UPDATE - Streaky Bay Community Consultation: Acquisition of the land hosting the Streaky Bay Tourism Foreshore Park (Caravan Park)

Thank you all for sharing your feedback on the Council's proposal to acquire the land hosting the Streaky Bay Tourism Foreshore Park (Caravan Park) from the State Government. Your input has been incredibly valuable, and we've noticed some common themes emerging in the feedback we have received. In response, we've compiled responses to some of these themes and extended the feedback period by an additional week to ensure everyone has ample time to review and respond (please note, we received numerous other comments, however, have stuck to the main themes received in the feedback).

How will the land purchase impact rates?

Last financial year, the gross income received for the caravan park was 22% of Council’s total revenue. Such income generating initiatives, actually take the pressure off Council needing to increase rates to a higher amount, hence why Council wants to purchase the land to protect this source of revenue. For example, in New South Wales, the State Government takes 10% of the annual rent received from caravan parks located on Crown land, although this isn’t happening in South Australia, Council wants to safeguard against this.

In terms of the initial purchase and its impact on rates, although public consultation regarding the purchase is occurring now. Council has been working in the background towards the possible procurement of the land and has previously budgeted for it. Therefore, the acquisition itself will not lead to rate increases or the imposition of new levies.

How can we guarantee that Council isn’t going to sell the caravan park off?

As previously outlined the park itself is a source of income for Council and hence part of the decision to purchase the caravan park land is to ensure its security into the future.

What will be the cost of the land or why isn’t Council disclosing the figures involved?

A specific figure for the land purchase has not yet been disclosed, and the Office of Crown Land is currently assessing the valuation of the land.

Considering the potential economic benefit to the region, can representation be made by Council to the State Government to get the land at a discounted or reduced price?

Given the potential economic benefits to the region, Council members and officers will be actively advocating for discounted rates or other concessions from the State Government. This lobbying effort aims to secure the land at a favourable price as part of the project's overall contribution to the community.

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