section 8(c) of the Act requires that the Commissioner

assists in improving the local economy of Kangaroo

Island . The following activities have been undertaken to

fulfil this responsibility .

Kangaroo Island Transformation Project

With over $182 million in proposed and approved

developments on the island, and an estimated 300 jobs

associated to these projects, Kangaroo Island is about to

embark on a period of significant economic growth .

The recently announced Kangaroo Island Airport

Upgrade is an $18 million project, forecast to generate

almost $30 million by 2017 and support almost 200

ongoing local jobs .

The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail opens in early

October 2016 . This is a $5 million project supported

by the South Australian Government . This project is

expected to attract an additional 5,000 visitors each year,

as well as up to 27 new permanent jobs on the island .

Some other key projects are:

• American River Resort

• Golf Course

• Bickford’s Distillery Development

• Replacement of Undersea Cable

• Emu Bay Housing Development and Holiday Village

In anticipation of these major developments, several

projects have been established to maximise the benefits

delivered to Kangaroo Island businesses and the

community from the proposed and approved projects .

Stages 1-2

In November 2015, Stages 1-2 of the Transformation

Project documented the major developments proposed to

take place on Kangaroo Island over the next three to five

years, including the anticipated workforce, planning and

timeframe requirements .

Knowledge gained from this project supported the

subsequent stages by identifying the broad impacts and

opportunities for local industries and workforce .

Stages 3-5 – Business Support Services

Stages 3-5 of the Transformation Project are now

underway and extend the work carried out in Stages 1-2

to support businesses to participate in, and contribute to,

economic growth on the island . It will enhance ‘business

readiness’ on KI while also looking at opportunities to link

developers and contractors with local businesses .

There are three project components of the Business

Services Project:

1. Airport Upgrade Pilot

2. Beverages Project

3. All Industry Groups

The Airport Upgrade and the Beverages Project

commenced in 2015-2016 .

10

1. Airport Upgrade Pilot Project

On 20 January 2016, an information session was held

for contractors and tradespeople interested in being

involved in the construction phase of the Kangaroo Island

Airport Upgrade . More than 100 people attended the

meeting, which was jointly presented by the Office of

the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island and the Kangaroo

Island Industry and Brand Alliance (KIIBA) .

This project targeted those interested in securing

contracts, sub-contracts and employment through major

developments on the island . Ten businesses signed up

to participate in the program . Participants undertook a

Tender Ready Workshop delivered by TAFE SA, which

also assisted businesses to develop Capability Statements .

A tailored mentoring program was also delivered by

consultant Sue Arlidge and industry expert Rene Nikolic

from the Adelaide Training and Education Centre .

The project resulted in businesses developing WHS

Manuals, securing placement in the AusIndustry

Entrepreneurs Program, securing supervision licences,

employing more staff and all businesses secured pre-

qualification from the Kangaroo Island Council .

The project received funding of approximately

$22,000 from the Industry Skills Fund and $16,000

from the Department of State Development .

2. Beverages Project

Through work undertaken in collaboration with the

Kangaroo Island Food and Wine Association and the

KI beverage producers, it was identified that there

is potential for real growth in sales through better

exposure, marketing, collaboration and promotion of

island beverages .

Early research by Evans & Ayers’ consultant Marc Allgrove

indicated clear interest from Adelaide CBD businesses

in participating in the project . Producers on the island

were keen to identify efficiencies, create more sales

opportunities and general marketing of their products .

A project has been initiated that involves the following

key elements:

• Promotion of Kangaroo island wine, cider, beer and

spirits in Adelaide and on Kangaroo Island;

• Creation of epicurean tourism trails for consumers

visiting Kangaroo Island;

• Promotion of Kangaroo Island producers and licensed

premises on and off the island that are participating in

the project;

• Exploring distribution models for island producers .

Business Support Services will be delivered to Kangaroo

Island producers involved in this project, which will

increase their capacity to meet the anticipated growth in

demand for local products on and off-island, particularly

in light of increased tourists, new developments on the

island, marketing and promotional activities . The project

will also develop a distribution model for sales across

South Australia .

