Community minded
My family migrated from Austria to Australia in the mid-1950s, settling in Naracoorte in South Australia’s southeast. Most of my life has been spent in Naracoorte, raising my family and being involved in the community. I have always been community minded, which came from my parents’ influence. Initially I was involved with community, sporting and school activities. I was the first woman to Chair the Naracoorte High School Governing Council.
I was elected to the Naracoorte Lucindale Council in 2000, after 10 years as a councillor I stood for the position of Mayor, a role I have held for the last three years.
The district has excellent water, soil and climate, which underpin the economy based on primary production and tourism. I’d like to see the region remain viable and vibrant on the back of primary production. To have a strong future we need to value add and enhance the reputation of our cattle, sheep, grains, horticulture and viticulture.
At a regional level the Limestone Coast Economic Diversification Group is exploring where and how to further value add and secure extra exports. Meat processor Teys Australia and bedding manufacturer Mini Jumbuk are major employers and value add to cattle and wool production.
Major projects
Council recently completed a major upgrade of the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange (NRLE), which has an average annual throughput of 86,000 cattle and 64,000 sheep and lambs. The project was supported by a $1.85 million grant from the Australian Government through the National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns. Council added funds to complete the $6M project. The upgrade has secured Naracoorte’s reputation as a premier livestock exchange with roofing over the cattle yards, soft flooring for the cattle and rain water collection and waste water reuse. The future of the NRLE is positive, stock numbers are excellent and the quality of the facilities meets the standard required by agents and producers.
Viticulture is another cornerstone of the region and a major employer, with local people travelling to and from Naracoorte to the vineyards. The district is surrounded by viticulture: Padthaway to the north, Coonawarra to the south and the Wrattonbully wine region within our Council. The availability of employment has attracted many migrants from Asia and Afghanistan (including a large number of humanitarian migrants). This has added to the diversity and culture of the district.
Embracing opportunities
Tourism is a strong focus with natural features of international significance including the Naracoorte Caves, Bool Lagoon Game Reserve and the adjacent Hacks Lagoon Conservation Park. The World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves preserves Australia’s most complete fossil record for the past 500,000 years.
Bool Lagoon, a Ramsar Wetland of international significance, is one of the largest and most diverse seasonal freshwater lagoon systems in southern Australia. It is home to a wide range of wildlife and provides refuge for many rare and endangered bird species.
Naracoorte Lucindale faces challenges similar to other rural councils. Resources are required to maintain infrastructure. Quality roads are critical to efficiently move our products to ports and airports.
Naracoorte has a vibrant retail precinct and is a major service hub for the surrounding area. There is an excellent hospital and medical services and quality pre-school, primary and secondary schools. The National Broadband Network will create opportunities for tertiary study by distance education as well as enhancing business expansion opportunities.
