The big issues affecting the district will be spotlighted by the Naracoorte-Lucindale Council to the Premier and his ministers when the country cabinet visits the rural township this Thursday.

Critical issues such as agriculture, education, roads, reliable high-speed connectivity, emergency health hub, childcare, housing, and the development of the North Parklands will be on the agenda.

Mayor Patrick Ross told this newspaper [Naracoorte Community News] that the community was delighted that the state government, led by Peter Malinauskas, decided to come to the natural centre of the Limestone Coast to engage with the people on matters that concern them most.

“The opportunity for many of the government ministers to visit and see firsthand the diversity of agriculture and associated industry and gauge the potential for future growth cannot be underestimated,” Mr Ross said.

“Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s new strategic plan sets out our vision for our district, and at the same time we are in the process of developing a new state regional plan for the Limestone Coast.

From these documents, we have the direction to plan our future.

“Future growth hinges around reliable high-speed connectivity, the flow of this will ensure that residents, students, and businesses can shine on the world stage.”

He said discussions from a local government perspective will be around Department of Infrastructure and Transport roads and its failure to maintain what we have, and the Boddingtons Road West completion will also be up for discussion as it needs to be completed.

“There will be discussion on the desire to have Naracoorte the emergency hub of the Limestone Coast and what that may look like,” Mr Ross said.

“(Also, there will be) the opportunity for the Minister for Regional Development to look at the North Parklands and the facilities that already exist.

“I’m hopeful to have a minister meet with our migrant community so they may speak on the challenges they face on a daily basis and the future they see here in Naracoorte.

“The ongoing issues around housing, childcare, and all facets of education to ensure we prosper into the future are always not far from centre stage when talking with state governments.”

Mr Ross has urged the community to take the opportunity to come to Naracoorte High School, Stewart Terrace, for a BBQ and a chance to ask a question of the government, but participants need to register.

The public forum will begin at 5pm, on Thursday, October 26.

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.