As we approach the State Election, Council is advocating strongly for four key priorities that directly impact our community’s safety, liveability and long-term sustainability.
These are practical, real-world issues that affect everyday life in communities across the Streaky Bay District — from turning on the tap, to travelling our roads, to staying connected in an emergency.
Here’s what we are asking the State Government to support:
1. Securing Our Water Future
Water supply has become a serious constraint for Streaky Bay. The existing potable water pipeline from Poochera is no longer meeting demand. No new development areas are currently being connected to potable water, and some connection requests are being denied.
To move forward responsibly, Council is seeking $500,000 in State funding to undertake a detailed Water Supply Options Paper.
This work would:
* Assess the true capacity of the current system
* Forecast future demand, including peak holiday periods
* Examine pipeline expansion and alternative water options
* Provide clear costings and staging
Most importantly, it would give our community a clear, structured and investment-ready plan to guide State and Federal funding decisions — moving us beyond discussion and toward action.
2. Strengthening Beach Safety
Our coastline is central to our lifestyle and visitor economy. Building on existing shark mitigation and water safety initiatives, Council is seeking support for a proof-of-concept acoustic receiver trial across the Western Eyre Peninsula.
This technology detects tagged sharks and improves situational awareness. The trial would assess how effective the system is, how it should operate and what long-term options may be viable — helping strengthen confidence for locals and visitors alike.
3. Fixing Mobile Blackspots
Reliable mobile coverage is essential for emergency response, road safety, local businesses and visitors travelling our region.
Council has worked with Telstra on an interconnectivity study that identified the need for more than 30 additional mobile towers across the Eyre Peninsula.
We are seeking an $8 million State contribution to strengthen Federal funding applications under the Regional Connectivity Program and accelerate delivery of improved mobile coverage along priority routes.
4. Recognising the Importance of the Flinders Highway
The Flinders Highway is currently classified as an “access road” under the State Government’s Transport Plan — the lowest category available.
Yet we know how important this road is. It supports freight, tourism, daily travel and emergency services across the Western Eyre Peninsula.
Council is advocating for its reclassification to better reflect its strategic role. This would support improved maintenance standards, upgrade prioritisation and long-term planning that aligns with how the highway is actually used.
Council will continue to advocate strongly for these priorities to ensure Streaky Bay receives the recognition and investment our community deserves.
We encourage residents to raise these issues with State Election candidates throughout the campaign — strong local voices help secure meaningful outcomes for our region.