Are the rate payers best interests being represented in Victor Harbor. It appears not. Instead of a chamber promoting a position of fair democratic debate, having a different point of view to the majority often leads to the dismissal of legitimate concerns which will have a long term financial impact on the city of Victor Harbor and its rate payers. It is the democratic responsibility of council to consider all points of issue raised by elected members. It appears after the ordinary council meeting of the 24th August councils Code Of Conduct needs to be addressed. This lack of due process is deeply concerning for all members of the community.

The Hon Carlos Quaremba will be attending Warland Reserve on the 23rd of August at 2.00pm to address the community about local issues concerning VHC and the implications to rate payers. He will also talk about his efforts to make legislative changes about the function of local government within our state. A great opportunity to talk to our local MLC and ask questions about the area’s that most concern you. A sausage sizzle will be held in the Soldiers Memorial Gardens after the event where we can all chat and mingle.

The professional independent rate review provided by AEC advising council on future rate structure is an important part of process. The data provided by the Consultant must be taken into account with consideration of rate payers a priority.

The main points to be taken out of the report.

VHC has the second highest average residential rates $2664 amongst the 15 comparable councils.

VHC has the highest rate burden on rate payers out of the 15 comparable councils when comparing rates paid to household income at a rating factor of 3.4%.

The most disturbing factor of the review was the lack of interest shown from the current elected councilors and Mayor with five members not even showing up. Is this a sign the professional consultants rate review is going to be ignored.

The selection process for a new VHC CEO is getting to stage where a decision will be made shortly. The selection committee has made up a short list of candidates. We hope they appoint a candidate with solid financial experience within the public sector, and has exemplary communication and people skills to guide our elected councilors and admin staff on making decisions which effect council and rate payers.

We now have an alternative to be seriously considered instead of the Council proposed Sports and Recreation Centre. The current developer / council backed proposal comes with significant debt and risk to the rate payers of Victor Harbor, with operational losses covered by council and the rate payer well into the next financial years. Questions have to be asked if the current development option is ever going to be viable. The alternative gives council a path to provide a facility that is considerate to all members of the Victor Harbor community.

Council have passed the 26/27 Budget, Annual Business Plan, and 6.4% rate increase. Only Councillor’s Burns and Kemp opposed the rate increase and expressed concern of the Business Plan and Budget. This was after only one scheduled public forum where rate payers could express their concerns directly to administration and councillors.

We have always believed that Councils are elected by the rate payer to represent the rate payer. Why is this current Council operating under the veil of secrecy and lack of accountable transparency. Why is anything that may be sensitive to the rate payer held in confidence. Why have professional prudential reports over the years not been released for public scrutiny. There’s and old saying ” the further you dig yourself into a hole, the harder it is to dig yourself out”. I am afraid by running with this type of agenda the Council is holding its rate payers in disregard, and not working in the best interests of all.

Whats the future of the Encounter Community Centre?

After running into financial difficulties the future of the Encounter Community Centre is in limbo. It now appears the VHC is taking over the management of the Centre for a 3 year period, after investing grant money into its operations over a period of years. Is this another major expense to the rate payer?

Are you concerned about the future financial direction of the Victor Harbor Council. This is your opportunity to have your say and ask questions of Council in a public forum about your concerns moving forward.

Too Big To Stop?

The Sport and Recreation Precinct development is becoming a major infrastructure project that has more questions to answer than answers. With 9 contract extensions, millions already spent on preconstruction development, and 3 years of delays, it’s time for the VHC to show true leadership and have open transparent consultation with all rate payers of Victor Harbor.