Media response - Mayor's New Year message
Published on 18 December 2023
Response to the Fleurieu Sun.
- The journalist requested a New Year's message from the mayor reflecting on the year that was, to be published alongside those from other community leaders.
Comments attributed to Mayor Moira Were
As the year comes to a close, it’s a chance to look back and look forward. We’re deeply grateful to Onkaparinga’s volunteers, whose generosity seems to know no bounds in sporting clubs, community organisations, schools, environment groups and service clubs. We’ve mourned with those who have lost their lives on our roads, in the line of duty and to ill health. We’ve been inspired by acts of heroism and athleticism—we all cheered on the Matildas!
At the City of Onkaparinga we have:
- welcomed 649 new citizens from 71 countries
- planted more than 5000 trees to increase our city’s tree canopy cover ahead of a review of our tree targets and a community planting campaign in 2024
- supported thousands of residents in our libraries, and youth, community and positive ageing centres
- spoke up to state government for our community, especially around new developments planned for Hackham, Aldinga and Sellicks Beach
- declared a climate emergency and approved a range of new actions to help reach our goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040 for the organisation
- delivered a range of sporting upgrades, including at the Aldinga Sports Park
- worked with members of state and federal parliament to ensure they know what our community wants in planning, housing, environment, water, dog and cat management and waste matters
- continued our shared journey towards reconciliation, including during NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week, and our work with the council-established First Nations People Advisory Group
- successfully delivered the council’s five major events, including hosting a Santos Tour Down Under women’s stage for the first time
- made Onkaparinga’s roads safer, including progressing upgrades of 21 McLaren Vale intersections
- supported local businesses of all sizes to thrive and grow, including via grants and advice, and through the Onkaparinga Business Awards, which attracted more than 9100 votes
- launched a huge community engagement campaign to shape our new 10-year community plan with more than 5000 residents actively involved
- ushered in a new era, welcoming new CEO Phu Nguyen.
I wish all Fleurieu Sun readers a happy and safe time over summer. I hope you’ll greet all visitors to the area with big smiles, and I’ll see you at one of our many beaches, events or tourist attractions.
ENDS