Have your say on Gawler East

Do you think 'hmm sea of roofs' when you look at this?

Wondering what to say to the Development Policy Advisory Committee on the Development Plan Amendment for Gawler East?

Get some ideas from the following letter or download a Word Version or PDF draft submission here to give you a headstart!

Send to To the Presiding Member, Development Policy Advisory Committee, Level 3, 136 North Terrace Adelaide, SA 5000

Dear Presiding Member and other members,

I am writing regarding the proposal to rezone land as outlined in the Gawler East DPA. I ask that the Committee to advise that the DPA not proceed further and that the Minister not proceed with the DPA so that the current zoning is retained.

My concerns about the proposed development at Gawler East include:

1. Extending metropolitan urban growth into this area of Gawler East has not been shown to be sustainable or sensible.

Given the need and the Government’s wish to reduce our impacts on the environment, if the Government wishes to promote population expansion then this needs to occur close to existing public transport and other infrastructure. Another development which will rely on cars for probably 90% of all transport movements is a major greenhouse negative. Some good farm land will be lost. There are much better options than Gawler East.

2. The strain on local infrastructure and resources.

The transport network in Gawler is based around the town centre and a few river crossings. The town layout does not readily adapt to expansion with big in increases vehicle movements. The Gawler East area contains a lot of steep land well away from existing facilities and public transport. It is expensive land to develop.

3. The erosion of Gawler’s identity as a unique town of heritage significance

Gawler (including Hewett) has already experienced major growth over the last 20 years and will have an increase of about 10,000 people over the next few years from areas of Evanston South zoned for housing development. More rapid population growth in Gawler East will cause unwanted community dislocation and put a lot of pressure on built character and feel of the older central parts of historic Gawler.

4. The proposal involves environmental impacts which should be avoided

The South Para riparian area and surrounding gorge is currently a quiet secluded area which has major ecological significance with its permanent waterholes and as a connecting corridor between Dead Man’s Pass reserve and Para Woodland Park and other areas of remnant vegetation. The impact of many thousands of people and their pets will reduce its conservation value. Areas of remnant grassland and grassy woodland will similarly lose habitat value. A noisy road and bridge across the South Para will further reduce conservation value. Amenity for Gawler and the One Tree Hill scenic route will be reduced by the DPA.

5. Inadequacies in the decision-making and consultation processes.

It has become apparent that the plan for the Urban Growth Boundary and the DPA in Gawler East and South have been poorly thought through by people in Adelaide and without appropriate input from Gawler people. Please don’t compound the multitude of problems by allowing this process to continue.

I wish to also express my concerns at the public hearing on the 30^th of July

Yours sincerely,

Name(s)………………………………. ………………………………..

Address…………………………………………………………………….

I/we also ask that the following is considered:

 

GEHA letter to Minister Holloway

The Gawler Environment and Heritage Association has written to Minister Paul Holloway and Minister Pat Conlon to express our concerns regarding the impact of the Gawler East Development by Delfin Lend Lease.  A copy of the letter is available here under GawlerEastLetter

 

GEHA Submission on Marine Protected Areas

GEHA strongly supports the establishment of a system of Marine Protected Areas to conserve habit.

Please follow the link for a copy of our full submission on Marine Protected Areas

 

GEHA Response to Public Consultation on Gawler East

• Existing native trees and shrubs should be retained throughout the development site and the area of Eucalyptus porosa woodland on the eastern side kept as a conservation area

Following the public meeting on 4 December 2008 Gawler Environment and Heritage Association has some comments in response to Council’s  request for community responses to proposed Gawler East land development.

Broadly GEHA is skeptical about extending urban development further in Gawler and adjacent rural areas rather than increase population density in more inner metro areas.

If Gawler is to seriously see itself as “Best of Town and Country” then limiting the size of Gawler to about 35,000 with current deferred urban land at Evanston South and Evanston Gardens and Hewett would be a logical goal. The promotion of fast population growth by the State government growth without adequate consideration of sustainability is not a viable long-term strategy.

The proposed development appears to be modeled on those at Golden Grove and Mawson Lakes. The model needs to be different to meet Gawler’s “Best of Country” objective. How does the developer plan to do this?

Gawler is in a position to help with sustainable and affordable housing for SA but the expected 10,000 population increase from southern development and in existing residential zones is more than a fair contribution. Very rapid growth is very disruptive of community and having 2 areas of major growth will greatly diminish the chances of Council being able to manage either in a way which the community would expect.

