Melanie Riley
AGRICULTURAL Town of the Year voting is now open and the community are encouraged to vote for the Limestone Coast town they feel has helped grow primary industries and driven regional development.
The South Australian Agricultural Town of the Year Award was established in 2019 and aims to recognise SA towns that are excelling in agricultural practices and the flow on effect they have on communities.
The award is an initiative of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions and highlights the vital role that agriculture plays in regional development.
This year 73 towns were nominated and the 10 towns with the most votes will contend for the 2024 title.
Included in the nominations were six Limestone Coast Councils.
Minister for Regional Development Clare Scriven encouraged everyone to get involved with Agriculture Town of the Year and vote for their town of choice.
“It is a great way to celebrate their contribution of agricultural, forestry or fishing and all of those are eligible,” she said.
Ms Scriven boasted about the Limestone Coast and said the initiative is a great way to promote regional areas.
“In terms of the towns that have been nominated we have got a number in the Limestone Coast and I think it would be really good if we saw some great voting and strong voting from the Limestone Coast for some of those towns,” she said.
“The successful town gets a lot of benefits, it gets not only the kudos of being Ag Town of the Year but also a double page spread in SA Life which is important for tourism and attracting people to the region as well as a community celebration and a sign at the entrance of the town.”
We asked local mayors why locals should vote for their town.
Bordertown.
Nominated for: Livestock, meat and wool, vegetables and crops for hay
Mayor Liz Goossens said “The “good country” is well known for its prosperous primary production sector.
“Bordertown has built on this agricultural strength with many value adding and supporting businesses,” she said.
Keith
Nominated for: Grain, livestock and olive production
Mayor Liz Goossens said from its humble beginnings in the Ninety Mile Desert, Keith has grown a reputation for community spirit, innovation and as the Lucerne Capital of Australia.
Kingston South East
Nominated for: Livestock, meat and wool, other broadacre crops, cereal crops
Mayor Jeff Pope said Kingston has some of the larger agriculture farms in the Limestone Coast with a mix of sheep, cattle, crops and wine produce with a thriving lobster fishing industry.
“Kingston serves as a service centre for all these collective important industry businesses,” he said.
“A place to call home.”
Mount Gambier
Nominated for: Aquaculture, livestock, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, vineyards
Mayor Lynette Martin said Mount Gambier is South Australia’s largest regional city and functions as an important regional centre to the surrounding agricultural, horticultural and forestry area.
Naracoorte
Nominated for: Livestock, meat and wool, grapes (wine and table) and crops for hay
Mayor Patrick Ross said Naracoorte is blessed with prime agricultural land, reliable rainfall and accessible underground water.
“Agriculture in Naracoorte extends beyond the primary producers to the many businesses that service agriculture and the town, including Teys Australia – Naracoorte largest employer and MiniJumbuk renowned for pioneering the innovation of wool processing,” he said.
“Around 30 per cent of the workforce is employed in Agriculture, and it produces 65% of the area’s exports.”
Penola
Nominate for: Cereal crops, livestock, grapes (wine and table) and other broadacre crops
Mayor Des Noll said Penola as a community is on the Land of the Pinejunga (Pinchunga) people the traditional owners.
“Penola boasts a world class wine growing region, centred in the famous rich terra rossa soil known as the Coonawarra,” he said.
“It is located in a region that celebrates agriculture, viticulture, fine foods, history, fascinating heritage buildings, arts and festivals.
“Penola is a tourism destination, the perfect place to pause and a great place to live and work.”
Public voting closes Wednesday June 27, with the top 10 towns announced in July.
The winner will then be announced at the Regional Showcase Awards in October.
In addition to recognition, the town will also receive atown entrance sign recognising their achievement, a certificate and trophy presented by the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, a community event and sign unveiling to celebrate the town’s achievement, a double-page feature in SALIFE magazine, video and stories published to showcase the achievements of individuals and businesses that have made a significant contribution to the town and networking opportunities with other regional towns.
