News & Discussion: Adelaide City Council

[russo92]

ahh k, thanx shuzz
so wat r the chances of a building say 40 stories
being built, is a 40 story building anywhere in Adelaide not allowed because
the airport or will it become possible now in certain areas of the CBD

[cruel_world00]

Maybe the original planned Vic grandstand can be built... didn't this one incorporate more general seating as well as corporate...where as the newer dumbed down design was basically just corporate?

[Omicron]

If the rejection of CC8 was the main catalyst for this decision, then I would be very worried indeed if it had been approved in its existing form by the new DAC.
I hope very much that this move has been made for the right reasons. Proposals ought to be approved not only because they meet basic development laws, but also because they seek unique and engaging solutions to environmental, aesthetic and streetscape concerns. Of course, the ACC hasn't necessarily been particularly strong in this area, but the recent rejections of Spire and CC8 suggest that there are still people with the sense of sight within the Town Hall's walls. In keeping with the Australian tradition, I shall reserve the right to be initially distrustful of a government decision until proven otherwise.

[Ben]

Maybe the original planned Vic grandstand can be built... didn't this one incorporate more general seating as well as corporate...where as the newer dumbed down design was basically just corporate?

The state government already took over this proposal and approved it HOWEVER the ACC voted against leasing the site to Clipsal/Jockey Club hence why it never went ahead. They (ACC) still do have some powers.

[Howie]

Local input zero' on development: councillor
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008 ... ion=justin
Development changes ... 'warning to all councils'


An Adelaide City councillor says changes affecting development planning are a warning sign for all South Australian councils.

Adelaide City Council has condemned the South Australian Government's decision to put an independent assessment body in charge of all city projects worth more than $10 million.

Councillor Ralph Clarke put forward a motion at last night's council meeting, urging surrounding councils to also oppose the change.

He said the State Government decision set a dangerous precedent for councils.

"If they don't play ball with the developers, the State Government will use its powers without consultation to come in over the top of local authorities and do the job for them," he said.

"So if a developer pushes the envelope, breaches the development rules which govern development here in the city of Adelaide, including North Adelaide, and it's valued at more than $10 million, it's up to a totally unelected body - the development assessment commission - to make the final decision.

"Local input will be zero."

Councillors voted 7-3 to condemn the State Government's move.

The council's own Development Assessment Panel recently rejected a multi-million-dollar office project for the corner of Franklin and Bentham Street in the city.

Australian Democrats MP Sandra Kanck says it is another example of the SA Government making life easy for developers.

"I think that it'll be just a matter of weeks now before we see another application for a grandstand in the parkland and all they have to say is '$10 million' and the Government says 'bingo'," she said.

Councillors against :
Francis Wong
Richard Hayward
Ann Moran

Councillors for :
Clarke
Stephen Yarwood
Michael Henningsen
Sue Clearihan
David Plumridge
Joe Cullen
Sandy Wilkinson

Absent :
Bill Zaharris

[archie54]

Greatest news this city has ever heard. Well done to the Rann Govt for growing some balls and making this city more progressive for ALL South Australians.

[crawf]

Still a bit 50/50 on this, though the council and anti-progress residents need to realise the CBD is not just another suburb, it is a important economic hub for the city and state.

So if the council want to act like a suburban council, then they deserve to only have suburban priorities such as say on smaller developments, rubbish collections, footpaths etc..

Though I must say the council has approved over the past year or so, yet it has not been enough especially regarding these ridiculous height restrictions in the CBD core.

I wonder if North Adelaide, Adelaide Parklands Association and other NIMBY groups are pleased to hear this news

[Professor]

bloody great news!!!

[Clr Yarwood]

Guys I worked in the Development Assessment Commission, I am also authorised under the Development act as a Town Planner able to offer expert advice on planning matters and also worked in Parliament advising the Environment, Development and Resources Committee on matters of State Significance…my statement below:

Politics in South Australia has reached a low point when powers of Local Government are removed with no consultation. If you had rights taken away from you with no consultation at all, would you think that fair and democratic?

As a qualified Town Planner I see “planning on the run”; good planning incorporates values of transparency, consultation and stakeholder engagement. How do the actions of the State reflect these values?

The recently released Planning Review makes no mention of removing development assessment powers from local government – the State had a genuine opportunity to seek input on this issue but instead chose to intimidate local government with a knee jerk response.

Minister Conlon suggests we don’t want to do things - I ask the Minister to outline which planning decisions by the Council justify his remarks? Has he seen our 08/09 budget?!

The Adelaide City Council Development Assessment Panel has approved nearly all previous development applications and has even approved development that was recommended for refusal by Adelaide City Council staff! The idea that Adelaide City Council is “anti-development” is simply unfounded - there is no evidence to prove this and I take offence at this unfounded claim.

I am authorised under the Development Act as an expert in planning and believe this action is seriously at variance to good planning practice and not in the best interests of the community.

[Clr Yarwood]

Some comments of clarification for Sensational Adelaide people:

• This will not change building heights – that is outlined in the Development Plan and that has not changed.

• It is not good news – the principle of having your rights taken away with no consultation is fundamentally flawed as a human right…how would you feel if the state regulated to remove this web site with no consultation?

• Just because the Development Assessment Commission is the relevant authority does not mean more or less development will occur – just means different people will be assessing the applications. The Council DAP was approving everything anyway!!!

• The Lord Mayor will not care about voter backlash as he cannot, pursuant to the Adelaide City Council Act, run again – max of 2 terms.

• Council will have no say in developments over $10 million at all…that is sad.

• The Grandstand issue is gone – they needed council approval to leave the land (nothing to do with building) and they will not get it – building a $55 million grandstand for a 4 day event with your taxes is a dumb idea anyway.

[Clr Yarwood]

I mean lease the site - not leave the site....sorry!

[ynotsfables]

I'm sorry councilor Yarwood but i do believe Adelaide is now beyond being a suburb and greater decisions regarding the growth of our city concerns all South Australians and it is our democratic right to be represented by those whom we've voted for.
I sincerely understand your anguish no one likes to be stripped of their powers, and no one wants bad decisions made either, i do believe both state government and Adelaide city council can work this one out however the decisions made must be for the greater good of the state as a whole.

Many thanks.

[Will]

I was having a read of the comments posted on AdelaideNow. I am very excited by what I am reading. I suspect that this decision could herald a paradigm shift in the thinking of the people of Adelaide. This decision has infused hope into the people of Adelaide; a hope that Adelaide may once again reclaim its position as a city worthy of respect.

[raulduke]

this is the best piece of news i have heard come out of this city in the three years I have lived here.

as a previous posted said, lets see Adelaide thumb its nose at the rest of Australia and shake the monkey off its back. lets hope things move forward.

[raulduke]

further to that, this certainly is not a civil rights issue as the Councillor inferrs, it is a governance issue. I am not the least concerned that the State has done this and draw no comparison between it and citizens personal rights.