Cr Rod Moss

The recent announcement by the Acting Electoral Commissioner of the deferment of the planned Council elections from November 2026 to later in 2027 has thrown future planning for all councils in SA into chaos. Whilst detailed information about the deferment and possible future date options for elections to be held is not clear at this time, the immediate impact is that all Councillors intending to retire will have to continue in their roles beyond their designated four year term, and likely well into 2027.

The effect on these people is significant with the likelihood of having to rearrange their plans for next year to continue their service and equally, for prospective people interested in becoming Elected Members having to put their plans on hold. As we await confirmation of the new election date, the immediate concern is the potential effect on the budget and financial planning process which generally begins when the newly elected Council is established and progresses through the early part of the new calendar year.  In all, this late announcement could not have come at a worse possible time.

Locally, feedback regarding the rates options for 2026/27 has been received and has been considered in detail. The clear message from the community is that their preference is to have any rate increase kept to a practical minimum without impacting on the provision of services. Council is endeavouring to deliver that balance.

The much-awaited Gil Langley redevelopment at Mortlock Park was officially opened on June 13 by the Mayor to the delight of many enjoying the view over the unique park. The $4.5m upgrade which services the CLG Football Club and Goodwood Baseball Club, has been eight years in the making with contributions from all levels of government, SANFL and tenant clubs. The upgraded facilities include female change rooms, extended screened viewing balcony, access lift, new oval lighting and enclosed practice hitting tunnels. Protective fencing and further improvements to the baseball infrastructure are planned in the near future. Given the extensive consultation undertaken for this project regarding the sharing of space in this special heritage precinct, it was especially enjoyable to watch people playing with their dogs on the eastern area while football was being played on the main oval with plenty of room for all.

At Hawthorn’s Hidden Gem, the old asbestos structures and public toilet adjacent to the preschool have been removed to create an inviting open space where the disused split level bowling greens used to be. The landscaping and beautification work behind the Air Force Clubrooms is nearly complete with a very picturesque result. There is now a large level grassed area with decorative trees, two pavilions and paving connecting to the path following the creek line leading through to George Street.

The finishing works for all services and installation of lighting should be completed towards the end of June, with a view of the safety fencing being removed and the new park being opened for the public to enjoy in early July.

This article may contain personal views or opinions held by individual Council Members, and may not necessarily represent the formal position of the Council