In response to the Planning Reform recently announced by the Minister for Urban Development and Planning, I have made a submission.  I supported initiatives that maintain open space, enhance water collection and reduce the impact of climate change.  My major objection relates to changes that will compromise local government oversight and community consultation. Due to the permanent nature of buildings and the impact on neighbours it is more important to get things right than get things done quickly.

Recently I spoke out over an incident at Westfield Marion where one of my constituents was humiliated while expressing milk for her baby daughter. Sharleen was in the parents’ room behind a thin curtain when the incident occurred. Someone looked behind the curtain and, offended, reported Sharleen to centre security!  The police were called and Sharleen was questioned briefly until it became obvious no crime was involved.  Sharleen was genuinely upset and humiliated by the incident. Fortunately, there has been overwhelming support for her. She received a complete apology.

Homelessness is reaching a critical level, particularly for those with mental health problems or those experiencing extreme poverty.  Currently it is a four month waiting period for emergency housing, which is directly affecting 261 homeless families state wide, including 500 children.  If you have a serious mental or physical disability there is still a waiting period of a year or two to get a Housing Trust place. I have consistently raised this issue publicly and will continue working to ensure that all available housing is occupied.

I am pleased to hear the Federal Government saying they will respond to the needs of pensioners. In August I wrote to Jenny Macklin, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs, raising concerns over the increased demand on emergency services in the Mitchell electorate from growing poverty.  With the cost of living rapidly rising, I fully support the push for an increase to the pension. This is an issue that must be dealt with long term. Since 2001 the number of persons aged 55 or over has jumped to 410,000, representing more than a quarter of the State’s population. 

A good crowd attended a meeting at O’Halloran Hill Anglican Church on Saturday19 July. I spoke about the history of Glenthorne, including efforts to keep the land free from urban development seven years ago. Peter Smythermann, Chairperson of Friends of Glenthorne, spoke about the need to retain open space.
Associate Professor David Paton from the University of Adelaide outlined the overall vision of restoring native vegetation to the Mount Lofty Ranges, including 100 hectares of Glenthorne, provided they get the money to do it.  He indicated that the total project requires $100 million.
From a survey I distributed, 80% of respondents opposed housing even if it meant jeopardising the project of revegetating Glenthorne proposed by the University.  
The Deed to which the University and the State Government are signatories prohibits urban development. It would require a political decision by the Labor leadership to change this provision.

 Click on image to enlarge map of Glenthorne Farm.

I have organised a public meeting for this Saturday so local residents can find out more about Adelaide University’s latest revegetation plans for Glenthorne Farm. Last month Adelaide University released a management plan for 100 hectares of historic Glenthorne at O’Halloran Hill as part of a ‘Mt Lofty Woodland Initiative’.

While many locals welcome the plan, my concern is how the University proposes to pay for the $20 million initiative?

The Glenthorne community meeting will be held on Saturday 19 July, 3.00-5.00pm at the Christ Church Anglican Hall, 1708 Main South Road, O’Halloran Hill (corner Lander Road).

Speakers include Adelaide University’s Assoc. Prof. David Paton.

The University of Adelaide recently announced plans for a $20 million Woodland Recovery Initiative for Mount Lofty Ranges. The Initiative will start with the revegetation of 100 hectares on Glenthorne Farm.
Come along and hear more about what Adelaide University proposes for Glenthorne Farm.
Saturday 19 July 3.00-5.00pm
Christ Church Anglican Hall
1708 Main South Road, O’Halloran Hill (corner of Lander Road)
Speaker: Associate Professor David Paton, Head of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at University of Adelaide
Coffee and tea provided. Gold coin donation appreciated to cover hall hire.
For more details contact my office on 8177 0077
or email mitchell@parliament.sa.gov.au