Federal Grey Candidates Session
The Spencer Gulf Cities (SGC) Mayors comprising Whyalla, Port Pirie and Port Augusta Councils have adopted a Federal Election Statement that was the subject of discussions with the Candidates of our Seat of Grey at a recent session.
In adopting the Statement, the SGC’s recognised the importance of partnering with the Federal Government and the newly elected Member for Grey.
The SGC Federal Election Statement summarises key information about our communities and calls on funding support for specific projects or initiatives in each Council area. Key asks from the SGC Mayors of the next Member for Grey and the Federal Government are:
- Establishing stronger intergovernmental partnerships through forming an SGC/Federal Government Intergovernmental Group chaired by a key Federal Minister and meeting at least twice a year. This Group will keep under review strategic issues for our Councils and region and monitor progress;
- Supporting housing developments across the region, including offsetting development costs, including augmentation;
- Maintaining current Federal Government programs in region and our Uni Hub and ensuring future grant offerings are region specific;
- Co-designing of social services to meet the region’s needs that are culturally appropriate;
- Addressing the childcare needs described as the worse in the nation in our Seat of Grey;
- Reverting to the 80% Federal Government and 20% State Government funding contributions for major highways that previously existed;
- Continuing to support RDAs, First Nation enterprises, tourism operators and ensuring infrastructure supports growth in our region;
- Addressing environmental management, including progress towards net zero, strong community engagement in any discussions around nuclear energy and addressing waste management issues relevant to our region’s industrial developments
The document also includes key projects and initiatives proposed by the Port Pirie, Whyalla and Port Augusta Councils covering areas such as infrastructure, tourism, aged care, precinct developments, childcare centres, liveability and railway infrastructure.
Access the Statement via this link
Candidates Tom Venning (Liberal), Karin Bolton (Labor), Anita Kuss (Independent), Laurie Bais (Trumpet of Patriots), Brandon Turton (One Nation), Peter Borda (Nationals) were present with apologies given by Kathryn Hardwick-Franco (Greens) who provided a written statement after the event. Attempts were made to contact the Family First candidate Kylie Evans through her Party’s general contact email.
Mayor Stephens as Chair of the SGC said:
“We recognise that we need to partner with our Federal Government to deliver the proposals, projects and initiatives in our Council areas and region. We prepared our Federal Election Statement to make sure they were aware of what’s important to our region and communities.
The Session gave the Candidates ample time to respond to the issues and projects raised in the Statement. It was interesting to see them as a group responding to our Statement and reflecting their views, concerns and knowledge of our issues. We thank them for taking the time to address us.”