Onkaparinga Council to host TDU networking event

ONKAPARINGA Council will spend up to $30,000 on a Tour Down Under “schmoozing” event.

ONKAPARINGA Council will spend up to $30,000 on a Tour Down Under “schmoozing” event.

The council has voted in favour of paying for a corporate marquee reception at Penny’s Hill Wines, in McLaren Vale, to celebrate the final stage of the cycling race — being held in the area for the first time.

It comes a year after it cancelled a similar Tour Down Under event because it “determined low benefit in comparison to cost”.

Councillors this time argued that the event — to be attended by government, tourism and business representatives, not-for-profits groups and councillors themselves — would be of value.

Cr Sandra Brown said it would offer a chance for the new council — following this November’s election — to introduce themselves.

“We need somewhere to relax and talk, without some of the crap we have to deal with during (council meetings) … it is quite stressful at times,” Cr Brown said.

Onkaparinga chief executive Mark Dowd said the council had to “capitalise” on the Tour Down Under final stage and what it would bring to the community.

A corporate marquee event would offer local business networking opportunities, resulting in regional “economic benefit”.

“Schmoozing is a word that I guess we could use, but that is what it is about — trying to explain to businesses, residents and media alike that we invested in tourism,” Mr Dowd said.

Fans cheer on the Peloton during the Subaru King of the Mountain: Brookman Road, Willunga Hill, during last year’s race. Picture: Tom Huntley

Race director Mike Turtur announced in August the 3km climb up Willunga Hill would conclude the race, replacing the Adelaide CBD street circuit.

The final 151.5km sector starts in McLaren Vale and goes through Snapper Point and Aldinga Beach before finishing at the hill.

A council report said the marquee reception for 160 people “would offer an exclusive viewing opportunity” and would be an “invaluable first civic event” for the new council.

Penny’s Hill Winery would provide the site free or charge, while sponsorship and food and wine donations were being sought to offset other costs.

However, in the wake of unfavourable publicity over Onkaparinga’s credit card spending saga, not all members were in favour of the proposal.

Cr Martin Bray said there would be other corporate State Government events at the final stage of the tour the council could be involved with.

His colleague Cr Don Chapman condemned the idea as a waste of money.

“In light of what has happened in the last year, in my opinion 160 guests and $30,000 for that kind of marquee tent does not pass the ‘pub test’ in terms of my community,” Cr Chapman said.

“Yes, it is great opportunity (hosting the final stage), but it is not an opportunity to indulge ourselves, to get back into what created such a scandal in terms of the credit cards.

“Come on, ‘schmoozing’, are you serious?”