Planning Minister approves Victor Harbor land rezoning, allowing huge $40m sports precinct to go ahead

The state’s Planning Minister has cleared a major hurdle for a controversial $40m sports precinct on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

A contentious $40m Victor Harbor sports complex is one step closer to reality, after the state’s Planning Minister gave his permission for a parcel of community land to be rezoned for development.

The approval from Nick Champion MP clears the way for a developer-led proposal to transform land off Armstrong Rd into a major sporting arena known as ‘The Precinct’ – which would include a 200-seat grandstand overlooking four multipurpose indoor courts and a gymnastics area, food and beverage services, and 160 parking spaces.

Mayor Moira Jenkins said the approval was a “significant milestone” for the Victor Harbor community.

“(This will) pave the way for the development of essential community facilities to support our growing population,” Dr Jenkins said.

“This outcome corrects a zoning anomaly and reflects months of collaboration and strategic planning to support our growing region’s future needs.

“The rezoning is a key step forward in progressing council’s proposed Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct, though there are several important decisions ahead before the project receives final approval.”

The Precinct will see the delivery of a multi-sport, purpose-built facility in SA’s south. Picture: Victor Harbor Council

About 35,000 sqm would be rezoned for development. Picture: Victor Harbor council.

The report also reveals a number of “adventure-based” activities planned for the complex, including rock climbing and a “tree climb-type activity”.

The Precinct would include tiered seating for about 200 people, meeting areas, studio spaces and changerooms.

About 35,000 sqm of the 110,000 sqm site would lose community land status to allow the developer a 99-year lease with two 25-year extensions.

Council said the developers required 99 years for a return on their investment.

Documents submitted to Plan SA suggest the proposal would “add to the range of wellbeing and lifestyle choices in the area”.

“Our open spaces will be well distributed, connected and accessible by everyone in our community, regardless of where they reside or frequent within the city,” the report says.

“We will strive for our spaces to reflect the principles of universal design by promoting physical access for all abilities and genders.

“Our sport and recreation facilities will be non-exclusive, fit for purpose and share resources to reduce the burden of our volunteers and ratepayers.”

Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins. Picture: Kelly Barnes

The proposal drew criticism from the local community last year, who threatened to launch a class-action lawsuit against the Victor Harbor Council – insisting it failed to do its “due diligence”.

On Thursday, former councillor Terry Andrews – who was spearheading the lawsuit – confirmed the threat had been withdrawn, but was still “very much on the backburner”.

“As the chair of the council watch, we still maintain that council is going down the wrong path,” Mr Andrews, 81, said.

“I’d prefer the money to be spent on the roads down here, and less rate increases. I think it’s working out to be something like almost $100 a week for the average person who is paying rates. It’s ridiculous.”

Council said its sole expenditure for The Precinct was an initial $11.4m towards construction, with the developers providing the rest and then assuming responsibility for ongoing maintenance.

A report reveals the project is a response to the spiralling population growth in the area.

“Victor Harbor and the surrounding region has experienced sustained growth in population, and further growth is expected as more families move to the region,” planning documents say.
“There is a shortage of adequate facilities to support current and expected growth across the southern Fleurieu region and consequently significant investment in community infrastructure is required.

“Both the Precinct and improved emergency services facilities aim to take a significant step to addressing this gap.”