This is the question raised by a leading businessman who has joined the debate surrounding the Southern Flinders Ranges Development Board.

Real estate agent Peter Axon agrees with comments made by Cr David Haldane in last Thursday’s Recorder that the board should operate under a performance-based system to boost the economy.

He also questioned the board’s activities in conjunction with its funding of $1 million a year from State Government, Port Pirie Regional Council, other neighboring councils and other sources.

“All we have seemed to get is more and more people in there and a lot of little rubber band-aids being put on different things,” he said yesterday.

“The development board must drive the elected members of

councils.”

Mr Axon said he had noted the difference between the Southern Flinders board and its counterparts through his work.

“I am working in four cities every week, being Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Whyalla and the Copper Coast, and there is a vast difference between their development boards,” he said.

“All the regional activities that are happening now started three years ago. Where was the Southern board? All the others took up the challenge and achieved incredible opportunities for their respective communities.”

He said development boards in Whyalla and Port Augusta were continually circulating among businesses to ensure everything ran smoothly.

He said our northern neighbors had taken advantage of the mining boom, developing in such industries as mining, manufacturing, desalinisation and housing.

“It is certainly coming from Whyalla, Port Augusta and the Copper Coast – it is vocal, it is

readable,” he said.

He believes zoning, planning and infrastructure are areas Port Pirie could capitalise on.

Mr Axon said the recent appointment of chairman Jeff Burgess and board members will breathe fresh life into the board.

“It will make a considerable difference,” he said.

“They must listen but act on their own gut feelings and not be manipulated by bureaucrats.”

Mr Burgess responded by saying it was important for everyone to join forces for the benefit of the region.

“It is important that as a community we will work together towards achieving the best outcomes for our community,” he said.

“We should be seen to be working together as well.”

He invited anyone with concerns to approach the board.

“If they would like to come in and talk to us, we would be more than happy to speak with them,” he said.

Cr Haldane, who sparked debate about the development board last Thursday, said yessterday he was amazed at the amount of support he had received.