The Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association (EPLGA) Board has re-elected District Council of Kimba Mayor, Dean Johnson as its President and Lower Eyre Council Mayor, Jo-Anne Quigley as Vice President for the next two years.
Mayor Johnson is a Director of the Australian Local Government Association and Immediate Past President and Director of the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA SA). He is also one of four regional mayors contesting the LGA SA presidency this year.
Mayor Quigley is Chair of the South Australian Regional Organisation of Councils (SAROC), Chair of the Local Government Transport Advisory Panel, and an LGA SA Board Director.
Mayor Johnson said that as EPLGA President he would continue to advocate for investment that will enable the Eyre Peninsula to realise its economic potential.
“The Regional Australia Institute’s recent Regional Productivity Solutions report challenges the outdated view that productivity is driven primarily by our capital cities,” Mayor Johnson said.
“The report specifically mentions the Eyre Peninsula as a region that is already productive, and has the potential to grow more, but is being held back by a lack of government investment.
“We need better roads, more housing, improved water security, consistent access to health and childcare services, and more reliable digital connectivity, and this remains my focus as President.”
Mayor Quigley said the EPLGA’s collaborative approach was central to its success.
“When we engage with governments in Adelaide and Canberra, we do so as one Eyre Peninsula, not 11 separate councils competing for attention,” Mayor Quigley said.
“This united regional voice helps us cut through with Ministers and departments and allows us to pursue solutions that will benefit our entire region.”
Mayor Johnson said it was an honour to have the continuing confidence of the region’s councils.
“Mayor Quigley and I bring complementary roles and relationships across the region and into Adelaide and Canberra,” he said.
“Our representation through SAROC, LGA SA and the Australian Local Government Association ensures that we have a strong voice wherever decisions affecting our communities are made.”
