Rail trail concerns process and outcome
Sheryl Lowe. “So, you can imagine our dismay upon receiving a letter from Mr. Munivenkata Krishna Sunkappa Reddappa advising us that the rail trail has been funded and contracts let, asking us if we had any concerns. Surely it was a bit late in coming after years of design, funding applications and tenders and contracts finalised. Any concerns the affected ratepayers may have had should have been addressed long before now.”
Rare, abundantly earthy elemental probe
Wayne Hawthorne. This region is about to participate in a strategic, independent, and sustainable resource of heavy rare earth elements that are essential for future economies. Probus members learnt of this developing potential when Rick Pobjoy of Australian Rare Earths spoke.
Saleyards social scene assessed
Gabrielle Duykers. A team of researchers descended upon the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange last week, as part of a national investigation into the social value of saleyards to rural communities. The research project was commissioned by the Australian Livestock Markets Association (ALMA) after noticing the need for such a study, with almost all existing research into livestock exchange facilities focusing solely on their economic value.
Councillor pleads for hospital action
Gabrielle Duykers. A local councillor has implored council to “interfere” and take immediate action to address the shortage of emergency doctors at Naracoorte Hospital. As previously reported in The News, Naracoorte Hospital has been without a duty doctor three to four days each month during 2021, as a result of expired contracts with rural doctors across the state, as well as locally.
Father Woods movement
Sheryl Lowe. Father Woods Park statues will be the focus of discussions between Wattle Range Council and the Penola Catholic Community in coming weeks ... Cr Price successfully moved for Council to approach the Catholic Church leaders at Penola to see if they would support the relocation of the statues to Penola due to the safety concerns at the current site.
Tatiara tackles housing
Gabrielle Duykers. Tatiara District Council has been praised for its “proactive” efforts to mitigate the region’s housing crisis, which includes zero rental vacancies in Bordertown ... In a submission by the Local Government Association of South Australia to a federal inquiry into housing affordability,Tatiara council was used as a case study for how the worsening situation was impacting the local economy, but was hailed for the initiatives it had undertaken to address the issue.
Raw concerns about saleyards future
Sheryl Lowe. Members of the Millicent and surrounding district rural community converged on the Wattle Range Council owned saleyards on Tuesday 16 November at 5 pm to find out if Council was going to sell or repair the facility. Millicent Saleyards was discussed at the October and November Council meetings in confidence, amidst claims Council was seeking expressions of interest for the facility.
