A REPORT expected to shed light on expenditure towards the grand Drover’s Encounter tourism attraction has been kept secret by Light Regional Council.

The staff-prepared report, titled Drover’s Encounter – Project Update, Costs and Benefits, was presented as part of the confidential agenda of last week’s council meeting.

Items are deemed confidential if they could reasonably be expected to confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting, or proposing to conduct, business; if it prejudices the commercial position of council; and would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest.

The Drover’s Encounter project proposes a riding and working cattle arena at the southern end of Kapunda’s Main Street.

Artist’s impressions shared with The Bunyip in April also show a steakhouse, children’s play area and new visitor and interpretive centre, all based around the story of cattle king Sir Sidney Kidman.

In June, Dutton Ward councillor David Mosley requested council present a report detailing the progress and expenditure on Drover’s Encounter. The subsequent report, which has been kept secret, was expected to reveal total expenditure by council on the project to date, as well as from where in its budget funds had been sourced.

It also was expected to address the potential benefits of the project and reveal a timeframe that elected members would be briefed on a business case.

Cr Mosley also requested a cost estimate for all construction work, based on the plans presented by Adelaide architect Woods Bagot.

It is understood council has already bought three properties opposite the existing Kapunda Council offices, at 96-100 Main Street, 102 Main Street, and Jackson Street, to accommodate the Kidman proposal.