It is important that residents of Victor Harbor are aware of what is happening with building development around our iconic landmark building – Mt. Breckan. Council Watch Chairman, Terry Andrews, tried to ask pertinent Questions from the Gallery at the last Council General Meeting and his preamble was abruptly terminated by Mayor Jenkins. A ruling has now been made that any resident asking a Question is only allowed 30 seconds to make a preamble regarding the Question. The CEO has provided a written copy of the Mayor’s response, and this has now resulted in Terry sending an email to the CEO (see below).
Once a reply is received you will be informed.
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30-4-2025
Dear CEO MacKirdy
Thank you very much for your email of the 29 April, and I do appreciate the courtesy you are showing.
This is in stark contrast to the behaviour of Mayor Jenkins who I felt was rude in not allowing me to ask the `Question from the Gallery’ in my own way. In fact I was not able to ask the question. The Mayor read it out herself. This behaviour does very little to promote harmony with the citizens of Victor Harbor.
Regarding the points that have been provided in the summary of the information provided at the meeting, (your statements in italics) I ask –
1. Council’s Team Leader Public Safety and Compliance inspection. It is good to know that dust suppression watering has taken place, however many of the near residents have complained of dust on their properties. So, has the water sprinkling been effective at all times, and is this sufficient to safeguard residents of the possibility to getting asbestosis and silicosis? Do Council Staff appreciate the dangers of asbestos and silica dust?
2. Once the building work is completed, and the loose asbestos sheet that is lying on the ground and has been ground into the building site by heavy machinery, what protections will then there be in place for the protection of nearby residents?
3. You have stated that you do not consider a full site meeting is necessary at this stage, when do you believe that such a meeting could be necessary? The building work is probably going as intensively as it ever will be with this development, so it seems that the Senior Council Staff have no intention of inspecting. As the building is of such local and State significance should the Council reconsider?
4. Dust suppression on site continues to be actively monitored. Who is doing the monitoring, and are they independent of the developers? What are the results of the latest monitoring?
5. Residents are encouraged to request a meeting with relevant Council staff should they wish to discuss specific concerns. Please let me know what encouragement has been given and to whom? Have you written to residents and informed them of who to contact, and if not will the Council be doing that?
6.Council Authorised Officers manage compliance in accordance with Council’s Enforcement Policy and relevant legislation. Does that mean that development plans have been submitted to Council and approved? If so, can they be inspected by concerned members of the public? Has the National Trust been fully informed of what has taken place at Mt Breckan?
7.Council’s compliance team remains actively involved in monitoring the site. Could you let concerned residents know (a) how many members are there of that monitoring team (b) how often to they monitor, and (c) when was the last time they monitored the site?
There are many more issues I could raise, and I sure you accept that all the above could not be covered in a 30 second preamble. As Mount Breckan is of such historical significance I believe the Council would be well advised to hold a workshop and allow the Owner to attend and give all the facts to Council.
Once more I thank you for your courtesy, and I am sure you are well aware of the significance of the Council making the right long term decisions.
With Respect
Terry Andrews
Chairman
Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.
Council Watch Victor Harbor 