Business Victor Harbor (BVH) has called for clarity and transparency on the City of Victor Harbor’s 2021/22 Annual Business Plan and Budget.

As a positive advocate for the south coast, BVH says it is charged with highlighting council activity that may cause undue financial burden on current and future ratepayers.

Concern about the long-term sustainability of the council’s financial position led BVH to raise the alarm on the quantum and timing of expenditure of several of the key projects outlined in the proposed plan. 

“Whilst Business Victor Harbor broadly supports the general activity outlined in the council’s Annual Business Plan and Budget, we are genuinely concerned that it lacks a clear linkage to an endorsed long-term financial plan for the City,” says Michael Schubert, chair of BVH. 

“We question the overall direction and detail contained within the business plan which may highlight the future rate burden for ratepayers and our ability to attract and generate private investment to our area.”

Concerns raised include details of how the council will resolve car-parking issues, in particular the McKinlay Street site; and the lack of action on an Investment Attraction Strategy for the city.

BVH is also worried about the overall debt levels envisaged for funds expended for both capital and operational expenses and how this will be managed.

“Business Victor Harbor is not opposed to borrowing for public infrastructure and sees that it is necessary in most cases to ensure the ongoing viability and future of our city,” says Kirsten Pitman, BVH Deputy Chair. 

“However, we have highlighted in our letter to council our concerns with some of the key projects outlined in their business plan and budget and whether the outlays for these projects are viable and sustainable. 

“We also believe it is problematic to ask the ratepayer to review and provide feedback on a business plan or budget in isolation from a well-considered long-term financial plan,” she says. 

BVH has asked the council to provide clarity on a wide range of projects listed in their 2021/22 Annual Business Plan; including:

• Community services and facilities. 
• Roads, footpaths and bridges.
• Car parking and traffic management.
• Open spaces and recreation, in particular, the Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre. 
• Plant and depot.
• Business activity.
• Public safety. 
• Library and Cultural Services. 

BVH has also raised concerns about a lack of direction and potential confusion around activities and projects that contribute to ‘economic development’. 

“We recently wrote to the council highlighting the importance of the business community having input into how the Council allocates the differential business rate,” Michael Schubert says. 

“We believe that the business community is best placed to understand what will drive economic development in the city.” 

“Business Victor Harbor always appreciates the opportunity to provide feedback to the City of Victor Harbor on behalf of its members and the wider business community on Council projects, initiatives and activities that impact on the region’s economic development and environment. 

“We look forward to our ongoing relationship with Council and continuing to work alongside them and our members to create a sustainable, vibrant and diverse economic future for our region,” he said. 

To read Business Victor Harbor’s full submission on the Annual Business Plan and Budget visit the BVH website.  

The City of Victor Harbor will hold an informal gathering of councillors to discuss its draft plan on 5 July. Full details are on the council's website.