Some good funding news - May update

I was very pleased to be advised recently of the five successful applications in the latest round of the Community Recreation and Sport Facilities Program via the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing.

Snowtown Tennis Club secured $159,000 for its court resurface project that they can’t wait to get started on after the netball season finishes; Wallaroo Golf has been allocated $65,000 to replace 18 black slag putting surfaces with turf and to install a turf practice putting green and walking trails; Bute Golf received $14,500 to install synthetic turf tee boxes edged with concrete sleepers;  Maitland Pistol and Shooting Club has been allocated $14,800 to construct an access ramp; and Yorketown Sports Club has received $12,700 to upgrade eight existing light towers to LED lights.

It is also fantastic three projects in our region have been successful in the latest funding announcements from the Coast Protection Board: $198,000 for Yorke Peninsula Council’s Stansbury Seawall project, $15,000 for Copper Coast Council’s Coastal Trail Stability and Erosion Study; and a $5,750 Community Participation grant for Barunga West Council/Tickera Community & Recreation Association Inc for their Tickera Foreshore Rehabilitation Project.

Housing

The housing shortage is continuing to impact many people and any and all new services are welcome. 

I was pleased to visit Fisherman’s Bay recently to hear about the proposed Planning Code Amendment to progress a significant land release there, and also to meet with Salvation Army Kadina Lieutenant Alice Edge to discuss plans for local Code Blue and Red activation to assist people sleeping rough in our area.

New Mental Health Alternative Care Service

I am also very pleased to advise a new and free mental health service for the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network has opened to support people over the age of 16. It is a walk-in (no referral needed) service, or you can also phone ahead if you wish – 0403 816 239. The new Mental Health Alternative Care Service is located in the Port Pirie Health Service precinct in Alexander Street (in the former Community Health building), and is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30 pm.

Have Your Say

Consultation is currently underway on a range of topics, including Personal Mobility Device Use in SA and the draft Retirement Villages (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act, (to name just two topics, there are more). More info visit: https://yoursay.sa.gov.au

I also advise there is still time to take advantage of the Telstra Mobile Network Extension Devices Pilot Program which closes on 30 June. This scheme provides a $800 subsidy to go towards the installation of mobile signal boosting devices if you live in a location where mobile phone signals struggle; in Narungga electorate the scheme is only available for businesses and households within the Copper Coast, Yorke Peninsula and Barunga West Council areas. For more information visit a Telstra store or visit the Grants tab on this website.

Under Grants you will also find details about the currently open Grants SA Minor Round for non-profit organisations, and the Thriving Regions Fund. 

South Australian Agricultural Town of the Year

Communities are encouraged to get involved in the SA Agricultural Town of the Year program and nominate their town. Entering this Award provides regional communities the opportunity to increase awareness of their contributions to SA’s primary industries and regional development. The winning town receives a sign for their town entrance recognising their achievement; a certificate and trophy and community event to celebrate the recognition; and a double page feature in SALIFE magazine. Nominations close Monday 5 June 2023. For more information visit: https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/regions/agtown_of_the_year

Welcome to festival visitors

I plan to this week deliver a speech in the chamber about the now underway 50th anniversary Kernewek Lowender, and the centenary of the closure of the Moonta Mines in 1923. 

The streets are already busy with the many thousands of visitors who biennially visit the Copper Coast for the Cornish Festival, and I welcome all to the area.

I also heartily congratulate the Kernewek Lowender Organising Committee and chair Lynn Spurling, and all the businesses, sponsors and community groups who are helping stage our 25th festival. Well done to all involved!