South Australia borders all of the mainland states as well as the Northern Territory. Its population is about 1.66 million people, representing 7.3 per cent of the Australian population. Most of the state’s population lives in or near Adelaide, the capital.
The state has a considerable representation in national sports events:
- Cricket is one of the most popular games in South Australia. It attracts very large crowds. Adelaide Stadium has hosted numerous international cricket matches.
- Soccer is a very popular game in South Australia, as is rugby and Australian rules football.
South Australia has 74 local government areas. Local councils control and manage waste management and road infrastructure. Property taxes and government grants are their main sources of revenue.
- Adelaide is the capital of South Australia
- Major industries are fishing, agriculture, mining and manufacturing
- The unemployment rate is about 5 per cent
- Average weekly earnings are $1221
- There are about 17,400 births annually
Major Industries
Agriculture, mining, manufacturing and fishing are the main industries of South Australia.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the largest industry. According to a recent estimate, agricultural production in South Australia is worth more than $5 billion annually. The government of South Australia works closely with Food SA as well as different leaders of the agriculture industry to optimise development. The government also takes different initiatives for the safety of food, including legislation, standards, accreditation, approved auditors, egg safety minimum requirements and a quality assurance program. Other government initiatives:
- To ensure the availability of crops that are genetically modified
- To ensure the good health of plants for optimised production
- To make farmers aware of the latest chemicals, equipment and machines
- To ensure the availability of high-quality grains
- To identify, assess and cure different plant and crop diseases
Mining Industry
Mining is the second-largest industry in South Australia, which possesses rich mineral, petroleum and gas deposits. It ranks 12th in global mining potential. South Australia is a good place in which to invest and explore due to lower risks of sovereignty conflicts, known deposits and better geological information. Mining is the biggest industry of South Australia in terms of export revenue generation. According to a 2009 estimate, the value of export revenues was over $2.7 billion. The share of South Australia’s mining industry to the overall mining industry of Australia is about 36 per cent. South Australia is the home of:
- World’s largest uranium resources
- Fourth largest copper deposits
- Fifth largest gold deposits and
- Largest deposits of zircon
Investors from China, Japan, India, Canada, South Korea and the United States are involved in different mining projects in South Australia. The industry is one of the state’s most important sources of revenue as well as employment.
Employment and Job Opportunities
Some key features of employment and job opportunities in South Australia include:
The government of South Australia protects workers against discrimination based on race, gender, age or colour.
In the case of any disputes, the Office of the Employee Ombudsman plays an essential role in the resolution of the dispute.
- Discrimination and Harassment
If a person is experiencing sexual harassment, discrimination or victimisation, state bodies such as the State Ombudsman can intervene.
Public Transport
South Australia ensures the availability of comfortable and inexpensive public transport throughout the state. The government pays special attention to disabled people:
Allows dogs or other companion animal to accompany a disabled person throughout the journey.
All metro trams as well as trains have wheelchair access for disabled people. About 80 per cent of buses have space for wheelchairs.
Specially designed taxis suitable for wheelchairs are available 24/7. The government provides a toll-free number for complaints regarding public transport.
Leisure and amenities
High-quality early education is essential for the future success of children. That is the reason the government makes huge investments in preschools and kindergartens. The government is also focused on investment in shopping malls and sports grounds. The state has some world-famous sports stadiums that host a number of international events.
Conclusion
South Australia, one of the largest revenue generators in Australia, contains significant mineral deposits. A number of international investors are already active in the state, home of the world’s largest uranium deposits. The state hosts various national and international sports events.
