RESTRICTIONS for businesses operating along South Australia’s state borders would be eased with creation of a cross border commissioner, Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has pledged.
The independent MP will push for the establishment of a commissioner to identify and resolve issues around being located near the Victorian border as a condition of support to form government following the state election.
Mr Bell said the commissioner would promote the interests of border communities, including business opportunities and road infrastructure between Mount Gambier and Portland.
A major area of the commissioner’s focus would be addressing interstate business impediments and excessive bureaucratic regulations.
“Each state has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to the building industry,” Mr Bell said.
“This can mean that tradespeople in the South East are required to hold dual licences to work just over the border at Nelson.”
Mr Bell said the initiative, which has been operational in New South Wales since 2012, had seen significant improvement in cooperation between Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.
“A cross-border commissioner could help initiatives such as working with the Victorian Tourism Board and local councils to encourage tourists to continue along the Great Ocean Road to Mount Gambier instead of turning off at Port Fairy,” he said.
“This level of cooperation between the states would benefit our region greatly be providing a boost to our local tourism economy.
“Green waste agreements could see the regulations surrounding the transportation and usage of green waste for bio-mass benefit both states while maintaining biosecurity integrity.
“This could lead to waste being transported back to Mount Gambier to be used in a biomass facility, delivering cheaper power for residents and the manufacturing sector.”
Mount Gambier-based businessman David Tye from Tyes Plumbing welcomed the move, saying operating within Victoria added extra costs to his business.
“To operate in Victoria, you need a dual licence – this means two lots of licence renewal fees as well as different installation and compliance regulations,” he said.
“Having a more streamlined approach would make a huge difference.”
