TRANSPORT, infrastructure and health and community services were the major focus of the state government's second Country Cabinet of the year, held in the Adelaide Hills on September 14-15.
The cabinet included a community forum attended by about 300 people at Mount Barker on Sunday and a meeting of State cabinet at Strathalbyn on Monday morning, as well as visits to businesses and residents.
Key announcements to be made during the visit included:
• $10.4 million for road safety initiatives in the area.
• A new Infrastructure Plan for Mount Barker to respond to growth demands.
• $300,000 for community health services at Mount Barker.
• A new Service SA presence at Mount Barker.
• Funding for a war memorial at Macclesfield.
• Funding to assist the Anembo Park sports complex transition to new facilities after it was destroyed by fire last week.
• Construction of 23 new stimulus homes at Mount Barker.
• Funding to assist community services at Strathalbyn.
There were also official openings of a new Mount Barker Park'n'Ride, a pedestrian crossing at Hahndorf, and a new Children's Centre at Goolwa.
Premier Jay Weatherill said the community forum was an important way for ministers to hear about the issues which mattered to Adelaide Hills residents.
"The Adelaide Hills and Alexandrina region are wonderful assets for SA, with a pristine environment and enormous potential, particularly in terms of tourism, as well as premium food and wine," he said.
"My ministers were grilled on important local issues like infrastructure, transport, tertiary education and job creation.
"I told residents that our visit will be backed up by action and that we will be responding with a report in 90 days about what we are doing to address concerns.
"I also announced the second round of the Fund My Idea program, which will provide $50,000 to kickstart local community projects."
* Full report in Stock Journal, September 18, 2014 issue.