THE shortage of affordable housing, social infrastructure and increased TAFE opportunities were highlighted as significant issues by the region’s seven councils during the recent Labor shadow cabinet visit.
The state opposition’s frontbench received presentations from Mount Gambier City, Grant District and Wattle Range councils in the City Council chambers, while Tatiara, Robe, Kingston and Naracoorte Lucindale councils presented at Naracoorte.
Shadow Local Government Minister Tony Piccolo said the shortage of affordable housing was raised by a number of councils as restraining development in the region, with local companies struggling to recruit staff due to a lack of appropriate accommodation.
“With the region trying to grow its population base, the lack of housing options is a break on economic development in the area,” he said.
“It is sad that jobs exist but cannot be filled as a growing population would make other businesses more viable in the region,”
Mr Piccolo said local government leaders also expressed concerns about the downgrading of TAFE in the region, which they claimed was forcing young people to move away.
“The region provides many job opportunities in agriculture, forestry and associated industries yet lack the TAFE and University presence critical to the ongoing development of skills in the region,” he said.
“Forestry and associated industries play an important role in the region, yet I am advised it is not possible to undertake forestry studies in the region with jobs filled by people from interstate or overseas.”
Mr Piccolo said while the Limestone Coast made a positive contribution to the state’s economy, the region was being held back by the lack of critical social infrastructure required to underpin such development.
He said the State Government appeared to have turned its back on the Limestone Coast, claiming a lack of understanding and commitment to the needs of the region.
The shadow minister said targeted investment by the State Government could make a significant difference to economic development in the region.
Mr Piccolo said local councils were angered by the fact cost shifting by the State Government was having a huge negative impact on council budgets while they struggle to address serious coastal and waste management issues.
