Liberal candidate for Mount Gambier Ben Hood will be advocating the abundance of opportunities the Limestone Coast has to offer as part of his pre-election campaign.

Mr Hood made a deputation at a recent Grant District Council meeting to introduce himself and outline why he is standing for election.

Some of the topics discussed included the saleyards, agricultural and forestry industries, roads, entrance statement at northern corridor of Mount Gambier, and caring for the aging population.

“From a Grant council perspective, the saleyards are of critical importance,” Mr Hood said.

“The Federal Government has put up money for upgrades. We are a little bit short from a State Government perspective.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to be advocating for more of that funding to get that project across the line.”

A keen interest in agriculture, together with business partner Simone Kain, Mr Hood created the children’s educational character George the Farmer.

“Teaching kids about where their food comes from and how important agriculture is in our everyday lives,” he said.

“There is a real opportunity to be able to embrace what we have in this region.

“We have the best produce in beef, lamb, horticulture and seafood.

“I see some real opportunities to promote and market the agriculture and produce that we have.

“And to increase that production will create jobs for this region as well.”

Mr Hood said he was aware roads were a hot topic in the region.

“I have been keenly aware of the success of local roads and community infrastructure program. It’s worked extremely well for councils,” he said.

“There is more opportunity to replicate that at a state level as well.

“Councils can see some of that funding coming through for local roads and community infrastructure to build us up.”

Meanwhile, Mr Hood said forestry was also of vital importance and there would be a focus on a review into the lower Limestone Coast water allocation plan.

“There is a lot of important work to do with that, not just within forestry, but for dairy, horticulture and all our water users,” he said.

“It’s important that we do that sustainably and responsibly, but at the same time be able to promote those water users.

“The huge amount of money that puts back into our region and employment that offers.

Mr Hood is currently on leave from his role as a Mount Gambier City councillor.

He will be away from his council duties until the public declaration of the March 2022 State Election result.