Mawson candidates share their thoughts on the electorate, agriculture, mining and GM cropping

WAINWRIGHT: Abandoned and neglected vineyards are a problem that the Rann-Weatherill governments did not address adequately. Winemakers are concerned neglected vineyards pose a serious biosecurity risk and legislation is required. We need legislation, similar to that in Vic and WA, to force landowners to clean up their properties. Water supply is also a major issue. I have already been working with winemakers in McLaren Vale to ensure viable options are found to utilise the waste and treated water available from nearby housing estates.

GREAVES: This government’s focus has been predominantly on the central business district and metropolitan areas when what we need is a government that can deliver for the southern metropolitan and regional parts of the state. We need a government that wants to deliver much-needed investment in infrastructure to support population growth, provide the important services such as health and education, stimulate our economy and create jobs in our area.

GILFILLAN: The challenges for Mawson are varied. There are distinct regions, from the grapegrowing region of McLaren Vale with the threat of water quality and disease from unmanaged vines, to the livestock growing areas of Kangaroo Island and the Southern Fleurieu where meat processing facilities have closed.  Biosecurity is also a concern for KI as it is predominately disease-free. More broadly, roads and  infrastructure in the Mawson electorate, like many rural regions, are substandard.

BIGNELL: One of the biggest challenges faced by SA is cost of living, and this is no different in Mawson. I’m going to continue to work with my colleagues in parliament to implement policies which help out everyday families – from big ticket items like our $550 million energy plan to lower power prices, to smaller things which can make a big difference to families, like a $50 voucher to help out with the cost of kids sport.

What do you see as the major issue affecting SA agriculture? How would you rectify this?

GREAVES: Our agriculture sector is at risk because of lack of protections and investment at the state level and this needs to change. Mawson’s farmers and agricultural businesses are major contributors to the state’s economy and the agriculture is a sector where jobs are being created. This is why Australian Conservative members have fought so hard for Right to Farm legislation and why we vow not to give up the fight.  

GILFILLAN: We need to provide more support to our local growers and producers to ensure they remain viable into the future. One way we will do this is through the waiving of stamp duties charged on multi-peril crop insurance policies. The Liberals have also announced additional funding for Food SA to support individual producers and businesses, including advising regarding effective business development and linking them with export opportunities. 

BIGNELL: The cost of doing business is a key issue affecting farmers across the state. We are working to make SA the best place to do business through nation-leading tax reforms, which will return $2.5 billion to businesses and the community in the next decade. These reforms have included a number of stamp duty exemptions to encourage business investment, expansion and succession planning, including a stamp duty exemption on multi-peril crop insurance premiums to support grain farmers’ resilience against extreme weather events.

What are your views on allowing mining on prime farming land in Mawson?

GREAVES: We believe in protecting farmers and, unlike Labor, we will not give mining companies undue rights that would destroy farming practices. We are not anti-mining we just believe there needs to be a balance in place to make sure our valuable farming and grazing land is protected.

GILFILLAN: The conflict between the mining industry and the farming sector is very real. Both contribute enormously to the wealth of SA but they are not always compatible. Our commitment for a small business commissioner aims to help resolve disputes between mining companies and farming entities, with the commissioner able to act for the landholder to ensure both sides have adequate representation. 

BIGNELL: Mining and farming have existed side by side in SA for more than 180 years. We have quarries near our vineyards in McLaren Vale and the two industries support the local economy and sustain jobs in our region. We aim to make sure opportunities provided by the demand for mineral and energy resources are balanced with farming and other interests in our rural communities.

Do you support the moratorium on genetically-modified crops? Why?

GILFILLAN: With the GM moratorium, it was hoped it would provide premium pricing for SA farmers and allow a strong market for non-GM food. It is important a new Liberal government commission a review into the effect the moratorium has on the grain industry of SA.

BIGNELL: I’ve championed the moratorium because I strongly believe in realising the marketing opportunities provided by our non-GM status – value-adding and creating jobs. SA food and beverage businesses have a well-earned reputation for producing world-leading products, and our non-GM credentials give them a competitive marketing advantage in the global marketplace.

HAZEL Wainwright, SA Best candidate, has worked across a wide range of professions including child care, new homes sector, advertising and most recently as a local councillor for Wine Coast Ward in Onkaparinga Council.

She says unemployment is the root of most social problems and she is committed to an open minded approach to policy that generates jobs in tourism and agriculture. In 2012 she became chairperson of the Aldinga Bay Business and Tourism Association.

HEIDI Greaves and her family have lived in the southern region for more than 30 years, and have been in Willunga for the past 12 years.

“I am running as a candidate because Mawson is a diverse part of the state and I want our families and our community’s needs taken into account when policy decisions are made.”

Ms Graves is involved with her community with local government and as a volunteer firefighter with Willunga Country Fire Service.

LEON Bignell grew up on a dairy farm in the state’s South East and says he has always been a firm believer in protecting and growing the agriculture industry, which is “so important for our state’s economy”.

“As the minister responsible for agriculture, food and fisheries, as well as tourism, I've been able to use my passion for selling SA to promote our produce and experiences to the rest of the country and the world,” he said.

“Maybe it’s my background as a journalist but I love telling people about all the great things our state has to offer, whether it’s our clean, safe food, wine and produce or just the fantastic lifestyle we have right here in our sensational part of the world.”

Mr Bignell is passionate about finding new markets for our food, wine and primary industries and has led the charge for SA to be GM free

He successfully pushed for legislation to lock in agricultural preserves to stop gutter to gutter housing taking over the rich production lands of McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley.

He is also the Minister for Food and Fisheries, Forests, Tourism, Recreation and Sport and Racing.

ANDY GILFILLAN, the Liberal candidate for Mawson, is standing in the state election because he feels that he can play a significant part in stopping SA’s unimpeded decline at the hands of a “rudderless Labor government” that has no understanding of rural families and their needs. 

Mr Gilfillan is a sheep farmer from Kangaroo Island committed to delivering essential services in the southern region.

“I believe that my life spent with my family and community living in an isolated area, managing the sheep property, and creating and running regional businesses has taught me a lot about resilience and good financial management – something that is sadly lacking in state politics,” he said.