Such investigations she said, should include, but not be limited to, identifying potential sites for hosting the complex, funding options and a framework for transitioning into a centralized administration.

During discussions on the formation of the working party in general business, it was decided to leave this matter until the November meeting, where names would be considered then.

Wool Bay sea wall
CEO Ricki Bruhn advised that a written proposal from the Department for Environment and Heritage (Coastal Management Branch) had been received in regard to repairs to a portion of the badly eroded seawall at Wool Bay.

"The wooden seawall structure north of the jetty is failing, resulting in the car park area being undermined creating a potential hazard for users of this area, and although under no obligation to do so, Council has performed remedial work on this section of the car park in the past," he said.

"The Coast Protection Board has indicated that they are unable to provide any funding towards the replacement of the seawall however, the Department for Environment and Heritage are prepared to make a contribution of up to $87,000 toward the cost of constructing a new section of seawall, with the cost of these works estimated at $119,000.

Mr. Bruhn explained that with the offer of funding there was a condition attached - that Council agrees to accept the care, control and management of Allotment 176 (taking in the car park, seawall and lime kiln) as a reserve for recreation and coast protection purposes.

"I have serious concerns on this matter, given the size of the area and the potential for further coastal damage to occur along this significant length of coastline, with very few funding options available through DEH for repairs in the future," he said.

After much debate and with many Councillors against taking on any more responsibility for coastal reserves, it was moved that Council advise it is prepared to accept the offer of funding to replace the failed wooden section of the seawall, but indicate that it was not in a position to contribute financially towards the upgrade, and furthermore declined to accept the care, control and management of Allotment 176.

Stansbury Institute roof
A special budget allocation of $35,000 has been made to undertake repairs to the roof of the Stansbury Institute, and internal repairs, following significant damage sustained due to roof leaks.

"I would suggest that one of the main causes of the problems is the decommissioned projection box, with many hips and valleys integrated into the roof design together with the accumulation of pigeon faeces building up in the gutters. This is in addition to the roofing iron being in a rusty, dilapidated state, so it needs priority attention," Director Development and Community Services Roger Brooks explained.

Both the library and Doctors' consulting rooms have been extensively damaged with water damage to the carpets and ornate plaster ceilings.

The Stansbury Progress Committee indicated at their meeting on Monday, October 12, they would be allocating $12,500 towards the works, while Mr. Brooks will also pursue an insurance claim for the damage to the ceiling and carpets.

Caravan park review
Council will determine after documents are reviewed following the close of the public consultation period (Friday, October 16), whether to present these at the November meeting or hold a special meeting to hear from those wishing to make verbal representations on the proposed changes to the management of its caravan parks as outlined in the Shattock Report.

Opposition seeks feedback on local priorities
Shadow Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Mr. Mark Goldsworthy MP, has written to Council seeking feedback on local priorities for infrastructure and development.

CEO Ricki Bruhn sought Councillors comments on the list he had drawn up, which included stormwater reuse, community wastewater management schemes, road and water infrastructure, recreation boating facilities (maintenance), sport and recreation, and tourism infrastructure.

"Other issues that have arisen include the creation of a coordinated regional approach to community passenger transport, uncertainty regarding annual service charges and a lack of funding for coast protection and beach stabilization," Mr. Bruhn said.

IN BRIEF

• Mayor Ray Agnew and Cr. Trevor Davey will join Director Engineering Services, Trevor Graham, at the 2009 ALGA National Local Roads and Transport Congress in Mackay next month.

• Council declined a request from the Edithburgh Progress Committee for reimbursement of $20,000, provided by the Committee to the former District Council of Yorketown in 1987, for the purchase of land utilised for Edithburgh Cottage Homes. In his report Mr. Bruhn said it was fair to say that Council had invested heavily in developing the site by providing three-quality homes suitable for retirement living, in accordance with the original intent of the Edithburgh Progress Association at the time funding was given to purchase the land.

• Council approved, in principle, the placement of a bronze statue of Captain Harry Butler in the median strip of Minlaton's main street, appointing staff member Sally Glazbrook as liaison officer to coordinate with the Minlaton Branch of National Trust SA. In his report, Director Finance and Corporate Services Alan Rushbrook said that this was a unique project that would enhance the cultural history of Minlaton and the wider area by further recognizing a local person who made significant achievements in his lifetime.

• Economic Development Officer Peter Stockings advised that there had been considerable interest shown by people looking to develop land in Ardrossan following the proposal put forward by SA Water, and incentives provided by Council.

• Feedback has been received from Tricia O'Donovan (Senior Project Officer, Department for Families and Communities) advising that concept plans for the dwellings that will form the Minlaton Disability Housing precinct will be available for consideration by the Steering Committee by the end of the month.

• Council is now inviting nominations for its 2009 Australia Day Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year awards. Nomination forms are available from Council Offices, or via the website www.yorke.sa.gov.au, closing date for nominations is Friday, November 20.