FURTHER support is needed in order to attract – and retain – new health professionals in Riverland towns, according to a South Australian politician who recently toured the region.
Opposition spokesperson for Local Government, and Legislative Council Member, Emily Bourke, last week met with representatives of the Renmark Paringa, Berri Barmera and Mid Murray councils.
Ms Bourke said the councils voiced concerns surrounding rural education and the retainment of health professionals.
“We discussed a number of issues that are impacting each of those councils at their local level,” Ms Bourke said.
“We know there are no two communities that are the same… that’s why we jumped in the car to come and have a face-to-face meeting.
“In regional South Australia an issue of concern is health, and attracting health professionals to the community, and keeping them in these communities.
“That was an issue that kept coming up, and a need to support that at a State Government level.”
Ms Bourke said a Labor State Government would commit to investing $100 million – from funding planned for a new $700 million sports arena in Adelaide – into regional health.
“We have communities where there’s only one ambulance in regional South Australia and that’s not okay,” she said. “Resources are being stretched, and that’s why we won’t build a basketball stadium (in Adelaide), we will invest that money into health.
“We’ll invest $100 million into country health, and we’re seeing a huge need for this.”
Ms Bourke said more planning was required to ensure the safety of year 7 students moving to local high school campuses from next year.
“There hasn’t been much consultation put into that from the State Government… particularly in regard to traffic management,” she said.
“You’ve got a school that’s gone from 200 kids to 800 overnight… and there’s a big question mark over how families will be able to access that school.
“Councils have been very vocal on this issue, but unfortunately their voices aren’t being heard.”
Ms Bourke said increased co-operation was needed between Riverland councils and the State Government in order to continue the region’s growth.
“Regional councils play such a vital role in the community,” she said.
“There needs to be a strong partnership between local council and the State Government, and from the feedback I received, they’re not getting that partnership in some areas at this time.
“If people are going to be moving to the regions, you need to be able to provide the services for them to live there.
“People want to be able to live and play in their community, and they want to be able to stay there when they get sick as well.”