A One Nation MLC has called for the State Government to work with the Mt Barker Council to ensure ratepayers get “value for money” out of the $23m Summit Sport and Recreation Park (SSRP).

In Parliament last week, Sarah Game asked Attorney-General Kyam Maher if the Government would commit to advising the council to adopt an “alternative management strategy”, rather than “stand accused of funding a white elephant”.

The State Government contributed more than $3m for the construction of the SSRP, which was opened in 2021 but has since lost two out of three of its licence holders - the Hills Football League (HFL) and Alexandra and Eastern Hills Cricket Association (AEHCA) - due to cost issues.

As a result, the SSRP's premier oval and changerooms often sat vacant this year, with regular, casual and council bookings taking up only 10% of available time between April and June.

“Last week's Mt Barker Courier carried a front-page report stating that the Park's premier oval and changerooms are largely unused,” Ms Game told Parliament.

“The paper had previously reported that the local football club and entire league had ceased holding matches there.

“Last week The Courier also ran a report on a budget hole and an operating deficit at the park, plus comments from five stakeholders who all expressed concerns about the costs of using the facility.

“Given the Government provided $3.775m (in) funding to the Summit, will it commit to advising (the) Mt Barker Council about adopting an alternative management strategy, one that ensures taxpayers and local ratepayers get better value for money rather than stand accused of funding a white elephant?”

Mr Maher said he would pass Ms Game's inquiry to the relevant Minister and bring back a reply.

Use of the soccer precinct at the SSRP is currently licensed to Football SA and

The Courier understands the council is in conversation with both the HFL and AEHCA in regards to future use of the premier oval.