Celebrating our heritage
Chris Oldfield. Six pipers, a drummer and dancer recently stirred spirits and awakened the old stone walls and wooden floors of the Naracoorte Hotel – and its patrons. With music almost loud enough to reach the old cemetery, where our Scottish settlers rest, some talented pipers and a drummer had also travelled from Mount Gambier for a Toast to the Tartan.
Doctor shortages impact South East clinics
Sheryl Lowe. South East medical clinics have been affected by doctor shortages resulting in cuts to services and bulk billing. Clinic spokespersons say the Medicare rebate has not kept up with rising costs. Attracting doctors to the South East has been a topic of conversation for many years with one clinic manager saying a 12-month remote rural stint should be built into the training model.
Housing issues raised in Canberra, Adelaide
Chris Oldfield. Mayor Erika Vickery was in Canberra when a crowd thirsty for information met at the Naracoorte Football Club to learn about a proposal for the North Parklands ... In her written report Mrs Vickery said the theme of the National General Assembly was Partners in Progress. “The program included sessions on building stronger communities and population, housing and workforce skills.”
Applause for parklands native vegetation
Chris Oldfield. Concerns about native vegetation and fauna if the North Parklands were developed attracted a round of applause during a recent forum ... “Because once this land has gone and the way I see it personally, and maybe others see it the see it the same - once this land is gone and put under houses, it is gone from potential native regeneration for walking tracks and for flora and fauna, and it is gone forever.”
Council planned homes 65 years ago
Chris Oldfield. The North Parklands were earmarked 65 years ago for homes as the town expanded, according to the former Naracoorte Corporation’s official development plans. The plans were revealed by former mayor, regional president and once vice president of the SA Local Government Association, David Hood during a North Parklands meeting held on June 22.
Naracoorte Lucindale Council rate hike shock
Chris Oldfield. Of the 132 Naracoorte Lucindale Council rate notices with 20 per cent increases, or higher, 78 per cent are residential or commercial property owners. Residential and commercial ratepayers also represent 80 per cent of the 93 assessments with rate increases of 10 to 20 per cent rate. Of the 2348 assessments with 5 and 10 per cent rate hikes, 97 per cent are rural landowners – mostly farmers.
Commonage not a dumping ground
Sheryl Lowe. The Penola Commonage has entered the Clarke Street tree removal discussion with one councillor saying the dumping of the 16 Cypress trees after felling, is not appropriate. The bank of trees has been the topic of discussion for several months with some community members in favour of keeping them ... There is some ambiguity about what the Commonage (noun community land) can be used for he said; it is clear it was to be used for community use and not unpleasant things like the spreading of waste water and burning of timber.
New kitchen for Moreton Bay
Chris Oldfield. Meals of “mashed mush” and “baby food”, people left on toilets, others often feeling cold and rooms not cleaned properly are some of the sad tales from residents and their families of Moreton Bay House ... The News has now spoken to several people - residents and their families and friends - about a raft of problems which saw the aged care facility fall into disrepute, failing 19 of 42 requirements listed under eight Commonwealth standards.
