News Release
Minister Kyam Maher
Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation
Monday, 29 February, 2016
Strong interest in Leigh Creek’s future
The State Government has received more than 30 responses from people and organisations interested
in ensuring a viable future for Leigh Creek.
A Request for Information process – lead by former South Australian Education and Tourism Minister
Jane Lomax-Smith – closed earlier this month.
Manufacturing and Innovation Minister Kyam Maher says 34 responses have been received from
individuals, businesses, institutions, and community groups from within the Leigh Creek region and
beyond.
“The interest shown in the commercial potential of Leigh Creek is welcome, and I’m pleased that a
number of divergent industries have submitted proposals to the Request for Information process,” he
says.
“The ideas submitted include a range of proposals for commercial and industrial use of the mine site,
use of the area’s natural mineral and renewable energy resources, as well as proposals to use the
town’s existing infrastructure for education, training, and arts.
“Several submissions have been received from members of the Leigh Creek community who are keen
to preserve the town’s existing infrastructure and ensure it continues to service the region well into the
future.
“Other proposals concern the future use of Leigh Creek’s tourism facilities such as the Caravan Park
and tavern.
“I’m hopeful the next assessment stage will identify economically viable opportunities that capitalise on
the region’s environment, cultural, and heritage advantages.”
Dr Lomax-Smith says the aim of the RFI process was to gather information and feedback from all
interested parties about the economic and social future of Leigh Creek in the wake of Alinta Energy’s
closure of the coal mine.
“A range of technical experts across government and specialist industries will now assist the State
Government to consider all of the responses.”
Minister Maher says a housing audit is also underway to identify Leigh Creek’s residential infrastructure
needs.
The State Government has previously announced it will continue to provide government services –
including the school, hospital, ambulance service, and police station – until at least July 2018.
Dr Lomax-Smith will deliver recommendations from the Request for Information process to Minister
Maher as part of a 90-day project following this weekend’s Community Cabinet meeting.
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