City of Victor Harbor's Councillor Brayden Mann joined ABC's North and West SA Breakfast on 12 February to discuss why the City of Victor Harbor is advocating for stamp duty reform in regional South Australia.

During the interview, Cr Mann outlined Council’s push for a stamp duty exemption for first homebuyers purchasing existing homes in regional SA, up to the first $750,000 of the purchase price. He said reducing upfront costs is critical to attracting and retaining young people and working professionals in regional communities.

Cr Mann explained that high entry costs are a major barrier for first homebuyers and can discourage younger people from settling in the regions. This affects workforce availability, local services and long term economic growth.

By easing stamp duty on existing homes, Council believes regional communities like Victor Harbor can become more competitive, support essential workforce needs and strengthen local economies.

🎧 Listen to the full ABC Radio interview (from 2:15:48) here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/northandwest-breakfast/breakfast/106319992

It’s not just local businesses getting behind the push for regional first homebuyers. Councils across the wider region have also stepped forward to help promote and support the initiative.

From coastal communities to inland districts, regional leaders recognise how important it is to ensure local people have a fair opportunity to enter the housing market and continue building strong, sustainable communities.

The following councils are proudly supporting and promoting the campaign:

• Coorong District Council

• Southern Mallee District Council

• Kangaroo Island Council

• Barunga West Council

• Northern Areas Council

• District Council of Elliston

• Kingston District Council

• District Council of Orroroo Carrieton

• District Council of Cleve

This growing regional support highlights the shared understanding that housing affordability and access are critical issues for country communities. When first homebuyers can secure housing locally, it strengthens regional economies, supports local schools and businesses, and ensures communities continue to thrive.

The momentum is building, and with councils across South Australia backing the initiative, the message is clear. Regional communities stand together in supporting their first homebuyers.

If you haven’t yet signed the petition, now is the time to add your voice and help us reach our goal of 10,000 signatures.

We’re incredibly grateful for the support of local businesses who have stepped forward to support our goal of collecting 10,000 signatures in support of regional first homebuyers.

This initiative is about giving local people a fair opportunity to enter the housing market and keep our community strong.

You can sign the petition at the following locations:

• Chit Chat Newsagency
• South Coast Realty
• Harris Real Estate South Coast
• Mortgage First Brokers
• Nino's Victor Harbor
• Loco Victor Harbor
• Victor Harbor Golf Club
• Planted Coffee House
• Victor Harbor Horse Tram
• Victa Cinema
• Coral Street Art Space
• Victor Harbor Visitor Centre
• Library and Civic Centre

Every signature makes a difference. Thank you for supporting local families and local businesses.

Thank you to the Victor Harbor Times for covering the City of Victor Harbor’s community petition calling on the South Australian Government to introduce a stamp duty exemption for first homebuyers purchasing existing homes in regional SA (up to the first $750,000 of the purchase price).

The petition aims to collect 10,000 signatures ahead of being presented to Parliament in May 2026 — a strong show of community support for making home ownership more achievable in the regions.

Mayor Moira Jenkins said broad community backing will be key to driving change.

“To achieve our goal of 10,000 signatures, we need everyone involved,” Dr Jenkins said.

“Encourage your family and friends to sign the petition and ask local businesses or community groups to display a petition form.

“Making home ownership more affordable won’t just help individuals – it will strengthen regional economies like Victor Harbor.”

Councillor Brayden Mann, who has been instrumental in progressing the initiative, said attracting and retaining younger people and working professionals is critical to the region’s long-term future.

We encourage our community to get on board, learn more about the campaign and add your signature in support.

👉 Read the full story in the Victor Harbor Times: https://victorharbortimes.com.au/news/2025/12/23/stamp-duty-petition-sign-now/

We'll keep you updated on our progress of capturing 10,000 signatures via this news feed.