Coorong District Council Supporting Recruitment of General Practitioners

At its meeting held on 17 February 2026, Coorong District Council approved an additional spend of $40,000 in the current 2025/26 budget to support the recruitment of general practitioners for the Coorong Medical Centre.

The decision comes following strong feedback received during public consultation associated with development of the Council’s Community Vision Plan. Community members have highlighted the loss of health services as the most important concern in the district.

Recruitment of general practitioners has been identified as the most urgent need for the family-run Coorong Medical Centre to ensure ongoing continuity of care.

This vital service supports residents right across the Coorong, including clinics in Meningie and Coonalpyn as well as providing health care services at the Meningie & Districts Memorial Hospital and Jallarah Homes residential aged care. The ability to sustain this level of service relies on recruiting additional general practitioners to support the current practice.

In addition to the immediate budget allocation, the Council is progressing formation of a Health Advisory Committee through inviting expressions of interest from community members to join the committee. The committee will continue to identify health service gaps, explore potential solutions, work with stakeholders and present recommendations for Council’s consideration.

“The retention of health services and security of continued care for the district’s residents is a major focus for this Council,” says Coorong District Council’s Acting Mayor Cr. Jonathan Pietzsch.

“Feedback from the community frequently stresses the desire for Council to help address these concerns.

“Both this decision to support the recruitment of general practitioners for the Coorong Medical Centre, and the formation of the Health Services Advisory Committee, is clear demonstration of Council listening to the community and taking decisive action.”

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Contact:

Myles Somers

INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL

Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: council@coorong.sa.gov.au