NARACOORTE Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross has blasted a push to delay South Australia’s local government elections, warning councils, candidates, and communities should not be left in limbo after years of preparation, months of planning, and public resources already committed to delivering a November vote.

A globally significant rare earths project spanning the state’s south east is preparing to take a major leap towards mining, with Australian Rare Earths (AR3) to begin pilot-scale processing this month, potentially paving the way for a new industry and investment in the region.

The Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA) has warned delaying South Australia’s local government elections would have far-reaching consequences for councils, with questions emerging over budgets, governance and elected member succession already planned around a November 2026 poll.

When Nasik Swami walks into the office, his phone already ringing with a local business owner looking to connect with the community, or when Laura and I chat with people across our communities or read through your supportive emails, I am reminded of a simple truth: an independent paper does not survive on its own. It survives because a community chooses to hold it up.

I write to the readers of The News as the presiding member of Naracoorte Area Health Advisory Council (NAHAC) and include a copy of a letter sent to the chair of the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) Dr Andrew Saies as a follow-up of recent communications.