Lib backs Labor’s local health pledge
Gabrielle Duykers. A Liberal MP has expressed disappointment in his party for failing to match funding local health funding commitments made by the State Opposition, but says he will continue advocating on behalf of the community. In an interview with Flow News 24, Liberal Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said he supported the Labor Party’s $52 million health pledge for the Limestone Coast, which addressed the “outdated” infrastructure in parts of the region.
Tantanoola gymnasium relocation plan
Sheryl Lowe. The small regional community of Tantanoola in the South East of South Australia has big plans to move their almost one-million-dollar school gymnasium a few hundred metres across a couple of country roads to the town’s sporting complex. We have the skills in our community to do this, Tantanoola local Mr. Peter Altschwager told The News, we just need permission ... Local students were educated at the once vibrant school for 139 years but with recent declining numbers, the Education Minister John Gardner decided to close the school in 2020.
Kingston houses Australia’s best mural
Gabrielle Duykers. A unique piece of artwork showcasing the natural features of Kingston has been crowned the best mural in the nation. Commissioned by Kingston District Council in the wake of the Keilira Bushfire, ‘Wind Dance’ received the Gold Award for the Best External Mural at the 2021 Australian Street Art Awards announced last week. In a collective statement, the judges said the mural was vibrant, creative and would entice visitors to explore more of the region.
Member seeks re-election for MacKillop
Sheryl Lowe. Member for MacKillop Nick McBride MP is seeking re-election when South Australians head to the polls this month. “The Marshall government needs another term in government to continue to improve the lives of South Australians and so do I,” Mr MacKillop told The News. “After 16 years in opposition, it takes more than one term to reach some of the goals we had when we came to government.”
Improving water security
A study is currently underway to determine if excess water from the region’s drainage network could be stored in aquifers for the benefit of local primary industries. The Limestone Coast Landscape Board (LCLB) and Primary Producers Sustainable Water Group are together investigating the feasibility of this arrangement in an effort to improve water security and sustainability across the region.
SE Field Days bounce back
Chris Oldfield. Bouncing into life across 45 acres of lush grass, the 42nd SE Field Days at Lucindale will boast at least 450 exhibitors this year, on March 18 and 19.
An idea sparks into SA’s biggest annual event
Chris Oldfield. More than 57 years ago, Jeff and Fay Davey took up dairy farming on their Callendale farm near Lucindale ... In 1978, they joined a group of young farming families all thirsty for information and wanting to see some of the latest machinery ... “We built the site as a club. Then came the infrastructure, and it was all volunteers again.”
