The region’s mayors and CEOs will work together to access investment for improved roads, housing, health and education.

That was one of the key messages from Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross who recently welcomed the various civic leaders to Naracoorte.

Mr Ross reminded his visitors that Naracoorte Lucindale was “the natural centre of the Limestone Coast Local Government Association”.

Immensely proud of his council’s strategic plan, Mr Ross also gave a copy to each council.

They were all in Naracoorte for the August 11 meeting of the Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA), chaired by its president, Mount Gambier City mayor Lynette Martin.

Ms Martin introduced her deputy CEO Jane Fetherstonhaugh and the LCLGA acting executive officer Colin Byles, as well as various guests and government representatives, including the Member for MacKillop, Nick McBride.

Welcoming them, Mr Ross urged them all to read the Naracoorte Lucindale strategic plan.

“In the first six months of this council we developed that plan and it was instigated at the end of the financial year,” he said and held up a copy.

“This now gives us guidance over the next three years and for the longer term.

“Please look at that. There are some lovely coloured pictures for those who don’t like text too much. It tells a great story.”

Pictures in the 22-page booklet feature the Swimming Lake, Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange, World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves, Town Squares toilet mural, a soccer match, Naracoorte Public Library, Naracoorte Creek, Naracoorte and District Sports Centre, Yakka Park, Lucindale, and Naracoorte Town Squares events.

The document also features statistics, aims, objectives and actions.

“The Naracoorte Lucindale Council is the natural centre of the LCLGA,” said Mr Ross with a cheeky smile.

“You would all understand that because, within 100km of where we sit today, we encompass you all.”

The gathering laughed and Mr Ross continued, highlighting the importance of capitalising on the World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves and RAMSAR listed Bool Lagoon.

“We aim to be a centre of excellence in service to agriculture, and viticulture,” he said.

“We will continue to support our positioning industries to grow and prosper and welcome and encourage new and emerging businesses to thrive and grow.

“All the while ensuring our people live and work with well serviced infrastructure and roads.

“Our challenges are your challenges. As such we need to collaborate and not compete.

“To leverage the Limestone Coast to access the massive investment needed from both the government and private sector.

“We all need new housing, improved health and education.

“To achieve this, we must develop the strategy and the outcomes driven to get the results we all desire.”

Thanking Mr Ross for his welcome, Ms Martin smiled at him and quipped Naracoorte Lucindale was “the geographic centre” of the Limestone Coast.

“But I think what you say there about us all working together for the benefit of the Limestone Coast – I think that has been the greatest thing of this organisation over the years that I’ve been associated with it,” she said.

Ms Martin believed the association was “gathering momentum” with all the new mayors “coming on board”.

“I think we all agree working together for the greater good of the Limestone Coast is what we are all about – so thank you.”

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.