Securing Granite Island's Future
It has been widely publicised that the commercial lease of Granite Island has expired. While the kiosk facilities have now closed, the public toilets will be maintained and the Penguin Centre will continue to operate until new lease arrangements are finalised.
The State Government owns and manages the island, and is solely responsible for the commercial lease negotiations. However, the government agencies responsible for securing the future of Granite Island have been actively engaging with Council over recent weeks to chart a way forward.
The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) convened a meeting with representatives from the City of Victor Harbor and South Australian Tourism Commission which pointed to positive outcomes in the near future.
The following was established at the meeting:
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the Granite Island Penguin Centre would continue to operate with ongoing support from DEWNR
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mobile ‘pop up’ food vans would be able to operate on the island to meet demand pre-winter through agreement with Council and DEWNR
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toilets on the island have been freshly painted and will remain open
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the island’s kiosk would be secured while options for further development involving private sector operators are being actively explored.
While Council understands the community’s frustration relating to this issue, we must respect Government processes and the confidential nature of negotiations with potential lessees pending any formal announcements. The Council, however, cannot speak on behalf of the Government on these matters unless authorised to do so.
We know there have been some positive discussions with potential lessees which we anticipate will result in good news for our community and the future of this important regional asset. We are hopeful the nature of these discussions will soon be publicly announced.
Volunteer Week Small Grants
The City of Victor Harbor’s Volunteer Week Small Grants program assists community groups, management committees and organising committees to celebrate and recognise the contribution of their volunteers.
Grants can be used to fund ‘thank you’ celebrations, such as a special morning tea, lunch or even a small gift. Celebrations will need to be held during National Volunteer Week (11-17 May 2015).
Find out more about the grants program or download an application form.
Applications close on Friday, 6 March 2015.
Help Save Pensioner Concessions
If you haven’t already, the City of Victor Harbor is encouraging all ratepayers to contact Local MPs to voice their discontent at the axing of pensioner concessions on council rates.
The withdrawal of this funding is a result of Federal and State budget cuts, and it will affect more than a quarter of the City of Victor Harbor’s ratepayers.
The City of Victor Harbor has teamed up with all SA councils and the Local Government Association to oppose the Federal cut and the State Government’s decision to abolish concessions on council rates.
To support council’s aim to reverse this decision and get the funding reinstated for the most vulnerable in our community visit www.victor.sa.gov.au/localmp.
The more voices that speak up, the more powerful our message.
National Broadband Network Momentum Continues
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is Australia’s new network for fixed line phone and internet services. The aim of the project is to give you access to fast, reliable and affordable services from a range of providers.
Construction activity continues across the City of Victor Harbor, building the fibre-to-the-premises network. As highlighted in the map (right) build preparation and construction works is now active across central Victor Harbor, McCracken, Hayborough, Encounter Bay, parts of Waitpinga and Pt Elliot. Work also continues on the fixed wireless network for rural living properties outside of the Victor Harbor township. The first services are forecast to be available from mid-2015.
The NBN is replacing most of the traditional landline networks for phone and internet services, including copper and the majority of HFC networks, within its fixed line footprint (as shown in the map above).
Services provided over existing fibre networks (including in-building, health and education networks) and some special and business services may not be affected. To find out if your services will be affected, please contact your current phone or internet provider. For more information, visit www.nbnco.com.au/switchoff or call 1800 687 626.
For more information or to see when your area will be switched on, visit the NBN Co website at www.nbnco.com.au, call 1800 687 626 or email info@nbnco.com.au
Pre-qualified Contractor Induction
Businesses that would like to provide services or goods to the City of Victor Harbor are encouraged to seek inclusion in Council’s Contractor Register.
Registration requires provision of information about your safety management system, relevant licenses, qualifications, training and insurance, as well as participation in a Council induction.
The next Corporate Work Health and Safety induction for contractors will be held on Tuesday, 24 March 2015 from 8.30am-9.30am in the City of Victor Harbor Council Chambers.
RSVPs are essential, email localgov@victor.sa.gov.au or call (08) 8551 0500.
Torrens Lane Upgrade - Works Commenced
Work has commenced on the upgrade of Torrens Lane, Victor Harbor.
The upgrade includes new asphalt pavement, new kerb and gutter, traffic signage and minor drainage works. Work is on track to be complete by the end of April, provided there are no unexpected delays.
Find out more about these works.
Author Event - Nicole Alexander
The City of Victor Harbor Public Library will host best-selling Australian author, Nicole Alexander, on Friday, 10 April 2015.
Nicole will be on hand to share stories and talk about her latest novel, The Great Plains. Nicole’s new novel takes us on a captivating journey from the American Wild West to the wilds of outback Queensland, from the Civil War to the Great Depression, in an epic novel tracing one powerful but divided family.
The event will be held in the Council Chambers from 3pm. Tickets cost $2 (includes afternoon tea).
To secure your ticket visit www.victor.sa.gov.au/library or call 8551 0730.
Next Council Meeting
The next ordinary council meeting will be held from 5.30pm on Monday, 23 February 2015 at the City of Victor Harbor Council Chambers, 1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor.
