Christmas Message from Mayor Graham Philp
As 2015 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the members of our community a safe and happy festive season.
At this time of year I always like to take a moment and reflect on the year gone by – celebrating our achievements, learning from the challenges and showing gratitude for living in the best place on earth.
This year has been another busy one at the City of Victor Harbor with the achievements of Council and the community enhancing Victor Harbor’s position as a place of choice to live, work and play.
The Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre has progressed significantly with the building structure now starting to appear above the ground. We have continued to deliver festivals and events that add to the vibrancy of our city, provided our community with a broad range of services and programs, and delivered a number of major infrastructure projects like the development of Soldiers’ Memorial Gardens and Bay Road upgrade.
I look forward to the opportunities ahead for our Council area, and working with my fellow Elected Members, Council staff and the community to achieve positive results for Victor Harbor.
If you are going away over the holiday period, please take extra care on the roads. For those staying in Victor Harbor, don’t miss the opportunity to bring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display at Council’s action-packed celebration on Warland Reserve.
On behalf of the Elected Members, Senior Management and staff at the City of Victor Harbor I wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and many happy returns for 2016.
Christmas Hours
The City of Victor Harbor’s principal office, library and depot will be closed:
- from 12.30pm on Thursday, 17 December 2015
- from 3pm on Thursday, 24 December 2015 to Monday, 4 January 2016.
To report emergencies during the closures, please call (08) 8551 0500.
Victor Harbor Takes Out ‘Clean Beaches’ Title
Victor Harbor has been awarded the Clean Beaches title at the KESAB Sustainable Communities Awards, and will now go on to represent South Australia in the Keep Australia Beautiful National Clean Beaches Awards in 2016.
The Clean Beaches Award is not just about cleanliness but also looks at sustainability initiatives that contribute to preserving our coastal environment. In presenting the Award to Victor Harbor, the judges highlighted some of the local initiatives that contributed to the title including beach access upgrades, foreshore promenade improvements, coastal protection, revegetation programs, the beside the sea oral history program, Kondoli signage at Klienig’s Hill Lookout and community events like Park Run.
The education programs and interpretive displays at the South Australian Whale Centre were particularly highlighted as a key contributor to the accolade.
In receiving the Clean Beaches Award, Mayor Philp acknowledged the important work of volunteers and community organisations within the City of Victor Harbor.
The Keep Australia Beautiful National Clean Beaches Awards will be held in Western Australia in 2016.
Are You Prepared For The Fire Danger Season?
It’s your responsibility to make sure you and your family are prepared for Fire Danger Season.
There are a few precautionary measures you can do now to prepare, including:
- Cut down grass and clear away any fallen branches or debris within 20m of your home
- Clean leaves from gutters, roofs and downpipes regularly
- Trim low-lying branches (less than 1m above the ground)
- Move flammable items well away from your home including mulch, woodpiles
- Check that your first aid kit is fully stocked.
It’s also important to prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan and make sure all members of your household are aware of it.
Fire Danger Season started on 17 November 2015 and runs until 30 April 2016.
For more information about preparing for the Fire Danger Season visit www.cfs.sa.gov.au
Victor Harbor Town Centre Traffic Movement and Car Parking Survey
Council is looking at traffic movement and car parking in Victor Harbor’s Town Centre, and invites the community to participate in the Town Centre Traffic Movement and Car Parking Survey.
By providing Council your feedback through the survey, you will assist us to develop a strategy that will help us manage and strategically plan for traffic and parking now and into the future.
The survey is available online at www.yoursay.victor.sa.gov.au/traffic-management or you can collect a hard copy from the Council Office or Visitor Information Centre.
The survey will close at 5pm on Friday, 22 January 2016.
Look After Yourself and Others in the Heat
It is important to prepare for heatwaves to ensure you stay safe and well during these times.
In South Australia, the State Emergency Service (SES) plays an important and unique role as Hazard Leader and Control Agency for extreme heat. It partners with a host of government and non-government organisations to improve understanding of risk, increase community resilience and preparedness and minimise impacts during heatwave events.
The SES is responsible for issuing Extreme Heat warnings to the community when pre-determined triggers are met.
Find out about some simple things you can do to reduce the impact of extreme heat.
Christmas Festivities in the Mainstreet Precinct
Victor Harbor’s Mainstreet Precinct is set to come alive this festive season!
Santa will again set up his cave in Ocean Street, taking up residence in Eco Child (30 Ocean Street) from Saturday, 19 December until 22 December between 11am and 1pm each day.
Santa will also be in his cave from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, 23 December coinciding with late night trading in the Precinct.
A number of Mainstreet Traders will be taking part in late night trading on Wednesday, 23 December providing the community with opportunities to do some Christmas shopping and soak up the festive spirit in the Precinct.
Find out more about what’s on in the Mainstreet Precinct this festive season.
Bring in the New Year in Victor Harbor
If you are looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve, why not head down to Warland Reserve and bring in 2016 at the City of Victor Harbor’s spectacular New Year’s Eve party.
Aside from the traditional midnight fireworks, there will be an earlier display for families with young children at 9.45pm and a fantastic line up of entertainment in the lead up to the countdown.
Council’s New Year’s Eve celebration is always a great night for locals and holiday makers – and best of all, it’s free!
Road closures will be in place around the alcohol free event and more information on these is available on Council’s website.
To find out more about the event or to download the event program visit www.holidayatvictorharbor.com.au
Next Council Meeting
The next Ordinary Council meeting will be held on Monday, 14 December 2015 from 5.30pm in the City of Victor Harbor Council Chambers, 1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor.
Also, note a change in date for the January Ordinary meeting which will now be held on Thursday, 28 January 2016 from 5.30pm in the Council Chambers.
