“What a difference a year makes,” said Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross, reflecting on his first 12 months as a civic leader.

Tough economic conditions are gouging deep into the lives of many – a direct contrast to that leading up to last year’s November 10 SA local government elections.

“Both livestock producers and vignerons in the SE this year will be making massive losses on their enterprises, whether they have beef cattle, sheep or grapes,” Mr Ross said.

“It won’t be a trickle down effect, it will be an avalanche effect on their ability to spend money, and it will be a very difficult time for all small businesses within our community.

“They have had a very good past three or four years when they have spent a lot of money in our community. But this has changed dramatically.

“If you haven’t seen someone for a while, give them a call. It is okay to ring up someone and just ask if they are okay.”

He said it was important “to keep talking” to family, friends, neighbours and business associates.

It was equally important to keep accountants, bank managers and the Australian Tax Office (ATO) updated.

Around the district and beyond, farmers with furrowed brows are shooting some of their sheep. Worth nothing and running out of feed, it is too expensive to sell them.

Looming is the State Government’s e-tag identification scheme – more costs and more work with no financial return.

Mr Ross estimated prime lamb producers were now losing at least $60 a head.

Similarly, beef producers are seeing a whole calf sold for less than a couple of gourmet hamburgers.

Some cattle are unsaleable. Most are bringing $1.40-$2 per kg. Yet a 300g steak is selling in city restaurants for $40 or more.

Meanwhile, some vineyards are being ripped up and replaced with pasture, grain or small seeds. The wine industry is on its knees too.

The domino effect hits businesses hard in service centres like Naracoorte, Penola and Bordertown, as well as coastal towns.

Exacerbating the economic pain, interest rates have doubled on people’s mortgages. Fuel costs have exploded with a 48 cent excise per litre, plus GST – a tax on a tax.

Power prices continue to escalate along with insurance and other costs.

“As mayor I talk about it a lot with people – (for example) last week the (State) Government (Premier and Ministers), and Livestock SA, the people that are in the policy making area, to make sure they are aware of the situation,” Mr Ross said.

“I look at people and I notice there’s some very tired eyes and wrinkles on foreheads. It’s a very worrying time.

“For those of us who have done all this before and paid 18 per cent interest and lived off what you can grow in the garden, you know you can absolutely lock it down and get through it,” he said.

Part of getting through was also accepting help from others, be it having “time-out” with friends, or working with accountants, banks and the tax office.

Mr Ross believed that ensuring the public understood also helped.

Naracoorte Lucindale – the natural centre of our region.

Economic downturns had come and gone in the past and Mr Ross was upbeat about the direction of the council and the strong future of our district.

He enjoyed promoting Naracoorte Lucindale as the “natural centre” of the South East for health, education, tourism, primary industries, emergency services, sport and major events.

Mr Ross also is proud of the council’s strategic plan which was done within six months of the election.

Describing it as an “outstanding” achievement, he said most other councils were only just starting to work on theirs.

Mr Ross praised elected members for developing the plan and said it had “re-energized a way forward for the council”.

“A strategic plan is enabling. It enables you to take action in any direction within the plan,” he said.

That included things like developing recreational areas, working with our migrant population, and auditing unsealed roads.

Mr Ross praised the CEO Trevor Smart, indoor staff and the outdoor works teams, claiming “we all grew together”.

“The relationship I have with every man and woman in this building is amazing, and I’m constantly astonished at the work they all do and their willingness to help me and anyone else who walks through the door,” he said.

“It has been said that we’ve been asking (the administration) for a lot of reports – for a lot of information.

“But of course, we do have new councillors and these new councillors have inquiring minds. They are not asking the administration to do reports that are unnecessary.

“They (councillors) are just people that need to have all the information possible to make good, informed decisions around the future direction of council.

“I hear constantly…in feedback from people on the street that they are delighted with what the councillors and council are doing.”

A completed strategic plan also made it easier to start the budget process for 2024-25.

“At the last council meeting, Cr Grundy proposed that we look at the efficiencies of our plant and equipment and whether we’ve got the appropriate fit for purpose,” Mr Ross said.

“So if we need to go out and purchase plant equipment, that would be part of the budget setting process, so that we can ensure our unsealed roads are up to standard.”

Regarding the former Naracoorte Public Library building, Mr Ross said he did not want to see it knocked down for car parking.

He had long advocated for the space to be used as a community hub – a concept promoted last year by resident Danielle Moore.

As a result, regarding funding opportunities, Mr Ross said he had several meetings with various Ministers and department heads during the Country Cabinet visit.

Mr Ross said that at the Country Cabinet Q&A forum the daughter of former mayor Richard Bourne had requested funding for a community hub.

“I will be looking to engage with her, and with Danielle,” he said.

Anyone struggling with tough times are urged to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78.

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.