New Chair of the USGIG

The Spencer Gulf Cities (SGC) Mayors welcome the State Government’s appointment of Minister Tom Koutsantonis, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Minister for Energy as the new Chair of the USG Intergovernmental Group (USGIG), replacing the previous Local Government Minister and local MP, Geoff Brock.

The key objectives of the USGIG are:

•   To oversee and initiate joint action to ensure the Spencer Gulf can deliver and support sustainable long-term economic and population growth, driven by the green transition.

•   The Group will focus on regional issues, consider social, economic and environmental matters and the impacts of growth, while recognising differences and local interests.

Minister Koutsantonis is also a member of the State Government’s Hydrogen and Upper Spencer Gulf

Cabinet Taskforce, with other members being the Premier, Deputy Premier and Treasurer.

Mayor Stephens, Chair of the SGC, said “On behalf of the Mayors of Port Pirie, Whyalla and Port Augusta we are excited about this new direction for the work of the Group. The alignment of the USGIG with the task force will ensure that issues are considered alongside the State Government’s Prosperity Project aspirations. I also want to thank and acknowledge the previous Minister for Local Government and local MP, Geoff Brock, for his commitment and work as our previous Chair”.

Current issues on the agenda of the USGIG are:

•   Workforce and Skills

•   Housing

•   Social impact of growth

•   Investment attraction

The USGIG has formed two Advisory Groups focusing on Housing chaired by David Reynolds, CE, Department of State Development and Workforce & Skills chaired by Cameron Baker, SA Skills Commissioner.

In commenting about taking up the Chair role, Minister Koutsantonis said “the Upper Spencer Gulf region is clearly a major focus of the Malinauskas Labor Government and I look forward to continuing to progress our priorities in the region in this new role”.

Arrangements are currently being made for the first meeting of the USGIG under the leadership of

Minister Koutsantonis.

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Contact:

Mayor Leon Stephens           Mob: 0417 080 961
Wendy Campana                 Mob: 0417 861 783
Tom Richardson                     Mob: 0416 144977