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