South Australian Premier Steven Marshall has unveiled a plan to make Adelaide "the most liveable city in the world" – promising a 350-hectare "water oasis" in Adelaide's north-east and a rejuvenation of the River Torrens if he is re-elected.
Starting with a $27.5 million "nature boulevard", Mr Marshall said his government would improve water quality and amenities along the entirety of the Torrens, from the Adelaide Hills to the coast.
"This once-in-a-generation upgrade of the River Torrens and Linear Park trail will stretch from the north-eastern suburbs right down to the beach for families, cyclists and walkers to enjoy," he said.
Environment Minister David Speirs said the government would also develop wetlands to filter pollutants, reintroduce native species like the platypus and even encourage recreational fishing.
Almost a third of the project's funding will come from the federal government and local councils.
The real "jewel in the crown" of the government's eco-tourism promise is the transformation of a disused quarry in Highbury into an adventure park.
The Crystal Lake Recreation Park – which is yet to be costed – would include cycling paths, walking trails, a beach and picnic area, kayaking facilities and swimming amenities.
The Premier spruiked the announcements as an "unprecedented opportunity" to grow the state's visitor economy and create jobs.
"Adelaide has already been recognised as the third most liveable city in the world … and projects like this will only enhance this reputation further," Mr Marshall said.
"My goal is for South Australia to become the most liveable city in the world."
Newspoll shows Liberals swimming upstream
While Mr Marshall was talking up his latest election promises, he was keen to talk down the results of a new poll.
The Newspoll, published in The Weekend Australian today, placed Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas as preferred premier by a margin of 7 per cent (46 to 39).
On a two-party-preferred basis, the poll also showed Labor was leading by 53 per cent to the Liberals' 47 per cent.
But Mr Marshall today insisted the only poll he was concerned with was the one on March 19.
"I think polls move around a lot," he said.
"In lead-up to the last state election, Nick Xenophon was leading the polls, then he didn't win his own seat."
With early voting centres opening in little more than a week, the Premier said he believed "the choice in this election is extraordinarily clear".
"The Liberal Party has transformed the state over the past four years, and we've done it in the midst of a global pandemic," he said.
"There's a lot at stake: you can either have a continuing, growing economy which allows us to invest in important projects … or you can go back to tired old Labor, high taxes, high unemployment and cuts to health."
Labor agrees 'this election is a choice'
Labor continued campaigning on its $750 million plan for health, today promising a $3 million boost for community mental health services.
Speaking at a children's mental health rally, Labor leader Peter Malinauskas promised to install 50 new beds at the Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH), 10 new child psychologists and five more child psychiatrists, if elected.
"We're also going to spend $400,000 on working with the College of Psychiatrists to ensure we have a long-term recruitment strategy for child psychologists and psychiatrists into the future," he said.
Mr Malinauskas, like Mr Marshall, agreed the upcoming election was "a clear choice".
"I have made a tough decision not to proceed with the $662 million basketball stadium and instead, I will invest every single dollar of that in our public health system."
The Premier said Labor's record on mental health was "shameful" and pointed out the Liberal Party had built a new children's mental health ward at the WCH to replace an ageing facility.
He said the government would have more to announce on mental health spending next week.
