Diana Mislov was elected Mayor of the City of Port Lincoln in 2022.
A Port Lincoln local, Diana is also an accountant and business consultant and has served in voluntary roles on community, multicultural and other committees and boards for more than 30 years.
Diana was named the City of Port Lincoln’s Citizen of the Year in 2012 and the South Australian Regional Award Winner for Community Individual for Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula in 2014.
Q: How is your community changing and what is driving the growth in the City of Port Lincoln?
A: Port Lincoln is experiencing changes driven by growth in key sectors such as aquaculture, tourism, and renewable energy. Our reputation as the “Seafood Capital of Australia” attracts investment and visitors, contributing to a thriving local economy and increasing population. Additionally, the community is increasingly focused on sustainability, which is influencing our development initiatives and aligning with broader environmental goals. Our tourism sector is boosted by seasonal cruise ship visitation, Port Lincoln being awarded for being the ‘most welcoming’ city, as well as our Visitor Information Centre receiving both state and national tourism awards.
Q: What are the most significant infrastructure challenges facing Council over the next 5 years and how are you adapting to meet those challenges?
A: The City of Port Lincoln faces several significant infrastructure challenges, including:
- Renewal of the Marina Service Wharf: This state government responsibility requires renewal at a substantial cost and is essential for supporting the largest fishing fleet in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Improvement of Stormwater Management Systems: Enhancements are needed to reduce the prevalence of flooding that results in property damage, mitigate the impact on water quality in Proper and Boston Bays, and improve resilience to severe weather events.
- Renewal of Rail Infrastructure: Reinstatement of rail in the Eyre Peninsula is necessary due to the significant number of heavy vehicle freight movements through the centre of Port Lincoln, which impacts road conditions and poses safety risks for both vehicles and pedestrians.
- Water Security: Ensuring a reliable potable water source is critical. This will require the construction of a climate-independent water source, such as a desalination plant, in an appropriate location by the state government to meet future demand. Further development in the Eyre Peninsula is significantly hampered by the lack of a sustainable water source with current ground water sources likely to be restricted in the near future.
To meet these challenges, we are:
- Prioritising strategic planning,
- Seeking federal and state funding and advocating for a state government response, and
- Fostering partnerships with local stakeholders to implement effective and sustainable solutions.
Q: What are the main priorities for the City of Port Lincoln right now?
A: Our current priorities include:
- Strategic Plan Review 2025-2034: Ensuring our plans meet the needs of the community and support future growth.
- Housing Development: Addressing the local housing shortage by promoting diverse and affordable options.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Focusing on stormwater management, advocating for the renewal of the commercial wharf, enhancing rail infrastructure, and ensuring water security through the development of a desalination plant.
- Childcare and Aged Care Shortages: Tackling the shortages in these critical areas to support families and ensure our aging population has access to necessary services.
- Community Engagement: Actively involving residents in decision-making processes to promote transparency and collaboration.
Q: How do you see the role of regional capitals in the broader context of Australia’s growth?
A: Regional capitals are vital to Australia’s growth, serving as economic and cultural hubs that support surrounding communities.
Regional Capitals Australia plays an essential role in advocating for the interests of these regions at the federal level, emphasising the importance of strategic investment and infrastructure development.
By fostering collaboration, innovation, and resilience, regional capitals can drive sustainable development and enhance regional well-being, significantly contributing to Australia’s overall growth strategy.