Hard Talk: Councils are struggling
Stakeholders call for local government reforms. Many local councils in the MacKillop electorate are facing serious financial strain, struggling to meet community demands while navigating complex partnerships with state and federal governments under the Local Government Act 1999.
Mayor welcomes Cargill takeover
Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross has expressed support for the recent acquisition of Teys Australia by US-based food and protein powerhouse Cargill. Given that a significant portion of the local workforce is employed at the Teys facility in Naracoorte, mayor Ross emphasised that the longstanding partnership between Teys—and now Cargill—and the community would continue to thrive.
Teys bows out
Teys Naracoorte facility, which currently employs 475 workers, will not experience any major changes to staffing levels following its recent acquisition by American food and protein industry giant Cargill ... the acquisition will have no "significant impact on roles" at the Naracoorte site, addressing concerns about potential workforce changes.
Community voices concern
A group of Naracoorte residents gathered at the Town Square last Friday to express their disappointment at the Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s decision not to waive burial fees for children under the age of 10. The community demonstration reflected growing frustration over the council's stance, which many believe lacked compassion for grieving families.
Burial fee debate
A Naracoorte Lucindale councillor has voiced strong criticism over the council’s decision to keep $8,600 in its budget for post-meeting “meals and drinks” but reject a proposal to waive burial fees for children under the age of 10. Speaking to The Naracoorte News, councillor Craig McGuire expressed disappointment following the council’s recent May meeting, where his motion to waive all cemetery charges for children up to 10 years old—excluding plaque expenses—was voted down.
50 new local jobs
The reopening of Naracoorte’s Kincraig Hotel this December under new ownership is set to bring a much-needed boost to the local economy with the creation of 50 new jobs for the community. Development works on the multimillion-dollar, five-star accommodation are advancing, with the project’s completion anticipated to rejuvenate the local economy through its diverse offerings.
Declare drought a disaster
South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas has declined to officially declare a drought in the state, claiming that his administration's drought relief package represented the "largest in South Australia's history." … Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross and local accountant Abby Miller made an impassioned plea to the government, urging swift action to aid farmers in the region who were struggling with extreme drought conditions.
Minister: We have spoken to Abby
In light of the persistent drought conditions, the minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development has reached out to the Commonwealth government to seek clarity regarding the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) hardship provisions. Minister Clare Scriven confirmed this to The [Naracoorte] News after being asked about the support her office was providing to drought-stricken farmers in the region.
Mayor’s heartfelt appeal
“This is an emergency”. That is the urgent message from Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross, who has issued a heartfelt appeal to the government for immediate support for farmers grappling with severe drought in the area.
McBride: Court process does not impact my role
With his head lowered and a diary in hand, independent member for MacKillop Nick McBride appeared before the Naracoorte Magistrates Court on May 7 ... faced resident magistrate Koula Kossiavelos for the first time, confronting three charges related to the alleged assault of his estranged wife of three decades, Katherine McBride, on April 10 at a property in the south east.
