City of Onkaparinga Councillor Update

Boundary Reform

A report has finally been provided to Council in relation to boundary reform issues following a motion from its April 2019 meeting. The report is quite extensive and outlines the process to be followed, along with associated costs.

As I have indicated previously a council-initiated boundary review would cost in the vicinity of $250,000, however that cost is waived should a community led petition signed by a minimum of 10% of residents. I would encourage interested residents to read the agenda for the Council meeting held on 10 October at item 9.6, which provides the details. This material is available on the City of Onkaparinga website.

I hope that resident Darren Kruse, may be able to report on the responses he received as a result of his article in the Cherry Chatter Newsletter for October.

Northern and Hills North District Reference Group

This group was established by the City of Onkaparinga earlier this year for community associations/groups in the hills and northern parts of council to network and meet with the administration. As the next Group meeting is to be held on Wednesday 30 October at 3.30 pm at the Happy Valley Scout Hall Candy Road, Happy Valley, I will be unable to report on any issues until the December Cherry Chatter Newsletter.

Southern Sports, Recreation and Surf Life Saving Clubs Forum, City of Onkaparinga

I encourage representatives from sporting and recreational groups in Thalassa ward to attend these meetings to have a say on amenities. It provides a great opportunity for networking and also obtain a better understanding of the needs across the whole of the City of Onkaparinga.

The next forum’s general meeting was held on Monday 28 October at the Christies Beach Sports and Social Club Brice Oval, Christies Beach, so I will be unable to report on it until the December Cherry Chatter newsletter. I will be encouraging the attendees to have a meeting at a northern location in the near future as one was held a couple of months ago at Aldinga.

Hopgood Theatre Petition

Continued state government funding to support the continuance of the Hopgood Theatre located in Ramsay Place, Noarlunga Centre is in jeopardy, which will mean that this vital centre will be closed in the new year unless this funding is provided.

The theatre is a central and important location for residents of the City of Onkaparinga and is used by a many school, community groups and other theatrical performers (many of whom have launched their theatrical careers from this venue). It is also the location that many of our citizenship ceremonies are held. A petition is currently in circulation seeking continued state government funding for this venue. Please visit Save the Hopgood Theatre on Facebook for more information. Should any resident wish to sign the petition I am in possession of some, so please contact me.

Citizenship Ceremony

Since being elected to Council I have made a point of attending the City of Onkaparinga Citizenship Ceremonies. These are one of our most important civil events and it is a great feeling to experience them. The most recent was held at the Hopgood Theatre during the evening of Monday 14 October, where 160 local residents gave their commitment to become Australian citizens. The next one is scheduled for 7.00 pm Monday 11 November at the Hopgood Theatre.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this article are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of Council.

Geoff Eaton
Councillor
Thalassa Ward
City of Onkaparinga
Email: geoff.eaton@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Mobile: 0416 637 351