Rare earths mining: local voices join panel
Eight community representatives have been appointed to sit on the newly formed Community Consultation Committee (CCC) for Australian Rare Earths’ (AR3) controversial Koppamurra Project, a move the company says will strengthen local input. According to AR3, this is the beginning of formal consultation on the proposed rare earths mine as the exploration company moves towards a mining licence application.
Dialysis in draft: State plan flags mid-term service priority for Naracoorte
The long-awaited prospect of renal dialysis services at Naracoorte Hospital has been formally recognised in the state government’s Draft Clinical Services Plan for the Limestone Coast ... Mr McBride emphasised that renal dialysis for Naracoorte had been a long-standing request from constituents who faced the burden of travelling to Mount Gambier or Adelaide for treatment.
Naracoorte on the rise
That’s the message from Spendmapp by Geografia, which has singled out the Naracoorte Lucindale Council for its economic momentum and community-first approach ... The latest data shows local spending is climbing, visitor dollars are growing, online shopping is rising, and even ‘escape spend’ is up — a sign of household confidence and prosperity circulating across the Limestone Coast.
Homelessness, housing storm
The Limestone Coast is facing a worsening homelessness crisis, with Naracoorte among the towns where families, young people, and older residents are being pushed to the brink by rising housing costs and limited rental availability ... The [Naracoorte] News caught up with ac.care’s Homelessness and Community Services senior manager, Trish Spark, to discuss the issue...
Blown tyres and scam
Have you ever driven the stretch between Naracoorte and Bordertown and feared the next bump might leave you with a blown tyre or bent rim? If so, you’re not alone. Locals say the road has become notorious for sudden drop-offs, crumbling shoulders, and dangerous edges—some as deep as 15 centimetres—that have left motorists with costly repair bills and a lingering sense of frustration.
Expensive locum doctors
The Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) claims it is strategically shifting away from depending on expensive locum doctors … But shadow minister for Regional Health Penny Pratt has rejected the network’s claims, saying they did not reflect the reality she hears “almost weekly” from rural communities.
“School funding incredibly complex”
Sunrise Christian School Naracoorte principal Aaron Haines says there is a lot of misunderstanding about how independent schools are funded and is calling for a clearer, more balanced discussion. Mr Haines said school funding was incredibly complex, and all stakeholders had a responsibility to help teachers, parents, and the wider public understand how the Australian education system worked.
Compassionate reversal
In a compassionate reversal of a previous decision, the Naracoorte Lucindale Council has this time unanimously agreed to waive all cemetery fees for children up to the age of 10, excluding the cost of plaques. This motion, which had been rejected in May, received full support from elected members in the council meeting held on July 22.
Brazen jewellery theft: Two men arrested, investigations continue
Two men from Hendon, a north-western suburb of Adelaide, have been taken into custody following an alleged break-in at the Macchia Jewellery store located on Ormerod Street in Naracoorte. According to South Australia Police (SAPOL), the arrests were made as part of ongoing investigations led by Limestone Coast CIB detectives.
NRLE eID work nearing completion
The Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange is close to finalising the installation of electronic identification (eID) equipment and infrastructure for sheep. The Naracoorte Lucindale Council confirmed the progress, noting that it allocated nearly $1 million in this financial year for improvements to the sheep yards.