Adelaide Plains Update

For many in the district there is concern there are plans to permanently close the Mallala Police Station. I have directly relayed this community concern to the Minister for Police the Hon. Corey Wingard MP and we await the release of the current state-wide review of regional police resources being undertaken by SAPOL which commenced prior to the election of the Marshall Government. My office has been contacted to assist the community develop a petition against any such move which in due course I will formally present to Parliament.

Congratulations to the community members of Avon, recently named Best Small Town in the 2018 KESAB Sustainable Communities Awards.  This award was received due to the efforts of the Avon District Hall Incorporated committee who work hard to maintain the town’s hall and use it regularly to run workshops, events and theme days. Well done especially to:(l-r) Nita Noble, Susan Mudge (Chairperson), Jill Stewart (Secretary) and Sharyne Gottwald.

I also congratulate those involved with the launch of the new Mid North Suicide Prevention Network group. I spoke in Parliament last month to mark “RUOK Day”, highlighting the important work being done by the SOS Yorkes and SOS Copper Coast Suicide Networks; I’m confident the new Mid North group will prove to be of equal high value to the community it is to serve.   

Mining on prime agricultural land has been a major topic of discussion this month. More than 300 people gathered in Maitland on 27 September for a farmer forum on the Statutes Amendment (Mineral Resources) Bill 2018 – the high attendance further testimony to the level of injustice felt on this issue across the electorate. I am advocating for the removal of portions of section 9AA of the Mining Act 1971 to level up the playing fields of miner and farmer. If the Act states freehold cultivated land is exempt, then it should be up to the landowner to decide when to waive that exemption. I continue to research legislation in other jurisdictions, highlighting interstate precedent in strategic agricultural land zoning, and in right of veto for land down to 30 metres – measures which warrant exploration for the best outcomes for SA landowners.

Significant good news this month was the announcement that Yorke Peninsula is to welcome its first cruise ship this season, to Wallaroo, which I feel sure will be the catalyst for major spin-off benefits to local businesses and tourism operators not only in the Copper Coast but across Yorke Peninsula, the Mid North and the Clare Valley. More good news was the commencement of free meningococcal B vaccines for children aged between six weeks and under four years of age; and, from 1 November, free volunteer screening checks.

For help with state matters, please phone 8832 2455 or email [email protected]