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.

Naracoorte Lucindale Council should livestream its public briefing sessions and “don’t be scared” to engage more openly with the community.

The Limestone Coast is set to benefit from a range of cost-of-living, education, and health measures announced in the state government’s first budget since the March election―but member for MacKillop Jason Virgo says the region continues to miss out on the major investment it deserves.