Council Affairs
My plain-English commentary on what's happening at Council — and what it means.
What this page is
This is where I'll post my own commentary about current Council affairs — in plain language. I'll focus on the decisions being made, how they line up with our strategic priorities, and where accountability sits.
Latest posts
Governance & Finance
How Council Budgets Are Set—and What Happens If the Vote Fails
25 May 2026
Understanding the council budget process — from strategic planning through to adoption — and what happens when councillors are split and there is no casting vote to break a tie.
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Land & Planning
Council Moves Forward on 2 Hobart Road, Normanville Land Revocation
25 May 2026
Following community consultation, Council has resolved to proceed with revoking the Community Land classification at 2 Hobart Road, Normanville — with the decision now progressing to the Minister for Local Government.
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Heritage
Preserving Local Heritage: The Robert Norman Burial Site
23 May 2026
A council motion to explore the ownership, status, and future management of the Robert Norman burial site — ensuring this significant piece of local heritage is properly protected for future generations.
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Regional Collaboration
Exploring Shared Services Across the Fleurieu
23 May 2026
A motion to explore aggregating back-office administrative functions across three Fleurieu Peninsula councils — a step toward smarter, more efficient local governance.
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Infrastructure & Planning
Exploring Smarter Parking Solutions for Our Coastal Towns
11 May 2026
A fair, low-cost approach to managing growing visitor demand in Normanville, Carrickalinga, and Second Valley — protecting residents, supporting businesses, and reinvesting in local infrastructure.
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Governance
Reactive and Fragmented Decision-Making
11 May 2026
Why 'cherry picking' of initiatives and policies undermines good governance — and what a shift toward strategic alignment and evidence-based decision-making would look like.
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Decision-making
Normanville Pontoon vs Tennis Court Funding
11 May 2026
Why two comparable community projects were treated so differently — and what the community deserves in terms of consistency and transparency.
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Strategic priorities
Strategic Priorities: Debt and Financial Management
11 May 2026
Why keeping debt as a strategic priority only matters if decisions actually line up with it — and where accountability sits.
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