Gap in the ranges
On numerous occasions I am asked; “Where is the District Council of Barunga West?” I proudly say that we are located ‘at the top’ of Yorke Peninsula, approximately 170 kilometres north of Adelaide, with the Barunga Range of hills starting near Clements Gap and Merriton in South Australia’s Mid North. The name ‘Barunga’ is derived from an Indigenous term meaning gap in the range. Our Council area of 1590 km2 is located west of these Ranges, hence, the District Council of Barunga West.
Previously I would find myself commenting that we are only a small council, however, I have come to realise that we are challenged with issues similar to our larger counterparts. With a population of only 2500 in our Council area, our strong industry focus is broad acre farming of wheat, barley, lentils, export oaten hay, commercial fishing, sheep and cattle-raising. Farmers are rewarded this 2016 season after good winter rains, with the prospect of high yielding crops, soon destined for the silo networks around the State.
The single most challenging issue for our small council is the maintenance of our 930 kilometres of roads, 858 of which are unsealed. Heavy farming machinery, larger semi and B-Double trucks and increased vehicular traffic are making an impact on roads, particularly after a very wet winter season. Council staff and Elected Members are continually challenged to balance the road maintenance costs within budget. Cost shifting from the State Government introducing Royalties for Rubble, Water Licences and enormous increases in rubbish charges, results in dilemmas we cannot ignore.
Employment is a continual challenge facing our rural district. The exodus of one of our most valuable resources, our youth, is a continuing concern. The opportunities to find a job in our Council area are limited.
Undaunted, we shall continue to seek opportunities to support the small business sector whereever possible. We applaud our largest employer in the district involved in the aged care sector, which provides outstanding lifestyle to our age friendly community, at the ‘Barunga Village’.
Farming background
I have lived on our broad acre farm eight kilometres south of the township of Bute, with my husband Allan for the past 40 years, where we raised our four children. I have always been keenly involved in community work, sporting clubs, school committees and various community groups. This has been juggled around 30 years of employment away from the farm as well as maintaining the farm books and enjoying grandchildren in recent years.
My role in Local Government started after being approached to run for Council elections in 2010 by the local RSL sub branch. It was a position I had not contemplated, and I decided with my children now living interstate or overseas, it was a great opportunity to “give the elections a shot”. At the commencement of my second four year term, my eight fellow Elected Members voted me Mayor, the first female to be elected to this role at Barunga West. I consider my position was awarded to me for my ability and not because of my gender. I feel strongly that I regard the fact that I am female has no bearing on my performance as Presiding Member of our Council. We proudly have five female and four male Councillors who combine well to work collaboratively to provide good governance and do the very best we can for our ratepayers.
Expanding tourism opportunities
Only recently whilst attending a function at the Adelaide Town Hall, I was approached by the Confucius Institute about our community being “China Ready” when the China Southern Airlines commence China direct flights in to Adelaide later this year. Our Council is excited at the prospect of expanding our tourist appeal to another market outside Australia. Our pristine coastline extends from Fisherman Bay in the north to Tickera in the south, highlighted with the picturesque main township of Port Broughton. Glorious jetty fishing, sailing, boating and relaxing by the sea, appealing wide open spaces and an award winning caravan park ooze peace and tranquillity for those who wish to get away from it all and just relax with the family.
‘The Coastal Way’ is a new promotion that Port Broughton is extremely proud to be involved in conjunction with the South Australian State Government and SA Tourism Commission. Council is working hard to improve signage and amenities for all tourists who visit our towns and we trust that they will want to come back and visit our small patch of paradise again soon in South Australia.