Funding of $83,000 has been committed to the project

from State Government, including $48,000 from Primary

Industries and Regions South Australia and $5,000 from

the Department of State Development . In addition,

funding will be sought from the Federal Government to

support training and skills development for beverage

producers involved in the project .

3. All Industry Groups

The next stages of the project will deliver business

support services to the following industry groups:

• Agriculture and Food Production

• Construction (not related to Airport Upgrade)

• Retail and Services

• Tourism and Hospitality

• Transport and Logistics

This component of the Transformation Project will

be delivered in the 2016-2017 financial year .

11

Kangaroo Island Economic Development Outlook

On 14 June 2016 the Deputy Premier, the Hon John

Rau MP launched the ’Kangaroo Island Economic

Development Outlook’ at a Community Information

Session held on Kangaroo Island . The Outlook highlights

the short to long term economic opportunities on the

island in the areas of:

• Tourism

• Trade

• Food and Beverages

• Agriculture

• Education

• Research and Development

• Housing

• Energy

The Outlook highlights approved and proposed projects

taking place on the island - some of which are seeking

investment . The opportunities detailed in the Outlook

are aligned with South Australia’s Economic Priorities to

demonstrate how Kangaroo Island can contribute to the

State’s economic agenda .

This document was developed collaboratively with staff

from State Government agencies, staff from relevant

Ministers’ Offices, the Kangaroo Island Council and

Kangaroo Island’s peak industry bodies . This approach

demonstrated the willingness of these groups to work

together to support economic development on the island .

The Outlook is a testament to this, but is also a useful

resource to showcase areas of potential investment and

growth . It is available on the website .

Economic Impacts Project

Associate Professor Michael O’Neil from the South

Australian Centre of Economic Studies was engaged

to determine the initial economic impacts across the

island’s industry groups for the more than $182 million

of approved and proposed projects taking place during

the next three to five years .

This study will identify what direct and indirect benefits

could be realised for Kangaroo Island businesses, and

potential areas of industry growth . It will also inform the

commercial and workforce needs related to the various

developments and the relevant industry groups that

could benefit from growth . The project will also be a

valuable resource to the Transformation Project Business

Support Services .

China Engagement Strategy

Opportunities to strengthen engagement between

Kangaroo Island and China through AgroEco tourism

and technical and vocational education opportunities

are being explored .

The China Engagement Strategy will include various

proposals for opportunities to facilitate increased

engagement with China, particularly in light of South

Australia’s sister state relationship with the Shandong

province . Discussions have occurred with various

universities in South Australia and with government

to ascertain partnership opportunities and approaches .

The strategy, when finalised in 2016-2017, will be

subject to consultation and engagement .

