On behalf of the City of Mount Gambier I extend to all delegates and partners who attend the Australian Local Government Association’s National Road and Transport Congress in the City of Mount Gambier, a warm welcome. It seems apt that Mount Gambier be this year’s congress destination for the Federal Government to deliver their message that ‘Better Roads are Safer Roads’.
Mount Gambier is proudly the birthplace, and remains the home of two nationally significant road transport companies, Scotts Transport Industries and K&S Freighters and is also home to a dynamic forestry and associated timber industry which contributes significantly to the number of freight tasks on our local roads.
The City of Mount Gambier is the largest city in regional South Australia and encompasses an area of 2,704 hectares with a population of over 26,000. As the commercial and retail centre for the Limestone Coast region the City serves a wider population of over 70,000 and is positioned 436 kilometres from Adelaide and 441 kilometres from Melbourne.
The City of Mount Gambier is located on the slopes of three extinct volcanic craters, one of which is the famous Blue Lake, a natural catchment of crystal clear waters that have been filtered through the limestone of our underground aquifer system and is the main water supply source for the City.
Our unique geology and natural water resource has challenged our stormwater management practices and motivated us to be progressive in our commitment to water sustainability and protection when considering future housing and infrastructure developments.
We are privileged to live in a region that is abundant with natural resources and as custodians of our region we take responsibility for the sustainability of our natural assets and continually strive to implement innovative, state of the art solutions to protect and preserve our natural environment.
I encourage you to visit Mount Gambier to attend the congress and welcome the opportunity to share with you the natural beauty of our region.
Mayor Steve Perryman