A role the town already carries
As the Opal Capital of the World, Coober Pedy is a starting point for remote communities, pastoral stations, the APY Lands, tourism routes, mining, workers and essential services across the Far North. CPT’s request is for that regional role to be affirmed and supported.
Affirmed in policy. Enabled in practice.
The residents’ proposal asks South Australia to formally affirm Coober Pedy as the Hub of Far North South Australia. Every agency would then test whether its staffing, service hours, regional reach, infrastructure, housing and decision-making arrangements are equal to that role.
Four principles for a working hub
See the whole place
Health, education, safety, governance, housing, airport access, tourism and industry are connected parts of one community.
Design for remote reality
Services must account for distance, climate, cultural diversity and the region’s changing visitor and workforce populations.
Build with local people
Residents, Aboriginal leadership, CPT, local organisations, businesses and volunteers should help shape decisions from the beginning.
Start from strength
Build from opal, country, tourism, culture, resources, renewables, ingenuity and community leadership.
Ten foundations. One connected plan.
Governance that works for this place
Restore trusted local voice through a sustainable model that brings community, Aboriginal and statutory leadership together.
24/7 police and emergency services hub
Provide a permanent, coordinated base with the people, facilities and equipment to serve Coober Pedy and the wider Far North at any hour.
Children, young people and learning
Build a community-led plan for children and families, with stronger learning environments, experienced teachers and pathways shaped with local people.
Community, wellbeing and healthy ageing hubs
Connect health and outreach services with places for community life, collaboration and support so older residents can age well at home.
A Coober Pedy airport fit for the Far North
Upgrade essential airport infrastructure, secure a sustainable operating model and advance housing for the workers who keep the hub running.
Training and pathways for the Far North
Make the TAFE campus a regional training hub, connecting courses and practical experience with jobs, enterprise and reasons to stay.
Opal Capital of the World
Strengthen the living opal industry, from prospecting and mining to jewellery, skills, provenance, trade and public understanding.
South Australia’s outback and remote tourism destination
Back experiences, culture, events, the Drive-In redevelopment and remote operators that give visitors reasons to stop, stay and return.
Resources, renewables and regional industry
Connect regional projects with local jobs, training, businesses, housing, airport access and lasting community benefit.
Liveability: a town people want to live in
Support culture, sport, recreation, arts, volunteers and gathering places where people can connect, belong and build a life.
Work with local people
CPT asks government, industry, services and community partners to keep meeting with residents, agree clear contact points and develop a shared, timed action plan. Its question to each partner is what part of the vision they can help move.
Read the full media release and its original wording.
Have your say
Share feedback, an idea, a comment or a question about the plan. Please provide your name and email so CPT can follow up. Joining the mailing list is optional.