The City of Victor Harbor is concerned that a misinformation campaign is undermining its plans for a Regional Community Sport and Recreation Precinct.

It is urging the community to talk to someone at council in person, over the phone or via email if they have concerns or questions about the project. 

The council is planning to partner with a private consortium to develop The Precinct.

It is conducting community consultation on two aspects of the proposal: removing the community land classification for a portion of Lot 202 Armstrong Road and the council’s proposed financial contribution. 

In its draft annual budget the council has proposed a 1.2 per cent increase to rates, on top of the CPI rise of 4.8 percent to help cover the costs of The Precinct.

Further extra rates rises are projected over the next few years to pay for the project.

Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins says the Council wants to make sure the community is informed about the current proposal. 

“Like many major projects we’ve had in the past, there is some misinformation circulating in the community.”

She wants residents, ratepayers and organisations to get their information from the council directly, from the Your Say web page or by attending one of the upcoming budget listening posts. 

“We’re certainly not shying away and we’re more than happy to share any information we can. 

“In particular, some residents are raising questions about the cost of The Precinct project. Under the current proposal, Council’s contribution towards the project will be $11.7 million – that’s $4 million in 2024/25 and $7.7 million in 2025/26. 

“The contribution will be attributed to the operating budget and funding through borrowings to spread the cost over generations and minimise the impact on ratepayers.

“It’s important to reiterate that the upfront and ongoing costs required of Council under the private partnership are significantly lower than what was estimated for Council to construct and operate the facility itself. There are also grant funding opportunities that Council is pursuing to further reduce the upfront contribution.” 

The council estimates The Precinct to be worth around $40 million a multi-purpose hub, which includes a sport and recreation facility, childcare, allied health and entertainment offerings. 

It says for this to be commercially viable for the private partner, the council needs to enter into a long-term lease agreement for a portion of Lot 202 Armstrong Road. 

This means revoking the community land status for a portion of the site, with the remainder staying community open-space and the council retaining ownership of the whole site. 

More information about The Precinct is available at on the Your Say web page. www.yoursay.victor.sa.gov.au.

The council can be contacted by phone 8551 0500 or email   Listening Posts will be held at various locations over the next week:

• Thursday 30 May at Victor Central Shopping Centre from 10am to 3pm.
• Saturday 1 June at Victor Harbor Farmers' Market, in Grosvenor Gardens, from 8am to 11am.
• Tuesday 4 June at Victor Central Shopping Centre from 10am to 3pm
• Thursday 6 June at a public meeting at the Civic Centre from 6.30pm.

The deadline for feedback is 5pm on Tuesday 11 June.