Upper Yorke Road fix on its way

After imploring in the chamber last sitting week the need for a proper fix of Upper Yorke Road rather than a $600,000 patch job, I am thrilled (to say the least) with yesterday’s announcement this section – as well as the 35 kilometres between Arthurton and Kulpara -- is to get a major rebuild via the $168 million Road Safety Program (actual amounts to be announced after tender completion).  

Both these sections of Upper Yorke Road featured in my formal State Budget “wish list” submission lodged in February and I am sure all who use these roads – be they residents, tourists, primary producers, school bus or ambulance drivers -- will also be loudly applauding this State Government investment decision.

My budget submission also (again) called for a Turning Lane Fund to improve safety alighting on and off our highways into our coastal townships, and for significant investment in our health services, social housing and jetty repairs. Fingers crossed for more budget allocations to address these vital needs.

Grants

This website features news, speech videos and also information about the latest in grants opportunities (refer Grants tab).  Of the latter, open programs include SA Heritage Tourism, The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation program (Office of Sport & Recreation), Regional Events Fund, and Round 2 of the Grants SA Social Impact program.

Re Grants SA (Social Impact), I was very pleased so many local organisations were successful in Round 1 and I congratulate all committee members involved in application submissions, on their dedication to community and efforts in securing such funding.

Round 1 recipients were:

• Ardrossan Progress Association $9,090 (for disabled access toilet facilities)
• Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation $9,975 (Community Bushfire Protection project)
• Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association $10,000 (toilet facilities)
• Southern Yorke Peninsula Community Hub $8,303 (video conference equipment)
• Warooka Progress Association $9,680 (accessible toilet at Warooka Playground)
• Community Care and Transport Incorporated $3,033 (building refurbishments)
• Paskeville Progress Association $8,951 (cooking appliances Paskeville Community Centre)
• Western United Sports & Community Club Inc $10,000 (cool room)
• Moonta & District Progress Association Incorporated $3,853 (garden beds for community garden)
• Wallaroo Community Sports Club Inc $1,025 (projector and screen for events)
• Alford Progress Association $3,638 (playground upgrade)
• Lochiel Progress Association $10,000 (mower).

I was also very pleased to attend the recent informative Business Leaders Luncheon at Balaklava Sports Club hosted by Wakefield Regional Council.

It was valuable to hear about Wakefield 2030 growth targets and receive progress reports about major developments such as Seabreeze Estate at Port Wakefield, the Brinkworth Solar Farm and Battery, and Akaysha Energy.