Council jumps ship

There has been a shake up of sorts at the Limestone Coast Local Government Association with Wattle Range Council making the decision to withdraw from the regional body.

Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll said the decision had not been easy and followed extensive discussion and deliberation.

“Council has made the difficult decision to withdraw our membership from the Limestone Coast Local Government Association and we have given association president Mayor Lynette Martin notice to this effect,” Mayor Noll said.

“It is not a decision that has been made lightly. We have a strong desire to continue collaboration with all regional councils, both individually and as a collective, through a range of alternative formal and informal networks.

“Likewise, we understand that it is vitally important that we continue to provide, and advocate for, key infrastructure and services across our wonderful region with a united voice.”

“We also acknowledge that despite our decision to withdraw we will honour our 2024/25 contribution to the association, which should ensure that Wattle Range residents continue to benefit from the programs and projects already set out by the regional body over the coming financial year,” he added.

“We will continue to have honest discussions with our regional counterparts in regard to our future direction and remain open to returning should we feel the opportunity is right.”

Wattle Range’s withdrawal leaves the Limestone Coast body with six members – City of Mount Gambier, District Council of Grant, District Council of Robe, Kingston District Council, Naracoorte Lucindale Council and Tatiara District Council.

While the incumbent mayors were extremely disappointed to learn of the decision they opted to acknowledge and respect the resolution of the Wattle Range Council and wished them well in their future endeavours as an independent council from the LCLGA.

Focus moved fairly quickly to the LCLGA’s core business – continuing its work with a dedicated group of councils, all of whom are committed to promoting the Limestone Coast region and advancing the interests of their communities, and will in coming days meet to consider its future direction and model.

The LCLGA has a proud history of achievement over many decades, and more recently, advocacy for a Cross Border Commissioner, for improved health services and regional road networks for freight and safety for tourists and our community members.

Substance Misuse Limestone Coast and the regional leadership program were auspiced by the LCLGA, with the former operating independently and the latter now with the Limestone Coast RDA.

The Limestone Coast Regional Sports Academy, Connected and Active Communities, and regional tourism destination development are also projects of the regional organisation.

Last year saw the historic investment for mobile phone coverage in the Limestone Coast with the Federal Government providing $15 million, the SA State Government $5.5 million, along with funding from member councils of the Limestone Coast to provide 27 new mobile base stations across the Limestone Coast.

The member councils remain committed to working for the betterment of the region.