As we wrap up another year in South Australia’s regions, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the people and industries that keep our state moving.
Time and time again, regional South Australians remind us that they are not just part of our economy – they are its anchor.
From the grain growers and livestock producers to the orchardists, fishers, winemakers, foresters, aquaculturists, and small family businesses that keep our towns alive, regional industries contribute more than $17 billion a year to our state’s economy.
But numbers alone don’t capture the full story. What truly sets our regions apart is the determination. There is a work ethic and community spirit that underpin everything we produce.
2025 has brought significant challenges – rising production costs, dry seasonal conditions for many farmers, an unstoppable algal bloom for our fishers, workforce shortages and policy decisions in Adelaide and Canberra that have left many feeling uncertain about the future.
Yet despite the pressures, our producers and regional communities continue to show resilience and pride in the work they do. It is the work that feeds families across the nation and keeps South Australia competitive on the world stage.
I have always said that agriculture is the economic powerhouse, the production engine room, and the heart and soul of our state.
That belief has only strengthened as I’ve travelled through the regions this year, listening to farmers, small business owners, volunteers, and local leaders who are doing everything they can to keep their communities thriving.
As we head into Christmas and look to 2026, we must ensure that regional South Australians are supported with practical and sensible policies. I’ll shout it until I’m blue in the face – our farmers can endure tough weather, but they should never be expected to endure bad policy.
To everyone across regional SA, thank you. Your contribution matters, your work is valued, and our state is stronger because of you.
Nicola Centofanti, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council
