Minister says councils called for donation return changes
Changes to how campaign donation returns are lodged were at the request of SA’s councils, Local Government Minister Geoff Brock has revealed. The changes were considered a factor in the campaign donation return saga which saw 45 elected members, including four mayors, throughout the State lose their positions after failing to lodge their documents on time.
Libs choose `regional’ Ben Hood
Naracoorte raised Ben Hood has won a Liberal vote 119-87 to replace former Health Minister Stephen Wade in the Legislative Council. In a blow to Opposition Leader David Speirs, who had publicly said he wanted a woman for the job, the majority of 220 State council members voted for a regional person – Mr Hood, now of Mount Gambier.
McGuire in waiting
Naracoorte’s Craig McGuire and 44 other elected members are likely to be reinstated to each of their 36 councils following new laws being rushed through State Parliament ... SA Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the Bill introduced to Parliament last week sought to protect ratepayers from possible costly by-elections, “while still ensuring that councillors file their campaign donation returns”.
5000 sign for radiation therapy
Naracoorte’s Lachlan Haynes is leading a petition throughout the Mid and Upper SE calling for a regional radiation treatment service in the Limestone Coast, so far attracting more than 5000 signatures ... “What people go through to have radiation treatment daily somewhere four hours away is an absolute rollercoaster for them": Lachlan Haynes.
Our Australia Day
Large happy crowds turned out for Australia Day at both Naracoorte and Lucindale last week to celebrate local award winners, welcome new Australians citizens and participate in an Australian citizenship affirmation ... Mayor Patrick Ross read a statement from the Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, then introduced guest speaker, Robertson Street Daily Market proprietor, Didar Ali ... “I came to Australia because I ran away from war."
Mayor seeks legal advice
Legal advice is being sought by Naracoorte Lucindale Council over a motion by Cr Trevor Rayner to reduce the deputy mayor’s term. In rules explained by CEO Trevor Smart on November 30 last year, Cr Monique Crossling was named deputy mayor for four years after Cr Cameron Grundy’s name was pulled out of a hat, following a tied vote ... “I would like to rescind that motion,” Cr Rayner said in his written statement.
Stripy lizard holds up $2m safety project
A striped legless lizard “possibly” seen near the Riddoch Highway 17 years ago is holding up a $2million intersection realignment aimed at making it safer for people who use it. The area has been deemed “a significant environmental site”. But there appears to be no photos of the lizard to prove its existence at the site.
eID committee survives
A committee charged with assessing the benefits, risks and costs of implementing eID tags for sheep and goats in SA has survived a tied 10-10 vote of no confidence. A call for its removal came after a two-hour debate where farmers spoke for and against mandatory eID tags in sheep and goats.
Mobs of debate over eID tags
If a truck load of vendor-bred sheep go direct from a farm to an abattoir, should producers pay for the time, effort and cost of each animal having a $2.50 electronic identification (eID) ear tag ... Current figures suggest around $30 million will be ripped out of rural communities and their service towns by the scheme.
Louise remembered one year on
A hideous fatal fireground accident near Lucindale was one year old last week. Recalling the day, a sombre group gathered at the Lucindale CFS Station for the unveiling of a plaque in honour of CFS fallen volunteer Louise Hincks.
