One of South Australia’s real business success stories marks its 10th anniversary next week.

The multi-faceted consultancy business combining economic, environmental and social dimensions started as PIRSA Rural Solutions on 1 July, 1998. 

An innovative move by the South Australian Government it created a commercially focused business entity as a principal delivery vehicle for agricultural and related services to Government, industry and rural communities.

In those years the business has changed enormously.  A subtle but important name change in 2002, to Rural Solutions SA, acknowledged the establishment of the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation and their joint shareholding in the business with Primary Industries and Resources SA. 

Executive Director Locky McLaren says that from day one the business has had an improvement agenda, scanning the external and internal environment every year to develop a rolling strategic plan.

“Over the next five years, Rural Solutions SA will contribute significantly to targets in South Australia’s Strategic Plan.  Through the Government-contracted projects and all of its other services, Rural Solutions SA will enhance South Australia’s economic prosperity, sustainability, creativity and innovation, communities, opportunities and well-being, “ said Mr McLaren.

“We expect strong growth in environmental services and moderate growth in industry value chains and community development.   Whilst we expect that our work for the SA Government will change to match new Government priorities, we are planning significant growth in services for other customers. 

“Overall, in 2013, we are planning for the business to be approximately 17% larger than it is today, employing about 300 people.  This drive will result in Rural Solutions SA undertaking project work interstate and overseas, whilst we maintain a strong presence in South Australia as an SA Government-owned business.”

In the process, Mr McLaren said Rural Solutions SA will develop a critical mass of expertise that will be a huge asset for its shareholders. 

“In 2013, Rural Solutions SA will have real profile and impact in the South Australian, Australian and international consultancy markets, with government and private sector customers,” he said. 

“It has been a fascinating journey to date.  The next five years promises to be equally exciting for Rural Solutions SA.”

With a 100-year heritage of delivering regional services and solutions from its origins as part of the South Australian Department of Agriculture Rural Solutions SA has undergone a transformation into a consultancy business with a mix of expertise in a wide range of disciplines, associated with the environment and natural resources management as well as regional, community and industry development.

MEDIA CONTACT: Michy Kris, General Manager, Business Development and Marketing, Rural Solutions SA, Telephone, 08 8226 0428, Mobile,  0438 440229