Measure twice and cut once to reduce rates

At the March 2025 Council Meeting, Elected Members voted to support Director Rokicinski’s 17-page Proposal to significantly increase funding for the Corporate Systems Replacement Project (CSRP); raising it to a $8.8m, 8 year project expected to be finished in 2028. If past implementation performance is any guide, the Project will likely cost at least $10m. The longer this project is delayed the more likely it will be a very costly failure.

New Corporate System is essentially a change of corporate culture, enabled by information technology. Successful changeovers require top quality continuous transparency to the Project sponsors; the ratepayers of Victor Harbor. Over the past five years public access to the CRSP Project Plan including Key Performance Indicators, Productivity gains and implementation schedules have been denied. There needs to be monthly reporting by CEO to the Council for such a costly and critical investment.

The $8.8m CSRP is a Ratepayer investment in a tool that should be generating at least a 20-30% annual internal rate of return, which can be used to reduce rates or release rates income for further investment. Staff capability, technical proficiency and satisfaction should increase. The need to hire consultants should diminish.

Three years into CSRP implementation there is no reduction in Council rates only massive rate increases for 2025/26.

Key to significant reductions in Council costs is increasing the PRODUCTIVITY of the Council Business Units, all staff, and Elected members. Ratepayers, especially those with families have been desperately trying to increase their household productivity, doing more with less income, to be able to put meals on the table.

The Victor Harbor Council has not reported any progress in measuring and reporting productivity gains despite having signed an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) with the Amalgamated Australian Workers Union in October 2022, to “develop and encourage an ‘Enterprise Culture’ to embrace measures aimed at achieving improved productivity’ (EBA para 7.1), vital to successful CSRP success.

The ratepayers of Victor Harbor deserve better information flows and proof of a return on their investment in the CSRP. As soon as possible Elected Members should commission an independent external team of ERP specialists to review the status, and prospects of the CSRP. The team should be led by a local business leader, experienced in corporate change management, and include the CEO, with a Report directly back to Council at the July

The CEO to release the CSRP Project Plan and KPIs at April Council meeting, and

deliver, before the 30 June 2025 all the productivity measures agreed to in the EBA, including the Reviews in Para 17.8. with involvement of Elected Members.

Andrew Robertson, Back Valley

RESPONSIBLE GOVERNANCE

Statement  from Terry Andrews

Chair, Council Watch Fleurieu Inc

RESPONSIBLE GOVERNANCE

Local Government has the greatest impact on our daily lives, yet it is the only level of government without a formal opposition.

 Here in Victor Harbor we have among the highest council rates in the country, and what do we get in return? A council that ignores the residents.

I believe it is time for change, Council Watch will be working to preselect a team of capable community minded residents

 people with the skills and expertise to manage a $40 million dollar budget responsibility and insure that ratepayers voices are heard and come first.

Right now I see a Mayor and CEO more focused on making a name for themselves than serving the people. 

 I see a council majority that refused to answer emails or attend public forums  –the very events designed to give residents a voice. This is unacceptable. 

In six months we will be looking for individuals who are ready to step up–people who will put ratepayers first 

 and ensure that our Council is lean, effective, and willing to say NO to wasteful legacy flagship  projects.

I urge residents to pay attention to which councillors actually attend briefings and meetings.  Ask yourself, where are the rest? 

We have invited all Councilors and the Mayor to attend our next five Public Forums, held in both afternoons and evenings, 

so they can listen to and answer residents’ questions.  The dates and times are available on our website, councilwatch.

Feb19th,  April 16th,  JUNE 18th,  AUG 20th, OCT 15th DEC 17th

I have serious concerns about the competence of the current Mayor and CEO.

  A recent briefing on the flagship sporting precinct  project was attended by only five councilors–

yet this project will impact generations to come and result in the loss of public land to private developers for 99 years plus.

I ask you to watch carefully how each Councilors votes when this issue comes before the full Council on March 24th.

This is our community. This is our future. It is now time to make a change.

Terry Andrews  voiceforall@gmail.com

Chair, Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.

Re: Request for Full Financial Disclosure Regarding the Public-Private Enterprise (PPE) for the Proposed Sporting Complex.


Terry Andrews Chairperson, Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.
8 Wattlebury Road Victor Harbor
Victor Harbour SA 5211
voiceforall14@gmail.com
Mobile  0451 140 543
25 /01/2025

Ms. Victoria MacKirdy
Chief Executive Officer
City of Victor Harbor
1 Bay Road
Victor Harbor, SA 5211

Dear CEO Victoria MacKirdy,

Re: Request for Full Financial Disclosure Regarding the Public-Private Enterprise (PPE) for the Proposed Sporting Complex.

Council Watch Fleurieu Inc. Writes to you regarding growing concerns and circulating rumours within the community about a significant cost blowout 

in the Council’s $11 million contribution to the Public-Private Enterprise (PPE) for the proposed Sporting Complex.

