The state government has confirmed it is about to commence recruitment for a new Cross Border Commissioner.
In recent weeks the Opposition has criticised the government of keeping border communities 'in the dark' and being in no hurry to fill the position which has been vacant since Liz McKinnon resigned in December last year.
But Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven says these comments are a "remarkable back flip" since the Liberals have never supported the role and have "actively worked to undermine it."
Ms Scriven said they recognised the importance of a CBC in developing regional communities and highlighted that it was an election commitment of the Malinauskas government.
But Opposition Regional Development spokesperson Nicola Centofanti said the delay in appointing a new CBC is creating uncertainty for the 14,000 people who live and operate businesses in the border areas of SA.
"People living in these areas often face complexities such as dealing with different biosecurity acts, variances in trade licensing and restrictions between states, as well as issues relating to the movement of people and produce," she said.
"South Australian farmers rely on sound biosecurity, and that requires consistent, high- quality communication between state jurisdictions. Farming is challenging enough without a lack of clarity over these issues.
Ms Scriven says they have used the opportunity presented by the CBC vacancy to "review its operational processes to date".
"Advertising for the position is expected to be distributed within the next week and feature across a range of communication platforms including regional and national newspapers," she said.
Primary Producers SA chief executive officer Simon Maddocks welcomes the state government's ongoing commitment to the role.
"In border based communities the demarcation zone is like a line on the map, communities don't work to a line on the map they work within their communities which are both sides of the border but when they are forced to it can be quite challenging," Prof Maddocks said.
"Farms can even have paddocks on different sides of the border so is particularly helpful to have someone designated to look at that this, facilitate communication and help come up with some solutions."
