LIGHT Regional Council has formally sought support from the State Government for its extensive ‘Regional Vision’, ahead of applying for federal government funding.

Light Regional Mayor Bill O’Brien said council was able to meet with several state government representatives, including State Planning Minister Stephan Knoll and State Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone, at the start of the month.

It gave a presentation on its Regional Vision, which as a project would accelerate growth and job creation, stimulate urban renewal and drive economic reform.

Some of the proposed infrastructure includes a major regional emergency services hub based at Roseworthy, an international standard equine centre via a partnership with the University of Adelaide, a food and produce transport hub, as well as significant water pipeline.

“We got a good hearing and I think that’s important,” Mr O’Brien said.

“All we are asking the State Government to do is support us… and the departments will go back now and have a good look and analyse what we’ve put in front of them.”

Light Regional Council is hoping to ultimately receive federal funding for its vision under a federal government multimillion dollar ’Regional Deal’.

Based on the government’s successful City Deals model (helping to deliver Adelaide’s Lot 14), Regional Deals support ‘a place-based approach’ by bringing together all levels of government to deliver agreed outcomes in the region.

Regional Deals have only been offered to three other regions in the country, with Light Regional’s proposal understood to be the only application being progressed in South Australia.

Mr O’Brien said he believes council’s vision is massive but doable, with water infrastructure its first priority.

“As we all know water is liquid gold, and we have a great track record in being able to deliver water to customers through our Gawler Water Reuse Scheme,” he said.

“We believe we can duplicate that and go further and drought proof Eden Valley and also provide water to Clare as part of this Regional Vision.”

The Roseworthy area is currently poised for significant growth, with the 2016-approved Roseworthy Township Expansion (RTE) project set to grow the town by 2500 homes and 10,000 people.