In regard to his economic development portfolio, Mr Ridgway spoke to people in Roxby Downs, Andamooka and Marree to assess the impact the Olympic Dam expansion would have on the communities.

“Andamooka will come under significant development pressure as things take off at Roxby,” Mr Ridgway said.

He said communities need to have the resources to handle the mining boom.

“I really think its time for government to address what’s happening there with resources.”

He said the government needed to make sure that communities would be able to cope with the expansion.

See this week's Roxby Downs Sun for more.