Nigel Morris, CEO of Yankalilla District Council, which lies one hour’s drive south of Adelaide’s CBD.

In the District Council of Yankalilla, rolling hills are home to 750 square km of dairy farms and grazing lands, pine forests, conservation parks and bushland. Hills and valleys give way to 90km of coastline, where rugged cliffs and 30km of spectacular white sandy beaches provide year-round attraction.

Our small permanent community of 4500 people normally swells on weekends and holiday periods with thousands more weekend residents and visitors.

Businesses here heavily rely on visitors. It is so difficult to now have to tell our day trippers and holiday makers, “Don’t stop dreaming, but for now, stay at home.” Although we know visiting our district at a time of uncertainty could be very appealing, we urge everyone to follow government advice to stay at home near your health and support base and avoid non-essential travel. Protect yourself, your family and your community. I have grave concerns for many of our businesses.

We have had to close our Council-owned caravan park because we could not ensure social distancing was complied with, despite understanding that there are many people travel-hopping from park to park, now finding they have nowhere to go.

Our district covers 750 square km and residents previously counted on transport services for their shopping needs. Without that transport and for those in isolation, it is difficult to get the bare essentials. Even many people who could get fast food deliveries simply can’t afford it.

Now is the time for the three tiers of government, along with the community, to work closely together to find solutions.

We will get through this and rebuild.

Nigel Morris
Chief Executive Officer
Yankalilla District Council