February 2021 Narungga update

I was pleased this week to meet with Federal Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communication and Local Government the Hon. Mark Coulton MP, in Kadina for a visit to our region. It was valuable time spent discussing health services and staffing issues as well as regional growth initiatives.

I am thrilled that Yorketown Hospital surgery is back now that the theatre suite upgrade is complete thanks to the $1 million allocated by the Marshall Liberal Government. It cannot be overstated how important this investment is to keep our regional health facilities up to standard and well maintained, and I am pleased that colonoscopy procedures have now recommenced at Yorketown Hospital after these services were removed back in 2017.

In other Yorketown news, I congratulate St Columba’s Memorial School for successfully securing funding for its “First Aid for SYP School Kids” project from the first round of the Strengthening Community Wellbeing after Bushfire program. I’m advised this project will deliver first aid sessions, mental health advice and bushfire preparation information tailored to children and their carers on southern Yorke Peninsula, designed to build resilience and a sense of preparedness for any future emergencies.

New Legislation

The State ban on single-use plastics is scheduled to commence on 1 March 2021, and an education campaign to help businesses and the public to prepare for the changes is underway. In September, South Australia became the first state in the nation to pass legislation to ban the sale, supply and distribution of single-use plastic products  such as straws, cutlery and beverage stirrers. By early 2022 polystyrene cups, bowls and plates will also be banned.

The replacethewaste.sa.gov.au website is the go-to place for businesses to get information, tips, tools, Point of Sale materials or other assistance to meet the March 1 2021 deadline. 

There are also new Federal laws and regulations that came into effect in January for use of drones and remotely piloted aircraft that businesses need to be aware of; registration and operator accreditation is free but stiff penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information visit https://www.casa.gov.au/drones

The move to make sanitary products available for female students who need them in all South Australian public schools as announced by Minister for Education the Hon. John Gardner MP last Thursday has been welcomed. Public schools can now apply for a grant based on female enrolments and student needs.

Coastal Protection Board Inquiry

I am pleased to advise a Parliamentary committee Inquiry into the role and functions of SA’s Coast Protection Board has been launched by the Environment, Resources and Development Committee of which I am a member. With our electorate featuring over 1,000 kilometres of coastline, I encourage submissions from local councils, organisations and residents; for more info on how to participate visit www.parliament.sa.gov.au/en/Committees/Committees-Detail.

Information about how to contribute can also be obtained by phoning the Parliamentary Officer for the Environment Resources and Development Committee on (08) 8237 9387 or by emailing [email protected]

The functions of the Coast Protection Board are to protect and restore the coast from erosion, damage, deterioration, pollution and misuse.

The terms of reference are specific and cover the structure, functions and powers of the Coast Protection Board, its authority and criteria for referral, and how protection and development in coastal areas should be managed in the future.

Submissions addressing the terms of reference should be lodged by Friday 19 March 2021.

Grants

Local eateries, caravan parks, hotels and accommodation places have been flat out over the summer with regional hotel booking data breaking records.

I am thus pleased the Marshall Liberal Government is providing an additional $1 million in regional event funding to keep this momentum up across regional communities.

There are four categories of funding opportunities now available, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Please the Grants tab on this website for details.

There’s also information about “Ageing Well” Community grants and the SA Healthy Towns Challenge grants.