12

Other activities

Engagements

• Presented to the staff of the Kangaroo Island Council

regarding my role and functions

• Settlement Day activities, including guest speaker

at the Association’s dinner

• Attended the Minister for Regional Development,

the Hon . Geoff Brock MPs visit to the Island

• Led a Delegation to Canberra promoting Kangaroo

Island produce and tourism

• Participated in various Workshops with the Kangaroo

Island Council

• Attended Kangaroo Island & Industry Brand Alliance

Meetings

• Presented to the local RSL

• Attended the Kangaroo Island Regional Forum

• Conducted a Kangaroo Island First – Adelaide

consultation on KIFA report

• Attended a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

international delegation visit to Kangaroo Island

• Attended the Kangaroo Island Airport Upgrade -

public consultation

• Guest speaker at a Penneshaw Progress Association

meeting

• Presentation to Entrepreneurial Women’s Leadership

group from Mongolia

• Guest speaker at a Kangaroo Island Career

Development Network Meeting

• Attended the Kangaroo Island Food and Wine

Association AGM

• Guest speaker at the Eco Action AGM

• Attended the American River Town Hall public meeting

• Presented a trophy at the Kangaroo Island Races

• Conducted the opening for Junction Australia of its

new Kangaroo Island Community Services Centre

• Participated in the Primary Industries and Regions

South Australia Executive visit to KI, including

The Hon Leon Bignell MP

• Attended the Bickfords’ presentation to Kangaroo

Island Council regarding a distillery and brewery

project

• Attended the Business Kangaroo Island and Business

SA event

• Attended various meetings with Jamie Briggs MP

and jointly hosted formal visits to KI

• Attended and provided support during Tasting Australia

• Attended the public meeting of the Independent

Commissioner Against Corruption and Ombudsman

on KI

• Attended the launch of the Reflections American

River Mercure new menu

• Presented an award at the KI Food & Wine Awards

presentation

Issues

The following matters have also come to my attention

during this reporting period and have involved me in

various ways outlined briefly below:

• Tasting Australia – I supported industry groups to

ascertain their level of involvement and engagement .

• Food and Wine Awards – OCKI sponsored the business

development award

• Honey – I referred a potential brand matter to the

Kangaroo Island Industry and Brand Alliance and

supported consideration of actions that could be taken

• Wilderness Trail – I am a member of the Working Party

established by DEWNR

• Kingscote Slipway – I assisted DPTI to bring together

a group of interested stakeholders to be engaged in

discussions about the future of the slipway

• Marine Science Centre Proposal – I participated in

discussions regarding options for a proposal

• American River Town Hall – I attended a meeting

regarding the future of the hall and the engagement

by Council in its upgrade

• Emu Bay Boat Ramp Upgrade – I have provided

information to those interested on the manner in

which to raise concerns and issues

• Feral Pigs – I am currently working with DEWNR to

explore future strategies with landholders affected

by the damage caused to their properties

13

1

23

54

1. The Hon John Rau MP, Neil Pontifex,

Wendy Campana, Ichiro Nakane at the

opening of KI Pure Grain’s new export

facility - August 2015

2. Wendy Campana speaking at the

Information Session for the Airport

Upgrade Pilot Project - January 2016

3. Wendy Campana speaking at the

Medical and Health Services Workshop

- February 2016

4. Member for Finniss Michael Pengilly

MP, Maree Baldwin, Graham Brown,

Wendy Campana and Mayor Peter

Clements .

5. The Hon Leon Bignell MP, Wendy

Campana and Executives from Primary

Industries and Regions South Australia -

March 2016

14

9

78

6

6. Andrew Schofield, Robyn

Molsher, Martine Kinloch, Rob

Denton-Brown, Damian Miley,

DEWNR Chief Executive Sandy

Pitcher, Wendy Campana -

April 2016

7. Jamie Helyar, Heidi Bracko, Shai

Helyar, Wendy Campana, Pete

Nash, Joan Nemeth in Kangaroo

Island’s stall at Tasting Australia

- May 2016

8. Judith McArthur, Christine Berry,

Lloyd Berry, Wendy Campana,

Lyn Dohle - May 2016

9. Wendy Campana at the

Community Information Session

attended by the Hon John Rau

MP - June 2016

15

The year ahead 2016-2017 will see the culmination of many of the key

projects initiated during this financial year . The key

activities for this period are set out in the Strategic

Priorities, which are available on the website .

The key activities anticipated to be undertaken in the

next financial year for each of the key functions outlined

in the Act are summarised below .

Improving the delivery of government services and infrastructure

• Establish a Local Advisory Board for Economic Growth;

• Establish a Local Advisory Board for Native Vegetation

Management;

• Finalise and work with relevant agencies to implement

the Management Plan for Housing;

• Continue to work with community groups on issues

relating to youth, sports and recreation and medical

and health services;

• Work with relevant government agencies to address

transport needs on the island .

Assisting residents and businesses on KI to deal with government agencies

• Meet with Kangaroo Island individuals and businesses

and facilitate access to government information, key

contacts and services;

• Build networks within State Government to assist in

ensuring access and the provision of information for

the KI community;

• Work with developers and project proponents to

support their navigation of government approval

processes and requirements associated with their

activities .

