Feedback sought on draft Representation Review Report
The City of Victor Harbor is seeking feedback on the draft Representation Review report.
After considering community feedback in September, a draft Representation Review report has been prepared for further public consideration.
The draft Representation Review report outlines the proposal to retain Council’s current no-wards structure and continue with a structure of the Mayor and nine Area Councillors. In line with legislative requirements, the Council is now inviting the community to make a written submission in relation to the draft report from November 28, 2024 until 5pm on Friday, 10 January 2025.
Mayor Moira Jenkins said that it was important for the community to note the intention of consultation is to understand community views and take these into consideration along with a number of other factors that inform Council Members’ decision-making.
“Public consultation is a vital part of Council’s decision-making processes. However, it is not a vote but rather information gathering that seeks to inform Council Members in making their decisions,” she said.
During Council’s review of the responses received during the initial consultation in September, it became clear that many of the community’s concerns about the current Council structure would not be remedied by the introduction of wards at this time.
Retaining the current structure:
- Promotes a holistic approach to decision making, ensuring that the needs of the entire community are considered when making decisions;
- Provides voters with the opportunity to choose from a greater choice of candidates;
- Facilitates diverse representation from various backgrounds, interests and locations, ensuring a broad range of perspectives are considered in decision making;
- Is most suitable for the City of Victor Harbor, noting that the small size of the Council area coupled with the lack of distinct townships makes the division of wards impractical at this stage.
Mayor Jenkins said the feedback received in the initial consultation highlighted a number of areas of concern that can be addressed through alternative approaches, rather than the introduction of wards.
“The feedback was a valuable insight into how our community feels about their connection to their Council Members,” she said.
“Strengthening existing communication channels, implementing targeted engagement initiatives for our rural residents and ratepayers, and enhancing the responsiveness will go a way towards effectively addressing the concerns raised by community members without fundamentally altering the electoral structure.”
The draft Representation Review Report is available for viewing at www.yoursay.victor.sa.gov.au or in hard copy at the City of Victor Harbor Civic Centre (1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor).
Submissions should be lodged by 5pm on Friday, 10 January 2025:
- Online at www.yoursay.victor.sa.gov.au;
- In writing and returned via:
- Email to localgov@victor.sa.gov.au
- Post to City of Victor Harbor, PO Box 11, Victor Harbor SA 5211
- In person at the City of Victor Harbor Civic Centre, 1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor.
Further questions on the City of Victor Harbor’s Representation Review can be directed to the City of Victor Harbor’s Governance Team at localgov@victor.sa.gov.au or (08) 8551 0500.