COOBER PEDY COUNCIL DELAY A DISAPPOINTING SETBACK
By Jessica Dempster
Federal Member for Grey Tom Venning says the South Australian Government's decision to indefinitely delay Coober Pedy's return to an elected council is a disappointing setback for the community.
Coober Pedy has been under administration since 2019, following concerns over debt and maladministration, and had been due to return to elected local government at the April 2027 elections.
However, the State Government has introduced legislation to remove that timeline, with no new end date set.
Local Government Minister Rhiannon Pearce says the council is not yet ready to transition, citing the complexity of outstanding issues including debt and essential service delivery.
Water services are due to transfer to SA Water by the end of this year, while discussions are continuing over electricity supply.
Mr Venning says the community has already spent almost eight years under administration and deserves greater certainty.
He says Coober Pedy residents were expecting to have their elected council back, but have instead been told to wait again.
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