Elected members at the City of Mount Gambier have rejected the idea of becoming an affiliate member of the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA). Source: The Border Watch
The idea was put to councillors in May, but it was decided to postpone a decision until they could have a meeting with SAFPA representatives and find out if a membership would be worthwhile.
Mayor Lynette Martin said a briefing session, held on 26 September, saw SAFPA chief executive Nathan Paine explain how the SAF-PA affiliate membership worked.
“He provided a presentation to council about the work of SAFPA and the contribution to the industry, to the city, and region,” she said.
Councillor Kate Amoroso moved to reject the proposal and she thought it was not a good use of ratepayer money.
“I asked him [Mr Paine] $3000 membership, do we get anything that we wouldn’t get if we paid zero and he said we would have an equal voice,” she said.
“We need to be very diligent with ratepayer money.”
Also, against the idea of joining SAFPA was councillor Mark Lovett, who said the council was already able to have their voices heard in government and had no need for a lobby group.
“We already talk with ministers in regard to forestry and we can talk with SAFPA [with-out joining],” he said.
“So, save $3000, it’s not much to some, but for others $3000 can go a long way.”
Councillor Max Bruins voted against the motion and said joining SAFPA would be beneficial to the community, with the forestry industry being the biggest employer.
“I think it’s about bang for buck, we just allocated $13,000 for a basket weaving project, whereas here we get a seat at the table for $3000,” he said.
“It is the biggest employer across the region, it’s a no brainer for me to get a 12-month membership, see what it’s all about.
“$3000 for that is absolutely value for money.”
Ultimately the motion was carried, with the council voting to not join SAFPA.
In the same council meeting, $31,893 was granted to various art projects and up to $5000 was granted for a privately-run sporting event.
