Light and Adelaide Plains Region Economic Development Authority Endorsed - APC Open for Business!

Published 2nd March 2021

Adelaide Plains Council Elected Members confirmed Council’s intention to establish a regional subsidiary under section 43 of the Local Government Act 1999 together with Light Regional Council, to be known as the Light and Adelaide Plains Council Region Economic Development Authority (LAPREDA).

Elected Members acknowledged the significant opportunities that prevail for Adelaide Plains Council in establishing LAPREDA, whose objects and purpose will include:

Identifying key infrastructure requirements in the Region to underpin and grow the economy
Promoting and facilitating the delivery of key infrastructure in the Region through public and private sector investment
Promoting the Region as an important and emerging economic area for the State
Identifying inadequacies and barriers to economic development
Advocating for legislative reform to support the growth of the Region’s economy.

Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Miller, noted the extensive work and planning that has gone into the concept to date. “Having first tabled the notion of collaborating with Light Regional Council (LRC) at a Special Council Meeting on 6 April 2020, APC and LRC have worked together throughout 2020 to develop a strategy geared at stimulating the local and regional economies through investment and infrastructure stimulus, ameliorating current legislative constraints, activating employment growth and innovation and establishing a governance structure to underpin delivery. LAPREDA is indeed that governance structure; a regional subsidiary to drive economic activity, investment and growth across both councils,” said Mr Miller.

Mr Miller continued, “APC has a number of strategic investment and infrastructure priorities across key areas of stormwater management, transport, tourism and education as well as business investment and attraction. LAPREDA will accelerate our ability to deliver in these areas”.

Elected Members have considered various reports and attended joint workshops and briefings with LRC in relation to LAPREDA. Prior to applying to the relevant Minister in relation to the proposed establishment of LAPREDA, a further informal gathering will be held with both councils.

Once established, LAPREDA will complement other subsidiaries and Boards that APC is associated with, working with and through the Regional Development Australia, Legatus Group and Gawler River Floodplain Management Authority.

Mark Wasley
Mayor

1 March 2021