This is the first time I’ve been able to speak to you through the Mitcham Community Newsletter in 2024.

How time flies! No sooner had we celebrated Christmas and New Year we are now celebrating Easter. I sincerely hope you have a great Easter!

Councillors have had a very busy start to the year as we tackle many issues on the agenda. One of the biggest, if not the biggest, is working on plans for the 2024/2025 budget. Council is reviewing four strategic priorities that will influence the way we divide the budget during this current term. They are lessening the impact of climate change mitigation and resilience, natural environment, placemaking and good governance.

Also, my concern is how we juggle the management of debt and at the same time, ensure ratepayers' money is wisely spent on current and future projects.

At the moment the Mortlock Park development and associated licences and leases have been a major talking point at Council, where several deputations have been expressed. After the community consultation feedback, Council will decide on options for Mortlock Park at the Special Full Council meeting on the 26th of March.

The unfortunate cancellation of last year’s Carols at Kingswood Oval, due to bad weather, is allowing more funds to be spent on other Council initiatives. This includes My Mitcham Community Grants. The Council is now reviewing applications received before the February closing date. If you have an idea for a community-run event, put your idea forward. The next round of applications will close on 29 August. You will find the full eligibility criteria and funding conditions in the Grants Policy and the My Mitcham Community Grant Guidelines on Council’s website.

While we are now cherishing the cooler weather, Council is looking towards next summer. The City of Mitcham is considering offering community centres, or other facilities, as a place of refuge for residents and their pets during extreme heat days. A survey is underway, and Council would like to hear feedback from you on the idea. This survey will be closing at 5pm Tuesday 30 April 2024.

Shortly after the last Council elections, Overton Ward residents raised concerns about traffic problems on a number of our streets. Concerns included vehicle numbers, speed, and parking. The Local Area Traffic Study, which began early last year, is still ongoing. I am happy to say that the results are expected to be available within the next few weeks.

The Easter season and school holidays are right around the corner, feel free to visit the City of Mitcham libraries and community centres for family-wide fun and activities all without having to spend a single dollar. To partake in these activities, book now on the City of Mitcham website, if you have any further queries or any issues, please do not hesitate to contact me on 0430 923 310 or email me through kbhagat@mitchamcounil.sa.gov.au.

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