What’s our strategy?
Future developments in the district must be thoughtfully planned with harmony, taste, and understanding, rather than solely focusing on “chasing rate dollars”. This was the key message from mayor Patrick Ross to the Naracoorte Lucindale Council as elected members began discussions on a crucial issue—the draft housing strategy—last week.
‘Welcome to Australia – we’re all the same’
Welcome! This was the simple but profound message delivered by South East orthopaedic surgeon Dr Barney McCusker, the Naracoorte Lucindale Australia Day guest speaker. Welcoming the district’s new citizens, Dr McCusker said by coming to Australia – the great south land – they made the country richer, more colourful and a greater nation.
“Listen to the public”
An elected member of the Naracoorte Lucindale Council has criticised the council for disregarding public input gathered during consultation processes. Speaking exclusively to The [Naracoorte] News, Cr Craig McGuire claimed trust towards the elected body was “at an all-time low” with public consultation and feedback mostly ignored or dismissed if it did not fit the narrative of what parts of the elected council wanted to see.
Sports funding
Sporting clubs and community groups in the South East play a vital role in fostering social connections and promoting an active lifestyle ... Are government efforts sufficient enough to support these local clubs in towns such as Naracoorte, Penola, and Bordertown?
Future focused reshuffle
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia has announced a Shadow Cabinet reshuffle, saying it is future focused. Mr Tarzia said the reshuffle followed the retirement announcement of John Gardner (former shadow minister for education) and departure of Jing Lee (former Upper House MP).
Mining battle
Proposed mining for rare earths elements in the Limestone Coast is facing opposition from local producers and residents. Many sections of the community are concerned about how mining would impact production in one of the state's key agricultural regions.
Housing crises affects businesses
Businesses from all sectors in the Tatiara District—whether trades, diesel mechanics, car dealers, agricultural machinery and supplies, manufacturing, or engineering—with five or 500 staff are unable to grow, or in some cases operate at capacity, because there is no accommodation available to house the staff they need to attract. This is the situation facing the district, council chief executive officer Anne Champness has told The [Naracoorte] News.
Hard talk – Loss of essential services
Many essential service providers, including the government, are “abandoning” rural towns like Naracoorte in South Australia … We asked Naracoorte Lucindale Council mayor Patrick Ross, Minister for Regional Development Clare Scriven, Shadow Minister for Regional South Australia Nicola Centofanti, and Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin why our towns are losing essential service providers and what needs to be done to help our frustrated communities.
Farewell Shaz!
Twenty-seven years and 2.2 million boxes later, Sharon Drabsch has called it a day. Shaz, as her colleagues call her, ends her 27-year career as a box maker at the MiniJumbuk in Naracoorte at the end of this month. The 46-year-old with special abilities is not only a box maker but also a beacon of hope to those with special needs in the community.
Housing strategy
The Naracoorte Lucindale Council has developed a draft housing strategy with hopes to fix the district’s housing crisis. The draft strategy was presented to the council by chief executive officer Trevor Smart during the council’s November meeting. The draft housing strategy follows a resolution at the council’s May 2024 meeting to prepare position papers to assist the public to understand the council’s actions addressing the housing shortage in the council area and the assistance the council can provide.
