Questions that financially effect the residents of Victor Harbor

Posted bycouncilwatchvictorharbor3aa5931790Posted inUncategorizedTags:, , , ,

Questions from the Gallery for Council Meeting 26 May 2025

Submitted by: Terry Andrews
On behalf of: Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.
Subject: Flagship Sports Precinct – Full Disclosure Required on Financial Commitments, Levy Use, Developer Dealings, and Stakeholder Influence

After years of planning, consultant engagement, and budget decisions related to the Sport and Recreation Precinct, the City of Victor Harbor has yet to provide the community with clear answers what is true total cost, financial commitments, of this proposed project.

Question 1. Total Expenditure to Date – What Has Been Spent Since 2018?

Since 2018, significant staff and financial resources have been allocated to this precinct project. The community is entitled to a detailed breakdown of all spending to date, including but not limited to:

  • Fees paid to consultants including SGL, Hudson Howells, Tredwell, BRM Holdich, and any others;
  • Council staff wages, officer time, and administrative overhead directly allocated to the project;
  • Costs related to legal advice, concept design, visual branding, community consultation workshops, and any travel or associated allowances;
  • Expenditure related to failed grant applications, planning amendments, site feasibility or investigation works.

Will Council now publish an itemised total of all expenditure associated with the project since 2018?

Question 2. The 1.2% Sports Precinct Levy – Where Did It Go?

In the 2024–2025 Annual Budget, Council imposed a 1.2% levy on general rates explicitly to support the development of the Sports Precinct.

  • How much revenue has been raised from this levy?
  • What has it been spent on, if anything?

At present:

  • There is no signed construction contract,
  • There is no final business case approved by Council,
  • There are no shovel-ready plans or approved tenders.

If this levy revenue has been allocated or spent already, what was the justification, and under what authority was this done, given the project’s speculative status?

Thank you.

Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.

Terry Andrews (Chairperson).

Leave a comment