Report: Meeting with Hon. Leon Bignell MP Friday 25th November 2022
Thanks to Leon Bignall for attending a meeting with the YDRA committee on Friday 25th November. We managed to discuss several issues that are important to our community including, GP and health services, public and community transport, the maintenance of DCY roads, council debt, the impact of high rates on low-income families, lack of affordable housing and the Wirrina Marina and the road down to the foreshore.
It was a far-ranging and productive meeting, and we thank Leon and Shona for coming to see us.
Here is a short summary
Present: Hon Leon Bignell MP and Shona (Office Manager), Caroline Weatherstone, Richard Fairweather, Jane Power, Chris Stokes
Issues and actions discussed:
Medical needs across the district, the closing of one clinic, Leon’s office has received considerable correspondence regarding this matter. Additional pressure is now placed on Community vehicles. An additional vehicle is needed. This is compounded by no public transport to the area resulting in some people having to move because of this.
The ongoing need to attract doctors, Four Corners show re Griffiths and other country towns needs to be discussed. Chris Picton and Mark Butler MP – State and Federal Ministers respectively, are aware of the problems. State Health Minister has written to Federal Minister. GP Plus clinics a decade or more ago, a model for dealing with primary care health issues. Previous Federal Gov. took it over which led to the demise of that model. Current doctor shortages have been impacted by reduced numbers trained 10-12 years ago. AMA is the strongest union in the country. Doctors could be relieved of HECS debt as an incentive. Super Clinics do exist e.g. Marion.
Bank closures – discussion regarding profit levels and whether fines for banks could occur where community service is denied. Leon has written a letter to the Federal Treasurer on this matter. We Requested Leon’s office share the response regarding this matter.
Local Council Q and A events organised by YDRA were well attended and there has been a change in elected councillors in the last election. The community is polarised. Issues of development of foreshore, debt, and very high rates.
Leon does not get involved in councils but suggests that YDRA hold elected members to account by facilitating regular meetings with Council EMs and administrative staff.
SLSC – 2004 upgrade program commenced with the SLSC state body and Normanville is the last one to be developed.
Possible Actions
– Ombudsman – go online and request a review.
– Write to LGA to enquire where our rates fit in the league table.
Enquiry regarding local roads and grants?
Federal Gov. money is distributed by state gov. and local council could apply for more money.
Housing shortages for doctors and lower-income families. The impact of rising interest rates on low-income families. Generally low occupancy rates and housing shortage in the area. The population swells in holiday seasons from over 5,000 to over 18,000 and this impacts all roads and services.
The impact of rising council rates on low-income households was discussed. No commitment from the state government for social housing at this stage, possible options at a local level for releasing more short stay to the rental market.
Roads example of the rule change in the local area – 8 years ago a road was to be bituminised, then a change in status to rural residential meant it has not been done. Queried whether council roads could be reverted to state gov. responsibility. Leon felt this was not likely to happen. Very few businesses in the region prop up rates.
Leon Bignell election commitment to Fleurieu roads – 3 overtaking lanes between Myponga and the Cape – engineers will determine location etc.
Discussion about the stretch of road leading into Yankalilla from Wattle Flat. Leon will write to Tom Koutsantonis about this, we requested to be forwarded his response.
Wirinna Marina owned by State Gov. now the lawyers involved in case with previous owner. Marina needs dredging and fixing up. The road and water runoff need fixing. – Leon will try and get Tom Koutsantonis to visit.
Planning for an information session in the first half of 2023 was discussed – Leon is keen to attend. It is intended to also invite our federal member and mayor, having three levels of government present.
