CEO Statement: Clarification on Media Report

1. Financial Position and Intent:
   • Contrary to the newspaper’s assertion that “BWC seeks to recoup costs”, the Council is not looking to recoup costs, generate new revenue, or lease out council land for commercial rates.
2. Insurance Policies and Leasing Arrangements:
   • Council has been insuring buildings which are not in its ownership or management, many of which reside on council-leased land.
   • Moving forward, we want the owners of such buildings, predominantly sporting associations, to manage their own insurance policies, albeit with the option for the Local Government Risk Scheme and potentially requesting Council to pay for the insurance, ensuring validity and comprehension of the insurance terms.
3. Support and Transparency towards Community and Sporting Groups:
   • Council continues to be a strong advocate for community groups and sporting associations, and the approach to cropping on Council land is not changing. However, documentation of sub-leasing arrangements with farmers is sought to ensure clarity and transparency to our ratepayers regarding whom the land is leased to and which groups ultimately benefit.
4. Uniformity and Clarity in Building Running Costs:
   • Council is looking for transparent dialogues regarding the running costs of buildings used by different groups, ensuring that no ambiguity exists regarding these financial supports.

5. Road Rentals:
   • Barunga West Council is exploring the reinstatement of road rentals for unmade roads that are used by farmers for cropping, with rates and structures mirroring those previously in place.
6. Maintenance of Sports Facilities:
   • Council maintains its commitment to managing the lawns at Port Broughton and Bute ovals and is not seeking any alterations to this unless initiated by the respective sporting clubs.
7. Community Contribution:
   • The article highlighted a paper presented at last night’s Council meeting which was complex and widely debated. To put it into perspective, it was concluded that the Council’s cash and in-kind contributions to the community are over $360,000 — equivalent to over six percent of the district's rate income. This is a significant contribution to our community that will continue and is not at risk of being recouped, as the article suggested.

Barunga West Council is duty-bound to provide accurate information and clarity on Council activities, strategies, and financial allocations, particularly when they have been misrepresented publicly.

Barunga West Council values its relationship with all media outlets, including the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, and appreciates the important role they play in informing the community.

However, we implore all media outlets to ensure the accuracy and clarity of information shared publicly to prevent misinformation and unnecessary concern among our residents.

For further details and continuous updates on Council activities, residents are encouraged to visit our official website, social media channels or contact our office directly.