The Tatiara District Council’s support for the Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA) hangs in the balance.
In a motion without notice at the Council’s September meeting, Cr Lynton Mackenzie said the council should convey to the association’s board that the elected members of the Council “have lost their belief in the ability of the LCLGA to viably deliver economically quantifiable outcomes for the Limestone Coast region and, more significantly, the Tatiara District Council”.
“We therefore recommend a review and analysis of all areas of its organisation with the outcomes and recommendations made fully available to LCLGA member councils and the LGA,” Cr Mackenzie moved.
He said should the LCLGA not agree to a review, the council should consider all options.
“However, unless we see a move towards restructure of the LCLGA that will result in improved performance, economic efficiency, and deliverance of agreed programs, we will consider withdrawing our membership in 2025.”
Cr Miles Hannemann seconded Cr Mackenzie’s motion.
Cr Richard Halliday moved an amendment to the motion.
“That Tatiara District Council strongly supports the comprehensive review of the LCLGA as proposed in the association’s 2024/25 annual business plan, noting its expectation that the review will result in agreed outcomes, programs and activities, and alternative structure for the organisation, as well as a corresponding reduction of subscription,” Cr Halliday moved. The motion was seconded by Cr Trevor Butler.
The amendment was put forward and was a tied vote of 4 for and 4 against. Mayor Liz Goossens had the casting vote, and voted for the motion.
The vote was carried.
LCLGA includes the region’s seven councils – City of Mount Gambier, District Council of Grant, Kingston District Council, Naracoorte Lucindale Council, District Council of Robe, Tatiara District Council, and the Wattle Range Council.
The region’s local government organisation was first formed more than 100 years ago to lobby State and Federal Governments for funding to help build public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, drains and rail networks.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
