The following statement was made at the start of the candidates forum for St Peters Ward.

Activities

Since the AGM in March the committee has met several times, responded to multiple planning applications including the Adelaide Caravan Park redevelopment and 48th Sixth Avenue where the Council Assessment Panel voted against demolishing the bungalow. It concerns SPRA that the planning system continues to allow demolition of heritage properties such as the 1914 Edwardian Bungalow at 29 Torrens St and proposed demolition of 7 Stephen Terrace, a representative item.

In addition to responding to planning applications, SPRA have also submitted a response to the Draft Accommodation Diversity Code Amendment.

The committee has also been active in raising concerns about management of the St Peters Billabong, traffic concerns and made multiple delegations to council about budget concerns.

Budget

You will have received your council rates notice recently and found a significant increase. Last year’s average residential rate rise was 8.5% and this year it is 9.49%.

A common misconception is that rate rises are driven by increases in property value. This is not true. In simplistic terms the council determines a budget, the total value of all properties is divided by the budget to determine a rate in the dollar. Rates are rising because the council is spending more.

We all know about the Payneham Pool which was estimated at $20 million and has blown out to $60 million. It is estimated the pool will cost $1 million a year to run plus interest payments on the loan.

Another example is the George St upgrade which two years ago was estimated at $800 thousand, but is now $4.2 million. $42 thousand per metre for the tiny stretch between the Parade and Webbe St which runs behind Foodland. If the same figure is applied to The Parade upgrade it will cost $67 million.

SPRA would argue the council is already in significant debt and cannot afford further significant expenditure. Unfortunately spending on the pool, George St and potentially The Parade means that council does not have the funds for other projects such as traffic management and upgrading the Norwood Concert Hall.

Acknowledgement

We commend our local ward councilor Kester Moorhouse and Kent Town ward councillor Grant Piggott for their attempts to curtail council spending.

Candidates

I could continue, but tonight you are not here to listen to me, but the candidates. If you have questions, I’m happy to discuss those later.

SPRA will not be endorsing a candidate, but we do suggest that when you consider your choice that you look for a strong, independent candidate who listens to residents and understands the issues facing council. These issues include the risks to financial sustainability, governance and amenity of our area.

Your choice is important, because the council will make several significant decisions in the next twelve months.