Business holdups – expansions, potential jobs lost
Chris Oldfield. Millions of dollars of development and jobs are being held up by Naracoorte Lucindale Council, according to several of the district's leading businesses. Alternatively, traditional businesses are being charged up to hundreds of thousands of dollars to expand with council demands for costly stormwater and drainage reports – and works. Most believe the council is deliberately holding up long-term businesses, particularly those servicing agriculture, the rural community and outlying districts. And they believe council is giving preferential treatment to some developments, even using ratepayers’ funds in court action.
Forestry leader backs call for border commissioner
Eliza Berlage. The head of the local forestry industry group has added his voice to calls for the South Australian government to establish a dedicated cross-border commissioner. Forestry was missed in the initial list of essential work provided by SA Health, with clariï¬cation only received at 11am on the ï¬rst day of lockdown that it was included as primary industry. Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub chair Ian McDonnell said a commissioner could have ensured more preparedness in these situations, rather than the “scramble” that occurred.
Tatiara Council withdraws Murray Darling support
Tatiara District Council has voted to stop providing funding and councillor representation for an organisation that supports the sustainability of Keith’s water supply. Councillor Miles Hannemann made a recommendation that council cease to attend monthly MDA meetings and stop paying the $2,200 annual subscription fee. “They keep saying we’re ‘paying a fee so we might as well be at the table’,” Cr Hanneman said. “I recommend we stop paying money and let them know we’re not coming.”
People power saves park
Chris Oldfield. Hailed as “a win for the people”, deputy premier and local government minister Vickie Chapman has refused the Naracoorte Lucindale Council permission to change the community land status of the Janz St parkland. Without Ms Chapman’s permission for a change of status, the council cannot sell the parkland. Last April a 5-4 vote enabled council to seek ministerial permission and sell the park. Retired senior research scientist Mick Deland – who led a petition against the sale with his son Brian – has praised Ms Chapman, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride and their ofï¬ce staff.
Minister silent as doctors pull out of negotiations
Chris Oldfield. The SA Government can spend up to 10 times more on each locum it employs in the Naracoorte Hospital than it pays a local GP for the same 24-hour shift. Around the State it does the same, spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars on locums and fly in fly out doctors rather than finalising contracts which enable local GPs to work at their home town country hospitals.
Young Lucindale auctioneer impresses
Eliza Berlage. A budding auctioneer from Lucindale will compete for a national title, after judges named him state runner-up. Despite only beginning his training this year, Nathan McCarthy placed second in the South Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association Ltd Young Auctioneer competition in Naracoorte this month.
80 years since sea mine tragedy
Sheryl Lowe. Eighty years ago, a tragedy occurred on the shores of Beachport. It took the lives of two young sailors, Able Seaman Thomas William Todd aged 30 years and Able Seaman William Leonard Edward Danswan aged 23 years. This week, the Millicent and Robe Sub-Branches of the RSL hosted the 80th Anniversary Service of the Sea Mine Explosion at the Beachport Mine Memorial.