16

Assisting to improve the local economy

• Transformation Project Delivery – deliver business

support services to industry groups on the island to

support business readiness for economic growth .

• Engagement of professional media, marketing and

PR services to promote Kangaroo Island businesses,

people and experiences, increase the presence of KI

good-news stories in local, state and national news

channels and implement an annual media strategy .

• Work with other State Government agencies to

undertake workforce planning for the island to

determine the current and future workforce needs .

17

Acknowledgements I have been pleased with the achievements since my first

report, however, this progress would not be possible

without the support, advice and guidance provided to me

by my staff .

I wish to particularly thank and acknowledge Jennifer

Trethewey, Office Manager and Cate Stanford, Principal

Strategy Officer for their commitment to their positions

and the work they undertake directly with the various

individuals, groups, industry peak body representatives,

Council staff and government representatives . Without their

tireless work and professional approach the outcomes we

have achieved would not have been possible .

I would also like to acknowledge the support given to me by

the Deputy Premier, the Hon John Rau MP who continues

to provide wise counsel and challenge my thinking . The staff

of the Deputy Premier, particularly Peter Geytenbeek, I also

thank for their advice and support .

The relationship with Council is important to my role and I

wish to particularly acknowledge Mayor Peter Clements,

CEO Andrew Boardman and the Council members and

staff . They are always available to give me background

information, hear about the concerns that are raised with

me and to work with me to find solutions to issues .

I also acknowledge the previous Federal Member for

Mayo, Mr Jamie Briggs and his staff, who also supported

me in a range of ways particularly related to Federal

Government information .

Rebekha Sharkie MP, the new Member for Mayo, has

also engaged with me in the lead up to the election

and since then . I look forward to establishing a strong

working relationship with her over her term of office .

Michael Pengilly MP, Member for Finniss has continued

to work with me and raise issues for comment or keep

me informed on matters that he is working on that he

considers of benefit to me and I thank him for this .

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Particular thanks go to the chairs of the various industry

bodies on the island and members of their boards . I

have enjoyed working with these bodies and see they

are integral to achieving economic growth on the island

while protecting the social fabric of the community and

addressing environmental matters . Special thanks go to:

• Carly Bussenschutt, Chair of Agriculture KI

• Sharon Kauppila, Chair of Business KI

• Jayne Bates and then Tony Nolan, Chair of the

Kangaroo Island Industry and Brand Alliance

• Tony Nolan, Chair Kangaroo Island Food and Wine

Association

• Pierre Gregor, Chair of Tourism KI

I would also like to acknowledge the support I have

gained from State Government staff . On the island,

including Damian Miley (DEWNR), Lyn Dohle (PIRSA)

and Ian Kent (KICE): their advice and guidance is

invaluable and I look forward to building on our already

strong working relationships in the coming period .

On the mainland, I would like to acknowledge the support

of of Alex Reid, Brett Mayne (DSD) and Tim Hutchinson

(TAFE SA) for their commitment to Kangaroo Island’s

business development and their interagency collaboration .

I would also like to acknowledge the Department of

Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, particularly

Alex Mackenzie, Sally Smith (DPTI), and Adrian Tatrai

(DPTI) for supporting the work of our Office .

Finally I would like to thank and acknowledge the

various people, too many to name, who are members

of the community of Kangaroo Island . The mums, dads,

business owners, farmers, producers of all kinds of

incredible products, tourism operators, school children,

and medical practitioners – the list goes on .

I am proud to hold the role of Commissioner for Kangaroo

Island and recognise the importance being placed on this

role by the people of Kangaroo Island . I look forward to

continuing my work over the coming year .

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Contact details Kangaroo Island Office

43 Dauncey Street

PO Box 9

Kingscote SA 5223

Phone: (08) 8553 4525

Adelaide Office

Roma Mitchell House

136 North Terrace

Adelaide SA 5000

Phone: (08) 7109 7106

www .kangarooislandcommissioner .sa .gov .au

KICommissioner@sa .gov .au

www .twitter .com/commissionerki

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