Invitation put out to premier

MOUNT Gambier City Council elected members have called on the South Australian Premier to visit the city to see first-hand the impact of COVID-19 on the region.

The request was put forward in a formal motion tabled by Cr Paul Jenner at Tuesday night’s full meeting, which also included an invitation to the State Cabinet.

It comes as the Shadow Cabinet is expected to visit the Limestone Coast for two days next week to hold a country cabinet meeting in the region.

Cr Jenner highlighted the importance of the Limestone Coast being remembered by the State Government throughout COVID-19 given Mount Gambier is the second-largest city in South Australia.

“We have asked the Premier and the Cabinet probably a couple of times to come down to our region,” he said.

“At the moment we need support for tourism and our economy … I think we need to use all our endeavours to get himself and a couple of key ministers down here.”

Mayor Lynette Martin indicated Mr Marshall had “some dates” pencilled in to come and visit the region.

“He is unable to commit to them at the minute, but they are pencilled in for the not too distant future,” Ms Martin said.

“It is certainly on his radar, so I’m not sure if you feel we need to write because I do know it happening.”

However, Cr Jenner believed the council needed to continue to call on his presence in the region.

“At the end of the day, he has not come here and we need him to come for tourism and economic reasons,” he said.

“He may have spoken to you, his office may have spoken to you, but we need to keep on pushing because this is really important.”

The Premier’s office was contacted for comment.