THREE-quarters of Riverland residents want their council rates capped and almost half want the region’s three councils merged into one.
The conclusions are an extrapolation of the results of a survey compiled by Chaffey MP, Tim Whetstone, and released last night.
The SA Liberals took a rate-capping pledge to the 2018 State Election, but scrapped the cost-of-living policy last year, after it was blocked by Labor and cross-benchers.
However, the policy retains plenty of support in Chaffey, with 75 per cent of the almost 600 survey respondents supporting rate capping.
In addition, 46 per cent of respondents support the creation of one Riverland “super council”.
Mr Whetstone said the survey indicated that cost-of-living concerns remain front of mind for Riverlanders.
“The survey showed the cost of living is a key issue for many, with infrastructure spend and small business support high on the community’s priorities,” he said.
“The survey results show several people are concerned about their electricity prices, with 38 per cent of the surveys returned listing this as a major concern.
“Over 35 per cent indicated electricity prices as a major concern and our government will continue to deliver on our commitment to lower electricity prices. The latest report from the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA), showed that the average residential retail offer has reduced from $2244 to $1975, a $269 saving since we came to government.”
Despite several hiccups, the survey also revealed broad support for the State Government’s handling of COVID-19.
“An overwhelming 91 per cent of recipients were in support of the protection measures implemented by the State Government and understanding community views on the government’s handling of the pandemic is critical when we are recovering from the biggest health and economic crisis of our time,” Mr Whetstone said.
“There were many suggestions in terms of recovery from COVID-19 such as driving tourism revenue, encouraging new businesses initiatives and promoting buy local, which is a message I consistently advocate for.”
The survey also revealed more than 70 per cent of locals were supportive of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, however just 31 per cent backed the introduction of a fishing licence in South Australia.
Mr Whetstone said the survey results would go towards improving the Riverland in the future and are “vital in understanding the issues concerning the community”.
“The number of respondents to the survey was fantastic and I want to thank everyone who took the time to complete it,” Mr Whetstone said.
“It’s important that our community is heard. No one knows and understands what the region needs better than those who live in it.
“I’ve received some very detailed responses and gained a better understanding of how the community feels about a range of topics.”
The Riverland and Mallee Community Survey was run between September and November 2020.