Two Council projects receive finalist award
The awards program recognises outstanding achievement and innovation in local government, with winners to be announced in May 2024.
Mainstreet Precinct Upgrade (Stage Four)
Stage Four of the Mainstreet Precinct Upgrade, completed late 2022, is a finalist in the Excellence in Infrastructure Delivery category.
Stage 4 of the Victor Harbor Mainstreet Precinct revitalisation project was more than a streetscape upgrade. It provided for the much-needed replacement of ageing underground services, accessibility improvements that have been widely praised, and a direct impact on the long-term sustainability of around 60 retail and tourism businesses.
The $8.8 million project has delivered a vibrant community space for the biggest congregation of outdoor dining in the Southern Fleurieu region. The result is a lively mainstreet precinct, attracting social and cultural opportunities, and ultimately positioning Victor Harbor as a place of choice to invest. The project focused on improving pedestrian usability, street greening, introduction of public art, and enhancing the overall appearance of the area to show the Mainstreet Precinct’s importance to locals and visitors.
With a focus on functionality, accessibility, place making and innovation, the design adopted a coastal theme, using the creative integration of contemporary paving, landscaping, stormwater drainage techniques, public art, lighting and street furniture. As a result, median kerbs and bollards were removed, the road’s cross-section levelled and narrowed, a disability access audit was undertaken, the stormwater system upgraded, furniture replaced, landscaping increased, public art included, wayfinding incorporated and landmark features introduced.
More information about the Mainstreet Precinct Upgrade
Muwerang Mosaic Project
The Muwerang Mosaic Project, completed late 2023, is a finalist in the Excellence in Community Partnerships and Collaboration category.
The Muwerang Mosaic is the City of Victor Harbor’s largest collaborative public art project to date, made possible by the support of 50 volunteers, two artists, five benefactors, six venue providers, Council Members and numerous Council staff.
Over four years, concept planning, development and installation of the 36-metre-long artwork was undertaken. Community volunteers were critical throughout the project, generously donating their time towards tile cutting and gluing, and in turn received a free opportunity to upskill and socialise.
At the project’s completion, the mosaic was installed on a previously plain balustrade, reducing instances of graffiti and showcasing a culturally significant art piece to motorists and pedestrians passing by. It was celebrated with a vibrant official opening event in November 2023.
The vision for the mosaic was to demonstrate a Ngarrindjeri and Ramindjeri dreamtime story of Ruwi (our land). This has embedded a greater appreciation of local culture and spread values of diversity, inclusion and respect.