A South East Mayor has failed in his bid for his council to consider scrapping its annual $20,000 funding allocation to Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast.

According to Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll, his council is not getting its money’s worth from the peak regional economic development body and the funds could be better spent.

His motion to withdraw from RDALC funding was considered at its September monthly meeting in Millicent, but debate was adjourned in order to obtain information from the organisation.

A RDALC delegation subsequently addressed a closed workshop of Wattle Range Council to explain its activities.

When Mayor Noll’s motion was put to the October monthly meeting, none of the 10 councillors voted for it.

This prompted a tongue-in-cheek call for a division by Councillor Kevin McGrath.

The October agenda included two letters of support for the RDALC in the Penola and Coonawarra areas.

Raidis Estate co-owner Emma Raidis said her business had benefitted from the free services provided by the RDALC such as economic modelling.

She said Raidis Estate was awarded a State Government grant of $28,500 late last year.

“This money was to put towards a $94,000 project to further develop our cellar door so we can cater to more tourists and employ more staff,” Ms Raidis said.

“RDALC provided the economic reports that helped us secure that grant.

“As many of you would be aware, we are undertaking a major project to bring a luxury accommodation of scale to this region.

“With the services of RDALC we were able to access a thorough economic modelling report for this project.

“This report will make it much easier to secure funding from both federal and state governments.”

Coonawarra Vignerons executive officer Ockert le Roux also said the support provided to his members by the RDALC was invaluable.

He said this came at a time when challenges were being faced due to the COVID pandemic and the Chinese wine embargo.

In putting forward his motion, Mayor Noll had said the seven councils which make up the Limestone Coast Regional Development Association will pay a total of $93,000 to the RDALC in this financial year.

“My belief is, that our ratepayers are not getting value for money,” Mayor Noll said.

“Wattle Range Council elected members can better utilise our RDALC funding share of $19,781 within our own financial budget.”