Between a rock and a hard place

The incoming CEO, the administration, our next mayor and our elected members will face some difficult decisions in the years ahead. 

As a part of my preparation for nominating for the City of Victor Harbor Council next April, I’ve been attending Council meetings, including the recent public meeting on the draft Annual Business Plan. What has become obvious is that our Council is caught between a rock and a hard place. We have three groups of current and future rate payers with differing views on how our City should be run, particularly when it comes to the annual budget and the rates we pay. Balancing these competing priorities will be one of Council’s greatest challenges.

I have spoken with many ratepayers who are concerned about how their rates are spent, which projects the Council is prioritising, and this year’s rate increases which are above the CPI. At the same time, I have also heard from a number of community groups, particularly sporting clubs, about the need to improve local sporting facilities for our younger residents. So one group wants a cap on rates, while the other wants more spent on club facilities. 

There is, however, a third group whose voice was largely absent from the discussion: our future residents. Our population is forecast to double by 2050 and our City will need to adapt to accommodate this rapid growth while continuing to meet the needs of existing residents. Given we are behind in delivering the required infrastructure for existing residents, that work needs to start now.

This challenge is one that I personally look forward to assisting with, should I be fortunate to be elected next April. Our community needs a Council capable of undertaking this important work with diligence and skill, making thoughtful and balanced decisions both for today’s residents and future generations. I encourage others who have those skills to consider joining me and nominating for the Council elections in April 2027.

Peter Hanlon
Candidate for Victor Harbor Council