Response to The Advertiser's column by David Penberthy

Read the formal response from City of Holdfast Bay CEO Pamela Jackson to Gemma Jones, Editor of The Advertiser, addressing the opinion piece written by David Penberthy on 7 November 2025.

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Dear Ms Jones,

The City of Holdfast Bay wishes to formally express its disappointment in the opinion piece authored by David Penberthy and published in The Advertiser on 7 November 2025. While robust public discourse is a cornerstone of democracy, the article presents a mischaracterisation of council priorities and decisions, particularly in relation to the Jetty Road redevelopment and broader issues of local government competence and financial management.

Holdfast Bay Council respectfully seeks to clarify and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to responsible governance, meaningful community engagement, and long-term strategic planning. The Jetty Road Glenelg upgrade, cited in the article as an example of wasteful expenditure, is in fact a carefully considered investment in one of South Australia’s most iconic and economically significant precincts. Valued at $40 million, the project is not a superficial beautification effort but a necessary transformation of aging infrastructure. It aims to improve pedestrian access, enhance public spaces, and support the economic vitality of Glenelg, which contributes an estimated $366.4 million annually to the state’s economy. The upgrade of Jetty Road has been a recurring theme raised by the community over the past decade, through both informal and formal community engagements and consultations. To dismiss it as a costly exercise in planter boxes and reduced parking is to overlook the depth of community input and the long-term benefits both aesthetic and functional that the project will deliver.

On the matter of council rates and their link to inflation, Holdfast Bay acknowledges the financial pressures many households face. However, it is important to understand that rate increases are driven by a complex interplay of factors, including inflation itself, rising service demands, and the imperative to maintain and upgrade essential infrastructure. The council’s Annual Business Plan provides a transparent breakdown of how rates are calculated and outlines its commitment to financial sustainability and cost containment. While rates have increased, Holdfast Bay has worked diligently to ensure these adjustments remain within responsible bounds and are communicated clearly to the community.

In response to the broader critique of local government capability, Holdfast Bay stands by the integrity and professionalism of its operations. The council is governed by elected representatives who are supported by experienced staff with expertise in urban planning, finance, and community development. It operates within a robust governance framework and maintains financial oversight mechanisms that have enabled it to deliver projects on time and within budget. The suggestion that councils are uniformly reckless or unqualified does not reflect the reality of Holdfast Bay’s performance or its dedication to serving the public interest.

While media outlets have a role in holding institutions to account, they also bear a responsibility to present balanced and informed commentary. Sensationalism may drive clicks and sell papers, but it does little to foster constructive dialogue or public understanding. Local councils, including Holdfast Bay, are the most connected and responsive tier of government, delivering over 900 services to residents, businesses, and visitors. They often step in to fill gaps left by state and federal governments, absorbing the associated costs to ensure communities continue to receive essential services, this was highlighted in the Federal Parliament Inquiry into local government sustainability conducted in 2024. Councils are also the most transparent level of government, where residents can directly engage with decision-makers, scrutinise budgets, and influence outcomes. Unlike other tiers of government, constituents can speak to their councillors about specific budget line items and expect a response.

Holdfast Bay remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the principles of good governance. It will continue to listen to its community, act in its best interests, and deliver services and infrastructure that reflect both current needs and future aspirations.

Regards

Pamela Jackson