Premier Peter Malinauskas reiterated the importance of the Limestone Coast to the state’s economy when he spoke at an “Hour of Power” business luncheon in Mount Gambier on Friday.
Almost 140 people attended the event, hosted by the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce at The Commodore.
Premier Malinauskas discussed business and leadership along with various matters relevant to the region before taking many questions from attendees.
The Premier announced that he had visited the region either five or six times this calendar year, quipping it was more than his predecessor Steven Marshall had, and he was applauded by attendees when he stated he was serious about the region.
“Our state has regions with an extraordinary amount of opportunity and there is a lot of opportunity in Adelaide too, but it has struck me over the course of the last five years there is a lot of potential in this community,” he said.
“It is not a case of the South East needing Adelaide, which is the typical application of thinking in policy-makers in Adelaide, it is actually the other way around.
“Adelaide desperately needs regional Australia, and in particular this part of our state, more than you need us.
“I guess what I am trying to do is invest a bit of effort into policy to realise the opportunity you have here.”
Premier Malinauskas spoke about varying topics, as well as highlighting his government’s plan to invest in Mount Gambier and outlined progress on several budget commitments.
“Our whole nation and our economy as a whole can continue to thrive and be world-leading, notwithstanding our challenges, including those on the horizon,” the Premier said.
“We can achieve that when the interests of capital and Labor work together.
“And the Chamber of Commerce in every guise, at a national level, a state level or a regional level, has an important function of leadership in that regard and is an important source of advice for my government, which is seeking to be, and is unapologetically in favour of, being a pro-business government.”
During his visit the Premier also attended the Mondelez cheese factory 50 years of manufacturing in South Australia celebrations, visited the Mount Gambier Hospital and Kilsby Sinkhole and announced new public housing to be built in Mount Gambier.
Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce president Candice Fennell said the ‘Hour of Power’ session was very successful.
“We were so grateful the Premier accepted our invitation from The Chamber of Commerce,” Ms Fennell said.
“And in particular how much his messaging was around they are a pro-business government and the leadership and forthrightness of this government will really help benefit our local Mount Gambier community.”
Ms Fennell said she was very pleased with the topics the Premier addressed at the session.
“I think some of the things that were important really came through in the Q and A section around the energy and electricity levels, housing, our challenge with medical and general practitioners and also the amalgamation, it was wonderful to hear him talk about that,” she said.
“There’s nothing more important than having an interest outside of the metropolitan area.
“Mount Gambier is a large regional city and we need to make sure we are well-known on our map as being a really big business and community and tourism hub.”
