Opportunities to improve liveability in South Australia are being highlighted by the local government sector as the top priority for candidates in the lead up to the 2022 State Election.
Released last week, the Local Government Association’s election platform Local Voices for a Resilient South Australia highlights how the next State Government can support councils to implement local solutions that address shortages in housing across the state, provide essential medical staff and improve digital connectivity in our regions.
LGA President Mayor Angela Evans said it had become “essential the State Government listens to local voices and works together with councils to address these long-terms trends and drive the prosperity of our state”.
Mayor Evans said that fixing liveability challenges was urgent to see economic and social prosperity in South Australia.
“These issues have been bubbling away for some time and are having a major impact on businesses and communities,” Mayor Evans said.
“South Australia is well placed to take advantage of changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including the attractiveness of regional living and the lower costs and risks our state can present for business and investment.
“As the tier of government closest to our communities, the local government sector has been a successful partner for the State Government to address community needs and we need to work together on issues like the availability of housing for workers, health care and poor mobile phone and internet service provision so we do not stifle business or economic growth.
“Without a strong commitment from the next State Government to tackle these issues, South Australia will miss out on this major opportunity presented by the pandemic.”
Mayor Evans said the LGA was calling on the State Government to work with councils to develop a roadmap for increasing regional housing supply that included better incentives for development in regional areas and alternative funding models for housing.
“Other levels of government must understand that investment in regional housing is not profitable, partly because bank loan-to-value ratios are much higher in the regions,” Mayor Evans said.
“We need to create better incentives for developers, like tax exemptions or reductions, or accelerated depreciation rates for rental properties outside of Adelaide.
“Councils cannot solve the housing shortage alone, but they have a role in bringing stakeholders together to identify both short and long-term local solutions.”
Tatiara District Mayor Graham Excell remarked on the impacts to economic growth in his region.
“We know a critical housing shortage is threatening the economic prosperity of the Tatiara and broader South East areas, it’s frustrating to see successful local businesses put off or withdraw expansion plans because no housing is available for workers,” Mayor Excell said.
Mayor Evans said councils were also seeking a mechanism for the sector to have a formal role in shaping statewide and community-based initiatives to better address medical workforce shortages in regional areas and for the next State Government to commit to fixing at least five black spot locations each year.
“Another lesser-known challenge for regional councils in seeking to provide critical infrastructure for their communities is the impact of mandatory rebates, discounts and exemptions on council rates,” she said.
“These rebates are imposed by state legislation and remove councils’ power to determine rating structures which produce the best outcomes for all community members.
“Councils are legally forced to provide discounts on council rates to electricity generators, community housing providers, religious services, public cemeteries and education providers.
“While these rebates impact both metropolitan and regional councils, they can have a greater impact in the regions because regional councils often operate with a very low ratepayer base.”
The platform also puts forward a need for increased State Government funding for public libraries, coastal management, climate change and jetty maintenance and upgrades.
