The State Planning Commission’s Draft Limestone Coast Regional Plan has been slammed by Mount Gambier City Council elected members, with Councillor Max Bruins labelling it as “buzzwords and bullshit”.


Consultation for the plan commenced in March and closes on June 17 to allow an opportunity for the community and council to comment.


The document predicts a population growth of 18,000 people in the Limestone Coast over next 30 years with 70% of projected population growth set to occur in Mount Gambier.


Councillors discussed the plan at their recent monthly meeting, delegating chief executive Sarah Philpott the authority to make a submission on the plan including referencing that it should provide a more significant level of information with more emphasis to be placed on Mount Gambier’s role as the regional capital of the Limestone Coast.


“To say this falls short of what is expected and what is required is the understatement of the century,” Cr Bruins said.


“They have put countless hours of work and a hell of a lot of work into this and all they have come up with is buzzwords and bullshit and they need to go back to the drawing board.”


“I do not think of the importance of this document, I do not think anywhere near enough work has been done by the people in Adelaide,” Cr Paul Jenner said.


“This is the growth of our region and it’s lacking, I mean this is a really good idea it’s out there but it is lacking detail.”


Mayor Lynette Martin OAM agreed with Cr Jenner.


“I think the whole of the state has similar views of their regional plans,” she said.


“This long awaited plan has been met with some disappointment by councillors and at a recent workshop members discussed the draft plan and provided feedback where we feel it falls short in being able to deliver what will be required to provide for orderly and sustainable development for our city and our region.”


Cr Frank Morello echoed the comments made by Cr Jenner, saying he believed the plan lacks ambition, vision and detail.


“What we need is a clear plan for growth, one that takes into account the urban sprawl and our fresh water supply,” he said.


“There also needs to be an understanding of the complexities of interdependence that exists between City of Mount Gambier and Grant District Council.


“We need a more cohesive vision and a plan to address these fundamental challenges, ensuring our region can grow sustainably and prosper into the future.”