The catchcry of a local councillor lobbying for the expansion of tertiary education in Mount Gambier is “Stay, study and keep skills in the region”.

The future of tertiary education was a topic of discussion at City Council’s January monthly meeting.

Councillor Ben Hood submitted a notice of motion for debate, noting reports around discussions of merging UniSA and the University of Adelaide into a single Adelaide University.

“We want our future generations of people in Mount Gambier to stay in the region, to study in the region, to keep their skills in the region,” he said.

Cr Hood reflected on his own reasons for moving to Mount Gambier, with his wife Elle being enticed to study at the local campus.

“My fantastic wife wanted to learn how to catch babies and deliver the next generation of Mount Gambians,” he said.

“She became inspired to become a nurse and midwife.

“We could have either moved to Adelaide or to Mount Gambier because (at the time) UniSA had just opened up.”

Cr Hood said he was looking forward to seeing what Mount Gambier could be and urged councillors and the community to make some noise on the topic.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what Mount Gambier can be if we can expand that tertiary education,” he said.

“Let’s not focus on that word Adelaide.

Let’s get on the front foot and make some noise.

As we do so well here in Mount Gambier.

“This is vitally important for us to do.

“We have a huge opportunity to speak to the universities, the Premier and the Minister for Education, asking to expand those courses.”

Meanwhile discussion turned to the need for student accommodation and public transport.

Cr Paul Jenner was supportive of the matter, but expressed concern about the shortage of housing in the region.

“This is a very good thing.

“I’m trying to be as positive as I can, but we have to do something about student accommodation,” he said.

“Mount Gambier already has a critical shortage of public housing or appropriate student housing.

“How can we get these people here if we cannot give the proper accommodation for the people who are already here?”

Cr Sonya Mezinec added that accommodation was an issue that needed to be discussed in the future.

Mayor Lynette Martin thanked Cr Hood for his passionate and excellent motion.

“I must say it is an excellent motion.

“Any opportunity to increase the university presence in Mount Gambier and to retain our people there are many benefits to this,” she said.

Before discussion on the matter commenced Cr Josh Lynagh disclosed a general conflict of interest but remained in the chamber.

“I work for Clare Scriven.

“With the motion recommending a letter be sent to all local members, which includes Clare Scriven, I will not be engaging in discussion or debate on the matter,” Cr Lynagh said.

He did not participate in discussion but voted in favour of the motion.