Most importantly, Council needs to maintain its opposition to any new development in the Rural Living Zone between the South Para and One Tree Hill Road (Scenic Route).

To read the full version of GEHA’s submission click geha-gawler-east-submission

 

Warning African Fountain Grass: A New Threat

Fountain grass Gawler street

Unwanted visitors

Introduced as ornamentals from North Africa – now spreading as weeds.  Please don’t grow them in gardens.

Fountain grass or African fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum).  A tussock grass with rough feeling leaves which grows to a metre high.  Flowers in spring and summer with a purple coloured flower head 10-20cm long.  Has been sold as an ornamental species but because it is easily moved by wind and germinates readily, it is now spreading as an environmental weed along the Adelaide rail line, in quarries east of Gawler and other places.  A declared weed in NSW and Qld.

Feathertop or feathergrass (Pennisetum villosum) is a smaller tussock grass growing to about 50 cm.  Flowers in summer and has a bright white coloured flower head usually 5-12cm long.  Also spreads readily from seed and is now found on Redbanks Road at Gawler Belt, the Angaston rail line at Gawler East and several other areas.  A declared weed inTasmania.

Published in The Bunyip, Jan 29 2009

Feather Grass

Feather grass

Fountain grass

 

Dump Shop

Dump Shop Reuse and Recycle
Ever wondered what to do with stuff that you just don’t want anymore but it’s still in reasonable condition and the op shops won’t take it (eg electrical equipment), or you can’t be bothered to make a special trip to drop something off.  Some communities have a ‘dump shop’ at their local dump.  Examples can be found in Canberra, Darwin, Alice Springs and other places.  In poorer countries it is the norm to reuse rather than bury many unwanted goods.

A dump shop can be a section of the local waste facility where items can be dropped off and if accepted, then sold to others who come to buy (sort of like a giant garage sale).  It can be staffed by volunteers or by employees who are paid from the proceeds.

Some examples of materials handled by dump shops include half tins of paint, car parts, furniture, building wastes, old bikes and frames, videos and CDs, bottles, pipes, old toys, clothes, books, electrical goods (but no guarantee) and household goods.  Most are donations from people’s garages that find their way to the dump shop. People tend to put things aside instead of just going to the bin and throwing it in. A dump shop is where one person’s trash is another’s treasure at reasonable quality and low prices.  Dump shops can also make repairs to donated goods.

Dump shops can be an alternative to hard refuse days which can be costly and cause concerns about litter. Perhaps our local councils could investigate options for a dump shop to reduce the amount of waste going to land fill.  In this day and age we now have the knowledge and the need to avoid waste of precious resources

(published in The Bunyip, Community Environment Page, 29 Jan 2009)

 

Frog Watch is on in Gawler!

Gawler Frog Watch is on. Frog Watch is a community frog monitoring program where you can record calls in your own backyard or in the local creek.  If you are recording calls please refer to the  Frog Watch Datasheet 2008 .  If you would like a word version of the datasheet or have any questions they can be directed to 85231008.

A good source of information about local frogs and the calls they make is at www.frogatlas.com.au

(artwork courtesy of Judy Gillett-Ferguson.  Thank you Judy)

 

Rezoning? Hang on a minute!

Minister Holloway’s recent press release regarding land at Gawler East seems to be getting a little ahead of itself. The press-release seems to disregard the fact that there is actually a detailed process to be gone through, including public consultation and study before rezoning can take place.

We feel it’s important to emphasize that NO REZONING HAS YET OCCURRED and will not and should not occur until proper investigations have taken place.

 

Climate Change, urban development, peak oil and Gawler East

Below a number of details of conservation events in Adelaide in next few weeks. The first one will cost $50 for anyone booking thru GEHA. This will be vital to developing a strong environmental response to current development issues. Peter Newman is a real expert on sustainable development/planning so a great opportunity.

Planning & Urban Development

We can prepare for the challenges of climate change and peak oil – with appropriate planning. Come and contribute to a vital discussion between the environment movement and other key sectors.

Thursday 24th July 2008, 10.00am – 4.00pm

Enterprise House, 136 Greenhill Rd, Unley 100m west of Bus Stop 1, Unley Rd]

Featuring Keynote Speaker: Professor Peter Newman from the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute and a panel of representatives from the local government, business, and social sectors. Bookings Essential

To book online visit http://www.ccsa.asn.au/summits telephone 8223 5155 for a registration form or email policyreview@ccsa.asn.au Cost: CCSA member/supporter $50; Non-member $200.

