Local politicians have weighed in on the State Government’s recently released draft Limestone Coast Regional Plan.
The plan, which is open for community consultation until June 17 this year, predicts a population growth of 18,000 people in the next 30 years.
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell said with 70% of the Limestone Coast’s projected population growth set to occur in Mount Gambier, it was a pivotal moment for planning for the future.
“Growth brings exciting opportunities, but it also presents serious challenges that must be addressed now,” he said.
“A significant increase in infrastructure investment is not just necessary – it’s mandatory.
“Our region is already under strain, particularly in essential services like SA Water, health and public transport.
“While having a regional plan is crucial, it must be backed by the investment needed to support this growth.”
Mr Bell said the traditional housing models may need to be reconsidered in the wake of such growth.
“More people are looking for smaller blocks with less maintenance as families lead busier lives and downsizing becomes more common. Our housing priorities are changing, and planning must reflect that shift,” he said.
“There is certainly potential for expansion in areas around the district, but it cannot come at the cost of our valuable agricultural land – one of the region’s greatest economic strengths. It is essential that we get this balance right.
“If we want Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast to thrive, we need a plan that delivers both housing and infrastructure in a way that makes sense for our community.
“That is why it is important that we hear from the community and what they want so I encourage everyone to have their say while this plan is in consultation phase.”
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said the plan talks about the “inevitable” and “lacks any clear drivers and opportunities that probably would help”.
Mr McBride went on to say that with the majority of “very slow” growth projected to occur in Mount Gambier, towns throughout the electorate of MacKillop such as Naracoorte and Bordertown were set to miss out.
“They are really crying out for more housing and allowing people that want to get there to live to be able move in and it is not happening fast enough,” he said.
“We will not see the schools and infastructure being spent in Bordertown or Naracoorte or the primary school at Tailem Bend because we are not seeing the families and the houses being built and they are not moving there.”
Mr McBride said he believes Mount Gambier is not growing fast enough especially in comparison to Adelaide and Warrnambool, which has a similar population of over 35,000 as of the 2021 consensus.
“It (Warrnambool) has a faster growth rate than Mount Gambier so it is leaving Mount Gambier behind and I think that in itself highlights … a missed opportunity,” he said.
“No one is putting a strong emphasis into the Limestone Coast, the area of MacKillop or perhaps even regional South Australia as a greater area.
“We are being left behind by our major city in South Australia which is Adelaide. We are not keeping pace as fast as what Adelaide’s growing.
“Yes they are projecting growth, yes they are projecting 18,000 people over 30 years but on the same token they are accepting with little change or any sort of emphasis on how they are going to play catch up and allow our regions to grow faster than Adelaide.
“As we diminish in numbers around our regions our voice becomes quieter, there becomes less of country regional members and then no wonder any sort of government that is formed in South Australia has an emphasis on the greater Adelaide area rather than the regions.”
