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LIVESTOCK SA has welcomed recent freight efficiency reforms as a positive step for the livestock industry, but says the real test will be whether changes are backed by meaningful investment in regional road infrastructure.

Livestock SA chair Gillian Fennell said the reforms respond to a genuine pressure point facing producers.

“This is a practical response to a real problem. The fuel situation and freight costs are biting hard in agriculture, and anything that improves freight efficiency matters right now.

New MacKillop MP Jason Virgo used his first formal meeting with Naracoorte Lucindale Council to make a blunt case for more state support, arguing the district’s economic output was not matched by infrastructure, health, and service investment.

Mr Virgo met with mayor Patrick Ross and CEO Kelly Westell last week, with the discussion centered on the region’s case for a bigger return from government.

The district’s economy is substantial by regional standards, with a gross regional product of $655 million and 4,815 employed residents.

“INTERESTED parties” and “affected persons” have until April 20 to make a submission to a statewide review of minimum and maximum salaries of council CEOs.

Each council has a register of salaries listed on its website, which includes any additional benefits like cars, phones, iPads, and income insurance.

Salaries of SE council CEOs range from the lowest paid, $178,531 plus benefits at Kingston District Council, to the highest, $250,505 with similar extras at Wattle Range.

AN Austdrive young driver program will take place this weekend at the Naracoorte saleyards and on Carters Road which will be partially closed.

The program designed for 16 to 28-year-olds will run between 8.30am and 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

The program features real-life skills like safe steering when wildlife are on roads, understanding speed, fatigue, alcohol and peer pressure, overtaking safely, emergency braking, collision avoidance, and hazard perception to improve safety for learners and P-platers.

The Naracoorte Library is set to come alive these school holidays, with a packed calendar of activities designed to engage young people, families, and the wider community.