Urban Development at Gawler East

GEHA has also written a letter to Delfin Lend Lease regarding questions we have about urban development at Gawler East. Questions focus on sustainability, protection of biodiversity, maintenance of grassland habitat and open space, future proofing Gawler East from heatwave and climate change conditions, energy and water self-sufficiency, and protection of natural springs in the South Para.  We have also received a brief response from Delfin but believe a great deal more work needs to be done to answer these questions.

**************

CCSA Co-auspiced Workshop: Navigating the Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community – a workshop with Dr David Korten presented by the Conservation Council of SA, the People’s Health Movement and Flinders University on Wednesday 16th of July from 1 pm – 4 pm. The workshop will aim to identify short to medium term strategies for building a new economic order under the Earth Community model proposed by David Korten in his books; what small focus groups can do to advance the earth community agenda and what principles should guide their strategic approach. This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to hear Dr David Korten who will be in Adelaide to address the Don Dunstan Foundation and will be a speaker at the 2008 Fulbright Symposium (Healthy People, Prosperous Country). The People’s health Movement and CCSA will be making presentations. Following Dr Korten’s presentation, small group discussions will be facilitated on localised strategies to advance the Earth Community agenda. For more information on Earth Community, visit http://davidkorten.org Registrations essential as there are limited places available – contact Rama Ramanathan, Research Development Manager, Health & Society Area of Research Focus, Flinders University on ramanathan.ramanathan@flinders.edu.au

Campaign Launch: Save Our Gulf Coalition Inc

The Save Our Gulf Coalition Inc is launching their “Stop the Desalination Plant at Pt Stanvac” Campaign with a photo-shoot at Brighton Esplanade, in the Bindarra Reserve next to the Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club. When: Sunday July 6^th from 10 – 11 am. The Coalition is concerned with the environmental effects on the Gulf St Vincent of the proposed desalination plant, including brine discharge causing algal blooms and damaging coast and marine habitat and the high energy consumption required to run the plant. All those interested in supporting the Coalition in their efforts to stop the desal plant and lobby the Government for alternative and sustainable water saving, recycling and re-use practices, are encouraged to attend. If possible, please bring placards. For more information email impe@internode.on.net

Water Supply in Adelaide: Understanding the ‘Crisis’ a talk by Professor John Argue

How much and for what purposes do we use water in Adelaide? How is our mains water affected by Adelaide Hills supply in winter and River Murray in summer? How will climate change and water trading affect our water supply? Rainwater tanks and/or desalination? Professor Argue of the SA Water Centre for Water Management and Reuse, University of SA, will offer answers to some important questions. When: Sunday July 27 2pm – 3.30pm. Venue: Pacific Cultures Gallery on Level 1. Entry: $5. Children under 15 years free. Bookings are essential on 8207 7575.

Using Bird Monitoring to Guide Ecological Management Across Multiple Spatial Scales – a Seminar

At this seminar speakers will present current research on the bird fauna of SA, including the results and benefits of long term regional bird monitoring, and habitat modelling on a patch and regional scale. Speakers include Hugh Possingham, Uni of Qld; David Paton AO, Uni of Adelaide; Mark Lethbridge, Flinders Uni; Nigel Willoughby, DEH; Joel Allan, Uni of Adelaide; and Judit Szabo, Uni of Qld. When: 31 July 2008 2pm start with drinks and a light supper to follow at 6.15. Venue: Charles Hawker Conference Centre, Uni of Adelaide, Urrbrae. RSVP on telephone 08 7127 4630 or by email tinabentz@gmail.com by July 17. Limited places.

Free Public Lecture: Backyards: The Most Important Room In The House

The Field Naturalists Society of SA is celebrating 125 years with this free public lecture featuring Professor Chris Daniels, School of Natural Sciences, University of South Australia on Wednesday, August 6th 2008 at 7.45 pm. at the Unley Civic Centre. Light refreshments will be served. Ample parking

CCSA Level 1 157 Franklin Street SA 5000 Ph: (08) 8223 5155 – visit http://www.ccsa.asn.au

 

Bird watching in Gawler

Interested in going bird watching in Gawler? Here’s a list of bird and locations for 2008.  Thanks to Alan Jamieson & Jane White, March 2008.   Updates gratefully received at alanjam@senet.com.au