Joint media release with Rowan Ramsey MP, Member for Grey

Around 35 projects in regional South Australia will share in a $4 million Coalition Government investment through the Community Benefit Program (CBP).

The projects are based in Kimba, Hawker and Quorn following their involvement in the detailed consultation process about hosting a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility.

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt, said the funding was one way that the government could deliver sustainable economic and social benefits to these communities.

“This facility will be a vital piece of national infrastructure to support the expansion of nuclear medicine that will be used to treat or diagnose two out of three Australians," Minister Pitt said. 

“The $4 million funding our Government is providing will go a long way to supporting vital services and diversifying the local economies of Kimba and Hawker.

“The program’s objectives are consistent with broader government priorities for regional development and mental health and wellbeing in rural Australia.

“These communities have been working with the government for a long time throughout this process, and I know this funding will be used to invest in areas of real need.  

“The Kimba community voluntarily asked to host this facility, which bring on-going economic and social benefits to their town.

“I would also like to sincerely thank the Hawker and Quorn communities for their close engagement with the government during the consultation phase.”

Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said the funding will be administered by the government’s Business Grants Hub.

“The Coalition Government is supporting these communities to invest in projects that work to diversify our local economies, boost local services, and strengthen community organisations,” Mr Ramsey said.

“Through successful grants in Kimba, the community will see upgraded medical facilities, mental health support services and support the local tourism industry. 

“The investment in Hawker and Quorn focusses on investment in heritage assets and tourism, community organisations and diversifying the region’s economy. This grant will officially end the process in the Hawker and Quorn areas and I would like to thank those communities for their commitment through the period.”

Prior to this latest round of funding, almost $6 million in grants have been delivered under the CBP, supporting 57 projects in the two communities.

This comes after four years of extensive consultation with communities to find a technically suitable and broadly supported site to host the facility, Kimba was identified in February 2020.

This followed technical studies and community sentiment measures, including an AEC vote showing 62 per cent of the community support for hosting the facility near Kimba.

To find out more about the facility, visit: www.industry.gov.au/arwa

Media contact:

Minister Pitt's office: 02 6277 7180