Crackdown on chop chop
Is our usually quiet town turning into a hotspot for trading chop chop - illegal tobacco? Last week, South Australia Police (SAPOL) conducted searches at a home and business in Naracoorte, seizing around $1,000 worth of illicit tobacco. The home and business involved were not publicly identified.
Alleged thief caught – Local businessman calls for greater police presence
After enduring nearly $15,000 in losses from multiple break-ins and spending around $30,000 on security upgrades, a local businessman is finally feeling a sense of relief. Police have arrested and charged a suspect believed to be responsible for the break-ins at a block of shops in Naracoorte.
Hard Talk: Town after town
Bureaucratic hurdles, red tape, market failures, declining investor confidence, and ineffective policies have all been cited as key factors behind the district’s ongoing housing crisis. In this edition of Hard Talk, The [Naracoorte] News explores the severe housing shortage affecting regional towns like Naracoorte, Penola, and Bordertown.
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.
