As 2023 draws to a close, it is a time when we reflect on the year that has been and begin to turn our focus to the year ahead. As always, it has been a privilege to represent the Mount Gambier and District area as your MP and I am looking forward to a promising 2024.
We literally kicked off the year with the Switch the headspace Match for Mental health.
A fantastic initiative from a group of community members to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health. The Aussie Rules match included ex-AFL and local players, as well as a few other community
identities. I think it’s safe to say my football boots will be heading straight back to retirement.
Greater mobile connectivity was a key initiative in my Future Mount Gambier plan and the recent announcement of the Federal Government funding for 27 new mobile sites is a fantastic way to finish the year.
This is a great example of what can be achieved with collaboration from all three levels of government, as well as industry, to achieve this critical project for our community.
This year has also seen great achievements in Health, Education and Infrastructure.
We saw the completion of 10 new homes for public housing which is a crucial first step in addressing the current housing shortage. Yahl Primary School received $3 million towards upgrading their outdated facilities; and the doubling of the fuel allowance for the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) was a much-needed addition to help ease financial pressures for those travelling for health services.
Moving into next year the PATS scheme remains a priority. It has been 10 years since the accommodation allowance was increased and the rebate needs to reflect todays cost of living.
Tourism investment and the state of our roads are also priorities for the new year, as well as continuing to advocate for legislative change in the production and supply of medicinal cannabis for use in treating diseases such as juvenile epilepsy.
2024 will also see the beginning of work for essential upgrades to the Mount Gambier and District Hospital emergency department, doubling of the size of the mental health unit and the addition of two dedicated drug and alcohol detox beds.
It is also shaping to be a significant year for education, with the $59 million education precinct led by Peter Gandolfi taking shape. This is a crucial step forward in providing diverse pathways for our
future generations, and keeping them here in our region, whether that be through university, TAFE or the new technical college.
So, as we approach the new year, I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. I eagerly await the challenges and successes that the coming year will bring for our community and I look forward to working with you, and for you in 2024.
Troy Bell
Member for Mount Gambier
