The Council is situated approximately 1.5 hours from and consists of the towns of Kadina, Moonta, Wallaroo and Paskeville. The region of the is rich in history and thriving coastal developments. The Copper Coast is famous for having some of ’s best holiday beaches. Its many attractions and accommodation make the Copper Coast an ideal tourist destination for both local and international visitors.

The Council considers that it important for the State Government to work with Councils to facilitate continued growth and employment, particularly in regional areas. There are a variety of essential services for the Copper Coast Council including health and medical services, education, police, other community services as well as the provision and upgrade of infrastructure (hard and soft).

The Copper Coast Council area has population growth. It is contended that regional areas with population growth need to have a 20 year growth plan which links the provision of infrastructure and services (hard and soft) with funding from Federal, State, Local Governments and the community for such facilities and services. The 20 year growth plan should have triggers for capital facilities and service provision increase once certain population levels have been attained. This would mean additional health, police, human services and Council services once certain triggers are reached in population growth.

It is considered that regional infrastructure should be supported and funded by State and Federal Governments in particular. Health services and facilities are considered to be one of the most important services for communities, particularly in regional and rural areas. It is recognised that not all specialist services can be provided in regional areas. Regional Hospitals do provide a level of specialist services with the full suite of specialist services being provided in Adelaide. However, it is important for accident and emergency services and some level of specialist services to be provided in regional areas, particularly where there is growth.

Transport is also very important in regional South Australia, particularly with the demise of train transport. Recognising the increase in road transport servicing the agriculture and industry in regional areas is important. The maintenance and upgrade of road infrastructure is necessary to support agriculture and industry in reginal areas.

Skill development of leaders in all sectors could be provided through video conference/zoom/skype where there is registration for such presentations and interaction. This is particularly relevant in regional and rural areas. Capability development for regional business leaders is different to metropolitan due to differing needs, distance and requirements. Tailored skills development and leadership can be presented online as referred to above.

Investment could be streamlined to assist in overcoming the plethora of State Government Department and Agency requirements. The Coordinator General I understand assists, but better coordination in streamlining these processes is still needed. Innovators and entrepreneurs are looking for certainty for development and lower cost infrastructure including electricity.

I have attached information in relation to different programs, services and funding provided by Regional VIC. Consideration could be given to such programs in South Australia.