About Mark

Click here to view Mark's CV

Tracey and I have been married for 25 years and have two children. I am a local person, who grew up on our family property at Houghton. From my background in farming, banking and politics, and being a family man, I understand the issues that affect the people of Kavel.

I have been committed to delivering results for the benefit of everyone in Kavel.

Being elected as your Local MP in 2002, I have worked hard for our region and am pleased to deliver real results for the community.

Development

The Government has announced large-scale residential development with 1225 hectares of farm land in Mount Barker, and 45 hectares in Nairne converted from rural to residential zoning. A further 40 hectares has been approved for light industrial uses, a total of 1310 hectares of land lost to the rural sector.

The Liberal Party’s position is to deliver infrastructure and services to meet current community needs; the Party supported sensible, structured and sustainable planning and development in full consultation with the Council and the community, we would preserve and enhance the unique Hills environment and our primary production land.

The main issue is that much of this infrastructure is required immediately. The local road infrastructure is not coping with the numbers of people who have moved into the area. Parking is a huge issue and the public transport ‘Park and Ride’ facility was at capacity from the day it opened.

I have been actively lobbying for sensible, structured and sustainable planning and development, through media releases and interviews, an electorate survey, questions and speeches in Parliament, submissions to the 30 year plan and the Development Policy Advisory Council , FOI applications, meeting and talking with many local constituents, attending and presenting at several of the public meetings, opposing the re-zoning at the Environment Resources and Development Committee hearing and receiving a petition of 2000 signatures which was tabled in Parliament, and motions moved in both Houses for further debate.

Health

I have worked with health professionals for increased resources to improve the level of health services, in particular delivering additional personnel in the area of mental health care. Sadly, mental health remains an area of significant need in our community and I support any Government measures to bring additional resources into this area.

After-hours care at our local hospitals required further resources to provide an all-night service to the community.

Given the population and therefore the demand for health services will continue to rapidly expand, I am committed to seeing that we all receive the level of services required.

I have also highlighted concerns with the delivery of health services at the local hospital and as a result, there have been increased resources allocated, but much more is needed.

I have successfully lobbied for an improvement to some of our health care services, however, the Government must commit to meeting these demands.

Schools

Education has been another key priority for me. Our children deserve a good education which is fundamental to their development.

In my first term Kavel secured in excess of $8.5 million in capital works funding for schools, since then a great deal has been achieved for our schools. The Woodside Primary School’s re-development to the tune of $4.35 million occurred after much lobbying from the School’s community and I was pleased to lend my support to that worthy cause. I was stunned at the deteriorated condition of the old wooden classrooms when I visited the school, and could actually put my hand through a hole in the wall. The school now has modern classrooms and facilities and provides a wonderful learning environment. Birdwood High School’s Stage 2 re-development for a Visual and Performing Arts Centre, costing approximately $4.5 million was funded through the State Government’s Capital Works Program and I had pleasure in supporting the school with their application. The new centre is a valuable addition to the school community.

The Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution or BER program comprised three components including, Primary Schools for the 21st Century, Science and Language Centres and the National School Pride program. Funding has been provided for new libraries, multipurpose halls, classrooms and refurbishments. Almost $33 million has been spent on school infrastructure across Kavel and this investment has seen a significant improvement in school facilities.

Every school in the electorate has my full support, I visit when I can, have attended Governing Council Meetings, fairs and fete days, take tours of Parliament House, give talks to classes, attend SRC Assemblies and graduation ceremonies. I have assisted individual students with assignments and sponsorship.

Law & Order

I strongly campaigned for a new police station at Mt Barker, with increased police resources. I have delivered that. I will continue to fight for further increases in the number of Police at Mt Barker and other stations in Kavel. We have fortunately seen an increase in Police numbers, however, we need more Police in patrol cars on our roads. This is important to improve the community’s safety and security and to reduce crime levels. I support our local Neighbourhood Watch groups.

Roads & Transport

Road safety infrastructure is also a specific focus. Many improvements have been achieved, with kilometres of guard rail being built and millions of dollars in road resurfacing and upgrading taking place.

The State Liberals had long committed to constructing a second freeway interchange at Bald Hills Road, Mt Barker and I am pleased that after many years of lobbying, the State Government has finally committed some funds towards this project. Whilst the State Government has done a cheap ‘quick fix’, I believe more should be done to improve the school crossing situation at Nairne Primary School.

I lobbied successfully for improved public transport services, with increased peak services operating from Mt Barker. The Park n Ride Mt Barker has been a significant benefit to commuters. Whilst considerably more resources are required throughout the Adelaide Hills, I am pleased that I have assisted in bringing about improvements.

Further work is certainly needed on our roads and transport services which I will continue to press for.

Business / Jobs

I have promoted employment opportunities and economic development. I actively support industry groups in their fight against Government bureaucracies and will continue to assist businesses in Kavel whenever possible. Employment opportunities need to be expanded in the region, particularly if further large scale residential development continues in and around Mt Barker. We need local jobs for local people.

Environment

Environmental issues are very important. I have assisted several Landcare & community groups to ensure our unique Hills’ environment is not only protected but enhanced. I supported changes in the law to identify the Adelaide Hills as a specific region concerning Natural Resource Management. Opposing the Government’s plan for rezoning significant parcels of land for residential development is another example of my efforts to preserve and enhance our unique environment.

Parliament

I am actively involved as a team-player in the Liberal Parliamentary Party. As the State Opposition, it is our role to highlight deficiencies with the Government’s management of the State and it is our aim to win Government in order to restore South Australia to a place of prosperity and good governance.

Shadow Cabinet

I am a member of Isobel Redmond’s Shadow Cabinet and am responsible for the portfolio areas of State/Local Government Relations, Veterans’ Affairs and Consumer Affairs. I have been actively engaging with these sectors, developing Party policies and raising issues of concerns.