Centres Review Development Plan Amendment Update
The City of Victor Harbor has expressed its extreme disappointment at the Minister for Planning’s decision to refuse the Council’s Centres Review Development Plan Amendment (DPA).
Council received correspondence from Minister Rau on Monday, 24 August advising of the refusal and that a new Victor Harbor Centres and Residential DPA has been initiated by the State Government.
“Council invested considerable resources, time and commitment in the Centres Review DPA, and it is discouraging that this significant body of work is now lost. It’s a huge blow for our community,” said City of Victor Harbor Mayor Graham Philp.
The Centres Review DPA was lodged with the State Government on 30 June 2015 as requested by the Minister. However, Council requested that it was not processed until the provision of successful infrastructure agreements had been resolved between Council and developers.
“The infrastructure agreements are intended to protect our community, who should not have to bear the full cost of infrastructure provision required because of the development of new centres,” said Mayor Philp.
“Such infrastructure negotiations should not be seen purely as a delay but as a critical part of the DPA process.”
The Minister expressed dissatisfaction to Council with the policy outcomes in the refused DPA, including the capping of retail floor space, and felt opportunities to stimulate job growth and investment were missed.
“There is a conflict between Council’s desire to ensure current and future retail is sustainable by the use of floor caps, and the Minister’s view to leave it to the open market. However, we make no apologies for putting the interests of our community at the forefront of our decision making,” said Mayor Philp.
“Managing retail floor space is critical in the release of new centres to ensure a sustainable local economy, designed to encourage future employment and growth opportunities.”
The City of Victor Harbor has also recently commenced investigations for its own Residential Land Review and was surprised at the State Government’s move to combine a Centres and Residential DPA.
“Unfortunately, we have now lost control of the DPA and will have minimal influence over its future direction,” said Mayor Philp.
“While we are extremely disappointed in the outcome, Council will work collaboratively with the State Government on the future DPA to ensure the best strategic planning outcomes for the broader community are represented.”
A Special Council Meeting has been called for Monday, 14 September at 5.30pm in relation to this matter.
Find out more about the City of Victor Harbor's Centres Review DPA.
Mayors’ Short Story Competition Winners Announced
The Mayors’ Short Story Challenge is a collaboration between the City of Victor Harbor and Alexandrina councils that celebrates creative writing.
The Challenge is held during term two each year for school aged children, from reception to year 10. Each year the Mayors’ Short Story Competition gets bigger and better, and in 2015 both councils received a record number of entries.
Almost 250 entries were received from children across the City of Victor Harbor council area, while 427 entries were received from the Alexandrina Council region.
The winners of the competition (pictured above) were announced at a presentation evening held at the City of Victor Harbor Public Library on Thursday, 27 August 2015. Over 150 people were in attendance to celebrate the creative writing talent of students across the two council areas.
City of Victor Harbor Mayor Graham Philp and Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes presented the winners with their prizes and congratulated them on their fantastic entries.
The mayors’ also extended their thanks and applauded all students who entered the competition, “It has been a delightful experience to read the creative and imaginative entries. We have a lot of exceptional young writers in our communities.”
Both the Alexandrina Council and the City of Victor Harbor would like to thank all the Principals, Teacher-Librarians, Teachers and Student Services Officers who encourage their students to enter the competition.
The councils’ also acknowledge the generous support of their respective Friends’ of the Library groups who have supported the competition by donating $50 book vouchers for category winners and $100 vouchers for overall winners.
The City of Victor Harbor and Alexandrina also provided $1000 to the overall winner’s school in their respective Council areas for library materials.
View a list of the 2015 winners.
Sport and Recreation Sub-Committee Nomination Period Extended
The City of Victor Harbor has extended the nomination period for the Recreation and Sport Sub-Committee until 5pm on Friday, 18 September 2015.
The purpose of the Sub-Committee will be top advise the Council’s Environment and Infrastructure Advisory Committee on matters relating to sport and recreation.
If you are a member of a sporting club or recreation group within the City of Victor Harbor council area, or have an interest in sport and recreation in the area, you are encouraged to nominate for this Sub-Committee.
Find out more and nominate today.
Countdown to 2015 Rock N Roll Festival!
The Victor Harbor Rock ‘N Roll Festival is only a week away! Brightly dressed rock ‘n rollers are expected to dance away the weekend as 21 rock ‘n roll and rockabilly bands perform on three separate stages in the Mainstreet and Foreshore Precincts. The free daytime event will not disappoint with a jam packed music program and huge display of classic and rock ‘n roll related cars for festival goers to enjoy.
Additionally, there are eight independent events organised across town by various local businesses on the Friday and Saturday nights (admission charges may apply for evening functions).
Check out the festival program at www.rocknrollfestival.com.au
Author Event – Nicole Alexander
Don’t miss an exciting morning with best-selling Australian author Nicole Alexander as she shares stories and talks about her latest novel, Wild Lands.
The event is hosted by the Victor Harbor Public Library and will be held on Thursday, 17 September 2015 at 11am in the City of Victor Harbor Council Chambers.
The event is FREE, however bookings are essential.
To find out more or make a booking visit www.victor.sa.gov.au/library or call 8551 0730.
Hire the City of Victor Harbor Recreation Centre
Looking for somewhere to host your next meeting, conference or event? Why not consider the City of Victor Harbor’s Recreation Centre (opposite the Civic Centre).
The Recreation Centre is more than just a sports venue. It offers a range of options including a general purpose room that seats up to 300 people with a fully functional kitchen and toilet facilities, making it ideal for conferences, meetings or dinners.
Click here to make a booking or find out more about the Recreation Centre.
State Government Consultation – Operation Moving Traffic
The South Australian Government is looking for smarter ways to more efficiently move people, goods and services on our roads and public transport networks.
Through working with the community and seeking feedback, the State Government is looking at a better and more integrated approach to managing the operation of our road network that makes the best use of existing roads and helps resolve competing interests for available road space.
To find out about Operation Moving Traffic and how you can provide your feedback visit www.dpti.sa.gov.au/movingtraffic.
Deep Creek Conservation Park Family Fun Day – 20 September
Head to Deep Creek Conservation Park for a FREE family fun day on Sunday 20 September from 11am to 2pm.
There will be gourmet food and wine stalls, baby native animals, kids’ activities, a chance to meet the rangers, plus much more!
Find out more about the event.
Next Council Meeting
A Special Council Meeting will be held at 5.30pm on Monday, 14 September 2015 in the Council Chambers at 1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor.
The next Ordinary Council meeting is scheduled to be held from 5.30pm on Monday, 28 September 2015 in the Council Chambers at 1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor.
