Mount Gambier City Council has not made a decision on becoming a member of the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA), which would incur a yearly membership fee of $3000.

The significance of the forestry industry in Mount Gambier prompted Council’s City and Community Growth general manager Sue La Greca to propose council join the association as an affiliate member.

The matter was discussed at council’s May monthly meeting.

In her proposal tabled in the meeting agenda, Ms La Greca recommended council become a member to support the forestry industry in Mount Gambier and contribute to economic, environmental and community development.

Mayor Lynette Martin said she, along with Ms La Greca and council’s chief executive Sarah Philpott, had met with SAFPA chief executive Nathan Paine.

“We felt it worthwhile the council become an affiliate member of the association,” she said.

“We find it would be of benefit as we plan and advocate for our city in the future.

“The SAFPA has a strong relationship in government and they represent many industry groups in Mount Gambier that contribute to our economy, and we believe it could be advantageous for us.”

Formed in 2020, the SAFPA and is a committee of the Board of the Australian Forest Products Association.

The SAFPA is self-described as a policy development, lobbying and advocacy organisation for its members interests.

Councillor Max Bruins moved the recommendation that council become an affiliate member to support the forest industry in Mount Gambier and contribute to economic, environmental and community development.

He also moved the $3000 annual membership fee be funded from council’s existing budget.

At the request of Cr Kate Amoroso meeting procedures were suspended to further discuss questions relating to the matter.

During discussion, Cr Amoroso sought clarification on the SAFPA and whether council had supported lobby groups in the past.

“Personally, it does not sit well with me spending ratepayers’ money on a lobby group,” she said.

“Is there room for a presentation to councillors so we can understand it a little bit more?”

In response, Ms Philpott said the SAFPA was relevant to the local community.

“As we know forestry is a significant industry for our region,” she said.

“We are interested in working alongside strong industry and supporting in whatever way industry can.

“The intention is about the profile of the industry, prioritising driving development of forestry and the forestry products sector.

“What we thought was particularly interesting is access into industry events, and the opportunity to influence parliamentary members.”

In terms of council’s participation in other groups, Ms Philpott said council was involved with various other associations and memberships, including the Regional Australia Institute Alliance, Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce and Women In Business and Regional Development.

Meanwhile, Cr Josh Lynagh disclosed a conflict of interest, stating he works for Minister for Forest Industries Clare Scriven.

“The SAFPA is the peak industry for forestry.

I intend to stay in the meeting and vote on the matter.

“I will not be engaging in discussion or debate on the matter,” he said.

“The result of the motion, one way or the other, has no effect on myself or my employed position in any way.”

When meeting procedures resumed, Cr Bruins’ motion lapsed for want of a seconder.

Cr Frank Morello moved that a decision be deferred until such time the association brief council, via an information briefing, on the benefits of affiliate membership.

This was seconded by Cr Bruins and supported by councillors present at the meeting.

Crs Paul Jenner and Mark Lovett were absent from the meeting.