MOUNT Gambier will host the nation’s premier conference on regional issues in 2020 with around 250 delegates to visit the Limestone Coast for the Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia (SEGRA) Conference.
The region was selected to host the major business event – scheduled for September next year – following a successful bid by the Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA) and the Adelaide Convention Bureau.
The conference is expected to provide a much welcomed boost to the local economy.
LCLGA executive officer Tony Wright said a dedicated team had worked tirelessly to achieve success and ensure they met the extensive criteria required to host the event.
“The LCLGA and its regional stakeholders are thrilled to proudly support hosting next year’s event in the Limestone Coast,” Mr Wright said.
“The LCLGA, through the Limestone Coast Economic Development Group have invested significant effort in recent years to chart a course for sustainable economic development in this region, adopting an approach that is consistent with the aims and objectives of the SEGRA Conference.”
LCLGA president Erika Vickery said the conference would provide the perfect opportunity to share the region with the rest of the nation.
“It is now time for the Limestone Coast and the greater Green Triangle to share its story and contribute to the broader national conversation,” she said.
“This national conference will also provide the opportunity for the region to have access to the experts that present and participate at SEGRA, Australia’s most credible independent voice on issues affecting regional Australia.
“Tourism visitation across the Limestone Coast has experienced incredible growth over the past five years and the SEGRA conference will be a great way to show delegates first-hand the visitor appeal of the incredible South Australian region.”
The SEGRA conference provides an opportunity for all sectors to explore the key issues affecting regional, rural and remote Australia and be part of providing positive sustainable outcomes to ensure future prosperity.
“We intend to make the most of hosting a national conference of this calibre in the Limestone Coast and the opportunity to showcase our abundant natural resources, quality exports and diverse industries” Ms Vickery said.
South Australian Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister David Ridgeway congratulated the LCLGA on its successful bid.
“As part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s election commitments we undertook to broaden the scope of the Convention Bid Fund to allow regional locations access to funding,” Mr Ridgeway said.
“This strategy is paying dividends and is allowing regional areas to secure national conferences which in turn delivers important economic activity into the local community.”
