A new committee may be established to assist in addressing the priority of road renewals for the Limestone Coast region.
The proposal of a working group was discussed at a meeting of the Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LGA) in December.
The role of the committee, to be known as the Limestone Coast Road Renewal Working Group, would be to review the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) list of possible road renewals for the Limestone Coast.
Following review, the group would recommend an agreed priority list of works to inform future investment priorities and funding bids.
The working group would prepare such a report to a CEO Governance Group, which would comprise the chief executives of the Limestone Coast LGA, local councils and DIT.
A report tabled at the LGA meeting stated the current conditions and maintenance of state roads was a critical issue.
According to the report, it was a result of a meeting organised by Member for MacKillop Nick McBride in November that DIT chief executive Tony Braxton-Smith sought to form the working group.
The draft terms of reference for the group has been provided to the Limestone Coast LGA for comment, which was included in the LGA meeting agenda.
Key issues were highlighted in the report, stating local government has had limited input into DIT planning and priorities.
It was reported that this has been reflected in the lack of community engagement on state road decisions.
“DIT is organising a technical working group to develop a shared position on road renewal priorities,” the report said.
“This committee provides a real opportunity for a partnership approach on state roads with DIT.”
Whilst the working group can make recommendations on the terms of reference, the final approval lies with the Minister.
It was recommended the working group meet monthly or as needed.
Meanwhile, road conditions across the region has been a matter of interest to Mount Gambier City councillor Paul Jenner.
He said he was seeking positive feedback after raising the matter at previous council meetings but had not heard any reports since.
City Council chief executive Sarah Philpott said she had attended at the meeting arranged by Mr McBride as well as the Limestone Coast LGA meeting.
“I can say that it was certainly productive.
“It brought issues we are experiencing regionally to attention within the department,” she said.
“It was a very well attended meeting to raise the issues which all councils in the Limestone Coast are experiencing.
“As a result of that, the contractors who are contracted to DIT have been out on a regional visit and have met with each council.”
Ms Philpott praised the conversations held at the meetings.
“It has been really positive so far and I think the conversations has led to some increased attention and I really think we will see that continue,” she said.
