Local Politicians Name Their Priorities For 2023

Friday January 20, 2023

Published by The Border Watch 

By Aidan Curtis

 

THIS year is shaping up to be a big one for the Limestone Coast, with local politicians announcing what they are targeting for 2023.

Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell said 2022 was "probably the most exceptional year" on record and he was looking to carry that momentum forward.

"To see $130 million committed to our region - almost all of the Future Mount Gambier document we put together being adopted by the State Government - is a fantastic achievement," he said. "I can't remember a time where we've had such a focus from the State Government and a genuine investment in our region.

"That $130 million will take a number of years to roll out, but the money is locked in, the commitment is there, and we'll see the fruits of that start to ripen over the next couple of years."

While Mr Bell was looking to carry over concerns from this year including a marine rescue fund and service for Port MacDonnell into 2023, he said he has four main priorities for this year.

Mr Bell said he was really looking to target getting approval for a hospice facility in Mount Gambier, capitalising on tourism in the region, homelessness and medicinal cannabis.

"A lot of politicians don't put these things out because then you can be held accountable," he said. "I'm not saying we'll be successful in all of these areas, but I want people to know what my priorities are."

He said those plans would likely take longer than 12 months and there were a fair few obstacles to get past on the way, but he was confident that putting together well formulated plans for each would go a long way.

"With the Riverland floods and government priorities, money will be tight over the next two, three years because those floods are going to cost well in excess of $200 million," he said.

"Government's priority has been to attract major events back to Adelaide - they are in the tens of millions of dollars as well.

"Money will be an issue, but I'm confident if we go in with a really good plan and the community behind it."

From a Federal perspective, Barker MP Tony Pasin said there were a number of targets he was working towards for the region, including improving mental health services and mobile phone services.

"Moving forward I will be continuing to work with community to push to upgrade the Mount Gambier Saleyards, the Olympic Park Tennis facilities and to ensure the Limestone Coast is better connected both digitally and physically with upgraded road infrastructure," Mr Pasin said.

"Mobile phone service continues to be an issue in regional areas and unfortunately Federal Labor Government commitments for new towers don't include any new locations in Barker.

"I will be working hard in Canberra to ensure that this need is brought to the Government's attention and that communities such as Maaoupe and others receive the service they deserve."

Mr Pasin said the condition of roads in the Limestone Coast was also a top priority and that he was aiming to improve road conditions and safety into 2023.

He also said he would continue advocating for a cancer treatment centre in Mount Gambier to avoid people travelling up to five hours to access vital healthcare.

"I'm actively working with a team of passionate community members to see these services delivered to the Limestone Coast," he said.

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