The Limestone Coast is set to benefit from a range of cost-of-living, education, and health measures announced in the state government’s first budget since the March election – but member for MacKillop Jason Virgo says the region continues to miss out on the major investment it deserves.

Handing down the 2026-27 state budget last week, the Malinauskas government announced more than $1 billion in new funding for regional South Australia, including drought support, housing, health, and education initiatives.

Mr Virgo welcomed several statewide measures which he said would deliver practical relief for households across the Limestone Coast.

“Measures such as free public education, expanded sports vouchers, increased support through the Seniors Card program and improvements to the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) will provide meaningful relief for many people in our region,” Mr Virgo said.

“Free public education will save families around $8,000 per child over the course of their schooling, while the expansion of sports vouchers to 16 to 18-year-olds will help more young people stay active and involved in their communities.”

Among the budget measures welcomed by Mr Virgo were $200 million in low-interest drought support loans for grain and livestock producers, $27.9 million over four years for upgrades and redevelopment projects at regional government schools, and $29.5 million to establish Outside School Hours Care services across regional schools.

Additional measures include $4 million over four years to support specialised women’s health clinics in regional areas, $19 million over two years for affordable homes through the Rent to Own Scheme, and $29.7 million over four years for community infrastructure projects across South Australia.

Despite welcoming the support measures, Mr Virgo said the Limestone Coast remained overlooked for larger investments despite its economic contribution to the state.

The budget includes two direct allocations for the Limestone Coast $16.5 million over four years to support the operation of 59 temporary beds at Mount Gambier Prison and $13 million over two years to build a new medical education and training facility adjacent to Mount Gambier Hospital.

The state government said the budget delivered targeted support for regional communities while continuing broader investment across South Australia.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said regional South Australia remained central to the government’s agenda.

“This budget recognises that a strong South Australia depends on strong regional communities,” Mr Malinauskas said in a statement.

“With new funding in this budget of more than a billion dollars for regional South Australia, we are backing communities with targeted investments that create jobs, improve services and strengthen local economies.

“We are delivering practical support for regional South Australians, from drought assistance and housing to health services and economic development.”

A key budget initiative is the creation of an $8 million Primary Industries Future Forward Fund over four years to support research, innovation and sustainability across sectors including grains, livestock, dairy, wine, seafood, horticulture, and timber.

Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said the investment recognised the importance of regional industries.

“Primary producers are the heart of South Australia’s economy, communities, and way of life, contributing more than $17 billion in Gross State Product each year,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“The 2026 27 state budget provides a raft of new funding for measures to help drive our regions and the sectors that operate in them.

“We will work with our primary producers and forest industries to deliver a Primary Industries Future Forward Fund that delivers for their present and future needs, and invests in the projects that will strengthen the heart of our economy.”

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said regional investment remained central to the government’s long-term vision.

“By investing in South Australia’s regions, we are investing in our future,” Ms Scriven said.

“This budget renews our commitment to build a better and brighter future for primary industries and regional communities in our state, because they are the key drivers of our economy.

“From delivering much-needed support to our primary producers and upgrading the transport corridors that connect our state, to building new homes, more opportunities and a bigger health system, Labor is investing in all of South Australia not just Adelaide.”

This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 10 June 2026.