Mayor's Message - February 2025
Council has been busy with many workshops and meetings, including receiving further updates from SA Water regarding water security in the region. The Australian Financial Review also featured a piece on the weekend, with the title “Parched Port Lincoln fears rescue plan risks million-dollar industry”.
Whilst I acknowledge there are many in our community who may benefit from employment or engagement as a contractor with the desalination project, at the February Council meeting, Council reiterated “it’s support for a climate independent water supply and expresses its opposition to the desalination plant being located at Billy Lights Point, and in doing so reaffirms its support for the Site Selection Committee recommended location at Sleaford West; Continues to advocate in accordance with the above stated position reaffirming the previous Council resolutions on this matter; and expresses its support for the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) position on this matter.”
As the South Australian representative on the Regional Capitals Australia Board, I was able to attend with CEO, Eric Brown, in Canberra recently, where we were able to advocate for un-tied grant funding, water security, the return of rail to the Eyre Peninsula, marina infrastructure, funding for Tunarama, concerns regarding housing, and many other regional matters. It is important to bring regions to the nation’s Capital, and to share concerns from the Eyre Peninsula to those making federal decisions.
With a federal election coming soon, it has never been more important to vote, and make your voice heard. Council has proactively prepared a Federal Election Platform document, detailing many projects ready for investment within the city. More information can be found on the Council website.
On behalf of Council, I welcome visitors to Port Lincoln participating in events like the Port Lincoln Yacht Club Adelaide-Lincoln Yacht Race; Lincoln Week Regatta; Port Lincoln Tuna Classic; Port Lincoln Racing Club Lincoln Cup; and the upcoming Port Lincoln Multicultural Council ‘Global Fest’.
Global Fest is a new initiative on the 9 March, 2025 from 11am until 4pm to be held at Flinders Park – all are welcome to join in celebrating our multicultural community, with workshops, music, art and craft activities, kite making, dance performances and delicious foods. Having recently been appointed an Ambassador for the Children’s University, I advocate attending the Global Fest event, which also carries passport hours for Children’s University Members for participation at the events, so please do come along and support the activities and enjoy a great family atmosphere.
Food for thought:
According to the Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula 2023-24 Annual Report, the population of the Eyre Peninsula is 59,207 with 11.1% born overseas. Port Lincoln, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 Census results, has 21.6% of its residents, with at least one parent born overseas.
This leads me to acknowledge the wonderful diversity of nationalities we have in our community, and further encourage you to attend the Global Fest, and recognise the diversity and cultural heritage of so many in our city.
Details of Port Lincoln’s demographics can be found on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website.
Until next time, stay well, enjoy the remaining summer-time, and let’s also pray for some rain!
For a stronger community,
Diana Mislov, Mayor
City of Port Lincoln