Councillor Update
CITY OF ONKAPARINGA THALASA WARD COUNCILLOR UPDATE
Rates and budget 2020-21
The majority of Onkaparinga ratepayers may see either no increase, or a decrease, in their rates bill in 2020-21, and there will be no interest or fines charged on rates until 1 November 2020. Council adopted the zero rate rise along with the Budget and Annual Business Plan at its special council meeting last night. The pandemic has affected so many in our communities, so council identified $5.6 million in savings and strived for a budget that will provide relief to households while stimulating the economy and delivering essential services.
This adds to the COVID-19 relief measures introduced in April, which included establishing a $50,000 community wellbeing and resilience fund; waiving lease and associated costs for businesses and community and sporting clubs using council facilities for six months; and a ‘Think Local, Buy Local’ campaign to promote local businesses and support the local economy.
The new budget features a $55.9 million capital works program that will help stimulate the local economy, create jobs and improve infrastructure. I would like to thank everyone that provided their feedback on our draft budget, and I look forward to an exciting year ahead guided by our new Annual Business Plan.
Some of the major projects in 2020-21 include constructing the Witton Bluff Base Trail, delivering the Morton Road Sport and Community Hub in Christie Downs, implementing the Wilfred Taylor Reserve Masterplan and upgrading Aldinga Sports Park in partnership with the federal government.
You can explore all the services, programs, projects and initiatives that will be delivered through City of Onkaparinga’s Annual Business Plan and Budget for 2020-21 at our website, where you can also find out more about the relief measures implemented in response to COVID-19.
Representation Review Motion
At the 16 June Council meeting I put forward a motion for Council to undertake a representation review, which was to consider the number of councilors, wards and their boundaries. I drew a comparison across all metropolitan councils. My motion was not successful as an alternative motion was put forward to conduct a workshop on the need for a representation review and clerical support for elected members. A date for the workshop has been set for September so if any residents have any matters they wish to be raised please let me know as soon as possible.
The City of Onkaparinga has an estimated population of 123,939 with a ratio of 1 councillor to 14,411 residents, whilst the next largest the City of Salisbury with an estimated population of 94,017 with a ratio of 1 councillor to 10,254 residents. The smallest metropolitan council (the City of Walkerville) has a population of 5,655 with a representation ratio of 1 councillor to 707 residents.
Should you want any further information on the comparisons and attendances at Council meetings and workshops please refer to the Council agenda for this meeting.
Wilfred Taylor Reserve nature play space
The long-awaited $2.2 million nature-based play space at Morphett Vale’s Wilfred Taylor Reserve is now open. Designed for people of all ages and abilities to explore, roam and enjoy the reserve’s gorgeous natural environment, the play space is now the south’s largest and it’s an exciting draw card for the region. We know that being outdoors and engaging with nature has huge benefits on the cognitive, emotional and physical development of children, but most of all it’s fun! Farm and nature themes are featured as a tribute to the site’s importance for Kaurna people, and the site’s history as a working farm from the 1840s to 1960s.
Inclusive play opportunities including basket swings, a bucket seat on the flying fox, wheelchair-accessible carousel, raised sensory garden beds, a raised sand play table and a vertical xylophone.
There are also grassed open spaces for events and ball games; pathways for children’s bikes and scooters; and amenities such as bike racks, barbecues, picnic facilities, drinking fountains, seating, lighting, car parking and shelters to complete the play space.
The state government contributed $1.3 million towards the play space’s construction, while council committed $900,000 for supporting infrastructure such as car parking, access roads and lighting. The Rotary Club of Morphett Vale also generously contributed towards the wheelchair-accessible carousel.
Wilfred Taylor Reserve is located on the corner of Wheatsheaf and States Roads.
Supplementary election
A supplementary election will be held in the coming months to fill the vacancy in the Mid Coast Ward following the resignation of Councillor Beau Cowan (due to illness). The Mid Coast Ward covers the suburbs of Reynella, Lonsdale, O’Sullivan Beach, Christies Beach, Christie Downs, Noarlunga Centre, Port Noarlunga, Port Noarlunga South or Seaford Meadows.
The Mid Coast Ward Supplementary Election provides an opportunity to vote for candidates who will represent your community and it’s one of the most direct ways you can make a difference.
Nominations for the position are open from 23 July to 6 August, and voting materials will be mailed out between 18-24 August, with voting closing at 12pm on Monday 7 September.
Go to onkaparingacity.com for all the details.
Have your say
There are several projects up on our Your Say page now where residents can provide feedback and help shape the decisions that affect our region and communities. Your Say Onkaparinga is our online platform designed to give you the opportunity to have a say on important issues.
Engagements currently open include:
The trade and marketing impact of Genetically Modified crops and whether council should make a request to the state government to designate our council area as a non-GM crop area (closing 5 August 2020).
Draft Community Capacity Strategic Plan 2020 –24 (closing 5 August 2020).
The design of a proposed $3.1 million Morton Road Sports and Community Hub at Christie Downs, including a new skate park (opened-ended).
Proposed revocation and sale of portions of council land in Morphett Vale and Seaford.
The Witton Bluff Base Trail project ahead of the formal consultation process later in the year.
Register now at onkaparingacity.com/yoursay to join the conversation and add your ideas and feedback where and when it suits you.
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