A private sector view of how to create the Innovation State led the late morning discussion at the Local Government Association (LGA) Conference at the Adelaide Oval today.
Well-known Adelaide entrepreneurs, Kate Gould from Our Body Corporate, Kris Lloyd from Woodside Cheese and Richard Turner from ZEN Home Energy, spoke to the 250 local government delegates about supporting start-up businesses and innovation.
Other speakers include IT executive Steve Vamos, Sunrise host and Chairman of the Port Adelaide FC, David Koch.
LGA President, Mayor Dave Burgess said the calibre of speakers is excellent.
“Councils are thirsty to hear where they can direct energies to assist and guide communities during this transition time.”
LGA new CEO, Matt Pinnegar addressed a ‘New Deal for councils and communities’.
He said councils were striving to support communities hit by job losses and were focusing on economic recovery and taking charge of their own reform agenda.
In another session “Debt is not a dirty word” is the subject of debate, with former Treasurer Kevin Foley, Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Gary Johanson and Robyn Dunstall from Mid Murray Council, former Liberal leader Iain Evans, economic advisor John Comrie and Port Augusta Mayor Sam Johnson.
Issues on the agenda for tomorrow at the LGA Annual General Meeting include: planning reform, rubble royalties, waste management, increased road funding, disability employment, on-line documentation, supported accommodation, and coastal protection.