In the interest of transparency and accuracy, we formally request a full disclosure of all financial details relating to the PPE project to date. Specifically, we ask for:

  1. The true financial situation of the PPE project, including an itemised breakdown of all costs incurred to date and any prearranged future commitments?
  2. Confirmation of whether the original Council commitment of $11 million has been exceeded. If so:
    • By how much has this figure increased?
    • What is the revised total financial commitment to the project as of today?

Council Watch is solely focused on the financial implications of the PPE project and ensuring the community is provided with factual, transparent, and accurate information.

Our goal is to communicate the truth to residents and ratepayers, who rightfully deserve clarity on the financial management of this project.

We kindly request that you provide a detailed response by 10th Feb 2025. 14 days from today.

A prompt and thorough explanation will allow us to convey the facts to the community in a responsible and informed manner.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Terry Andrews
on behalf of Council Watch Fleurieu Inc.

To: CEO Victoria MacKirdy, Mayor Moira Jenkins, Members of Victor Harbor Council, and Members of the Public

I write today as both a concerned member of the public and a recipient of a “Defamation Concerns Notice” issued by an interstate law firm. This notice appears to be part of an ongoing attempt to stifle free speech through the use of litigation.

While I have no issue with an individual potentially pursuing legal action against me for my public statements, the critical question I must raise is this: “Are the Victor Harbor Council funds being used, directly or indirectly, to reimburse or support this action?

The principle at stake here goes beyond my personal situation—it is about transparency, accountability, and the protection of every South Australian’s right to free speech. 

Specifically:

  1. Who is funding this legal action? Is the CEO classifying this expenditure as discretionary spending?
  2. Has the Council approved or been informed of any potential use of public funds for this purpose?

This issue reflects a troubling trend where we see reports by the ABC News (Whyalla council threatens legal action over residents’ social media posts – ABC News) by councils use of ratepayers’ funds to silence inquiring voices that may cause embarrassment to Council Administrators and Elected Members alike. For instance, the City of Whyalla Council recently engaged Kelledy Jones Lawyers to issue take-down notices to several residents over Facebook posts. Residents, such as Nick Antonio, received letters accusing them of being “abusive, misleading, and offensive,” and were ordered to remove posts and refrain from making similar comments in the future.

Mr. Antonio, appalled by this action, stated, “I am deeply disappointed and shocked by the accusations. The attempt to silence my public criticism by the Council and its lawyers feels like an infringement on my freedom of speech, especially during these challenging times.”

The guiding principles of local government are too often not considered or are ignored in the decision making process and this must change.

I wish to submit the following critical question from the gallery for the January 2025 council meeting:

  • Has, or will, Victor Harbor Council in any way reimburse or support its employee(s) or elected members in pursuing any legal action against residents or individuals for expressing their opinions?

This is not just a question of financial accountability but of defending the democratic principle of free speech. While I acknowledge that the health and safety of staff and elected members is a concern, conversely, the health and safety of members of the public who choose to voice opinions contrary to those of the Council—both Administration and Elected Members—must also be protected. These individuals should not be pressured or bullied with threats of litigation.

Remember, you are all public servants, and your obligation is to the public.

The public deserves transparency, and I urge you to answer this question openly and honestly. I will reserve further public comment until an answer is provided, but rest assured, this issue will not be ignored.

This is not merely about one legal notice or one individual—it is about protecting the right of every resident to speak freely without fear of reprisal or intimidation.

Sincerely,
Terry Andrews
Ex-Councillor, Chair of Council Watch Inc.

Chairman’s remarks 

I have received a letter from an interstate legal firm instructing me to withdraw the remarks I made in a newsletter which was sent to the members and associates of COUNCIL WATCH inc.  This letter is what I consider a SLAPP (ie Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation) and in my opinion is a blatant attempt to interfere with my right to Public Participation. The Administration of CVHC appears to have paid this legal firm from NSW (on the instructions of their Client) to harass censor intimidate and silence me by what I believe to be the improper use of the legal system. The legal letter seems to stem from my stated observations of the proposed land use for he Sporting Precinct.

I welcome the opportunity to have full disclosure on this proposal, which will let the public be able to decide whether the proposal is worthy or not.

There are many other issues that need addressing, ranging from the installation of the computer system which is already failing, to extending the life of council machinery to possibly shield the growing debt of the Council. The public need to be made aware of these matters.

These actions and proposals will have to be paid by the ratepayers via double digit rate increases over the next few years.

I note that the CEO and Mayor have not chosen to hold a public forum, despite the amount of disquiet and submissions from the public on this and other issues.

We (Council Watch) are so concerned regarding the need for Council accountability that we intend to hold  `Soap Box Forums’ from the middle of February, This will allow the public an opportunity to discuss and air their views publicly regarding the Council and its actions. Council Members will be invited to attend and listen first hand to the community’s concerns, and also to respond to the comments that may be made.

We can now announce that we have set up our own web site and welcome members and the public to comment on Council matters. Our web address will be councilwatchvictorhabor.com

I also wish to thank our sponsors. This is your opportunity to read an independent view of the Council actions and state your own views 

Council Watch will continue to call for a full and independent audit of the council’s finances.

WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO INCREASE OUR DEBT AND LET COUNCIL PUT UP OUR RATES BEYOND INFLATION EVERY YEAR.

Remember our motto  “INVEST IN COMMUNITY NEEDS NOT EXTRAVAGANT DEEDS”

 Terry Andrews Chair Council Watch voiceforall14@gmail.com 0451 140 543

City of Victor Harbor Council Meeting – 25 November 2024

If you missed last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting – watch the recorded stream below.

Council Watch Victor Harbor invites you to participate in an online discussion about the recent council meeting. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, share your thoughts, and engage with fellow community members about the decisions and policies that affect us all.

Ensuring Council Accountability

At Council Watch Victor Harbor, we uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. Holding councils accountable is crucial for maintaining public trust and fostering a thriving community. It is not merely a responsibility but a fundamental necessity for the integrity of our democratic system.

The Importance of Accountability

Accountability ensures that elected officials and council members are answerable for their actions and decisions. This principle promotes transparency, reduces the risk of corruption, and ensures that public resources are used efficiently and ethically. When councils are held accountable, it cultivates a culture of integrity and trust, leading to better governance and improved outcomes for the community.

Our Role in Promoting Accountability

Council Watch Victor Harbor is dedicated to actively monitoring the actions of our local council. This includes scrutinizing financial reports, attending council meetings, and advocating for transparency in decision-making processes. By maintaining a close watch on council activities, we ensure that any discrepancies or issues are promptly addressed and rectified.

Community Engagement

Public participation is vital in holding councils accountable. We encourage residents to attend meetings, voice their concerns, and stay informed about local governance issues. An engaged and vigilant community reinforces the importance of accountability and ensures that councils remain aligned with the public’s best interests.

Achievements and Impact

Our efforts have resulted in several positive changes in local governance. We have successfully advocated for more transparent budget allocations, highlighted mismanagement of resources, and ensured that residents’ voices are heard in council decisions. These achievements demonstrate the power of accountability in driving meaningful change.

Moving Forward

Council Watch Victor Harbor remains committed to fostering a culture of accountability within our local government. Through vigilance, advocacy, and community engagement, we strive to create a more transparent, responsible, and effective council that truly serves its people.

Empowering Victor Harbor: Accountability in Action

At Council Watch Victor Harbor, we believe in the transformative power of transparency and accountability in local government. Our latest efforts have been dedicated to ensuring that our elected officials are held to the highest standards and that every resident’s voice is heard and respected.

Recent Achievements

Unveiling the Truth In our ongoing commitment to truth-seeking, we recently uncovered discrepancies in council spending that led to a thorough review and reallocation of funds. This not only ensured financial integrity but also redirected resources to critical community projects.

Community Voices Matter We successfully advocated for the concerns of local residents who felt overlooked by the council. Through strategic lobbying and public forums, we ensured that their issues received the attention they deserved. This has resulted in positive changes and more responsive local governance.

Building Alliances Our efforts to form alliances with other like-minded groups in South Australia have borne fruit. These partnerships have amplified our collective impact, allowing us to address broader issues and drive more significant change in our community.

Upcoming Initiatives

Monthly Meetings Our monthly meetings continue to serve as a vital platform for discussing ongoing issues and planning future actions. We encourage all members to attend and participate actively, as your input is invaluable in shaping our initiatives.

Community Assistance Program We are launching a new Community Assistance Program designed to support residents who feel their concerns are not being addressed. This program aims to provide direct assistance and advocacy to ensure their voices are heard.

Accountability Campaign In the coming months, we will be rolling out an extensive Accountability Campaign. This initiative will focus on monitoring council activities and ensuring that all actions and decisions are transparent and aligned with community needs.

Join Us

We invite you to join us in our mission to create a more transparent, accountable, and engaged Victor Harbor. Together, we can drive meaningful change and ensure that our local government truly serves its people. Your involvement is crucial, and we look forward to working alongside you to make a lasting impact.

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions. Together, let’s make Victor Harbor a better place for all!

Land Rezoning Proposal for Sports Centre Sparks Debate

The City of Victor Harbor has announced a proposal to rezone approximately 14 hectares of land to pave the way for a new sports centre. This controversial plan involves changing the current Business Neighbourhood zoning to Community Facilities to accommodate community, educational, recreational, and healthcare facilities.

Included in the rezoning are the Encounter Community Centre, TAFE SA campus, police station, courthouse, and land earmarked for State Emergency Services facilities. The proposal also features a Concept Plan designed to protect areas of high ecological value from development.

Mayor Moira Jenkins underscores the necessity of this rezoning to provide much-needed sports and recreation facilities for the community. The council believes that the current zoning does not support the development of future community facilities, making a Code Amendment crucial for the project’s success.

This proposal is open for public comment, and the council urges residents to participate in the decision-making process. Council Watch Victor Harbor will continue to monitor this development closely and advocate for transparency and community involvement in every step.

The original article was published in The Advertiser – 16 November 2024