News & Discussion: Adelaide City Council

[Vee]

- Council signed off on a design concept for the Regeneration of Victoria Square last December. This is the plan that would form the basis of the public consultation.

Overseas, the move is towards public engagement that begins with the actual design process. The public consultation method used for Vic Square is old-fashioned and, imo, unsatisfactory.

Well said, Queen Anne! Many of the best ideas are sourced from the crowd.
Conferences, business and some aspects of government (early beginnings), to name a few, now make innovative use of social media.

It would seem that the Victoria Square re-design is now set and the process of consultation could involve tinkering around the edges of a pre-determined concept?
This is very disappointing for such an important project.

[SRW]

Councillors, are you able to inform us of the status of the Victoria Square urban regeneration project?

As I understood it, public consultation on the TCL-drafted masterplan was to occur last August or thereabouts, signed off by the end of 2009, with the first sod turning in July. With that date approaching, and no masterplan to speak off (or at least publicly available), I'm left wondering.

I keenly await your response, either here or in the dedicated thread.

- Council signed off on a design concept for the Regeneration of Victoria Square last December. This is the plan that would form the basis of the public consultation.
- VIctoria Square is featured in the State's 30-Year Plan and it has the support of Prof Laura Lee, Thinker in Residence and author of the IDS.
- Because the scheme will obviously need State Government support, Council was anxious that the Lord Mayor should brief the Premier before the plan was released for public comment.
- Unfortunately this did not happen before we struck the Christmas/summer holiday period and then the State election process was upon us and Victoria Square languished.
- I discussed this matter with the Lord Mayor just last week and expressed my disappointment that we had failed to deliver on our Victoria Square comittments. He agreed that now that the election is over, he should seek to engage the Premier and the new Minister for Adelaide and other relevant Ministers.
- If nothing happens in the forseeable future I will make a move in Council to precipitate an action on this important project which was a cornerstone project of the Council elected in November 2007.

David Plumridge (Councillor)

Councillor, thanks sincerely for your detailed response.

I am pleased to hear that at least the design concept is ready to go, but I am deeply concerned that it not be left to the side to gather dust as has the Gehl report.

I hope that your representations to the Lord Mayor will inspire quick action. I hope also that yourself and the Council will not wait long to give a firmer prod if needed. It is critical that this happens, as the failure to deliver on the Square regeneration project will provide ample (and, in the event, legitimate) ammunition to those who would happily destroy the Council for less. Not to be gloomy, of course, but expectations are high.

[Clr Yarwood]

This is what I don't like about things like electric cars - they encourage a "business as usual" mentality;

I understand Prince George, not as if I think they are the panacea. I am pushing for increased densities, low energy buildings, more public transport, better bicycling facilities, more pedestrian friendly spaces an much more - its a complex process to develop a good mix of transport options and culture shift away from car dependancy.

Its about providing package of options that reduce our reliance on petrol. There will be no one silver bullet and it is unrealistic and ineffectual for me to just say we should not have cars at all. I lose credibility and any power I have to effect the appropriate mix of change...good results take time.

There are a number of great benefits to electric cars but only as a part of a bigger picture that I am working very hard on influencing in any way I can!

Overseas, the move is towards public engagement that begins with the actual design process.

Re Vic Sq - there has been a substantial amount of consultation with lots of stakeholders – massive in fact. Rest assured it was not cooked up in a back room with no consideration for the many diverse interest that the city has - before you criticise you may want to look into the process a many would argue its best practice.

[AtD]

Skyliner pointed out that the new proposal for 115 King William St does not appear to have any awnings over the footpath, which makes the area less attractive to pedestrians. Is there any council requirement or policy requiring private awnings over public land on streets such as King William? We appreciate the shelter and shade.

[Clr Yarwood]

Skyliner pointed out that the new proposal for 115 King William St does not appear to have any awnings over the footpath, which makes the area less attractive to pedestrians. Is there any council requirement or policy requiring private awnings over public land on streets such as King William? We appreciate the shelter and shade.

Chasing up for you now...

[skyliner]

Re the awnings - I noted a 16 level bldg just to the north of this on the same side started without any awning (somewhere in the early '80') and after a couple of months from finishing date, a cantilever awning appeared. (does look like an afterthought). Councillor, do you know what happened there? Would this in any way be linked to what AtD said?

ADELAIDE - TOWARDS A GREATER CITY SKYLINE

[david]

Notes from Councillor David Plumridge - Issue 45

- Council decision making
- Smoke-free areas
- Some Council and DAP meeting decisions

David Plumridge, Councillor

NOTES FROM COUNCILLOR Issue 45.pdf

(202.39 KiB) Downloaded 148 times

[Ben]

Notes from Councillor David Plumridge - Issue 45

- Council decision making
- Smoke-free areas
- Some Council and DAP meeting decisions

David Plumridge, Councillor

NOTES FROM COUNCILLOR Issue 45.pdf

Hi david,

I rememebr some time ago Anne Moran talking in the media about a possible ban on smoking in the mall. Has the proceeded any further then the suggestion stage? This would be great for the amenity of the mall and also deter the groups that congregate in certian ares (entrance to the myer centre to name one) and smoke and generally be unsociable.

[Vee]

Thanks, David for the update.

I was particularly interested in the study on the smoke-free areas and the possibility that smoke free outdoor areas could be designated in Adelaide. One thing that really annoys is the inability to enjoy alfresco dining in many cafes due to people smoking at outdoor tables. I appreciate where some cafes on a street corner have smoke-free zones on one side.
However, too often we have to eat indoors and miss out on the joys of dining outdoors, or pass up the opportunity.

The NSW survey clearly shows that smokers are in the minority and people are much more health conscious in these times. Are there plans to bring in more stringent controls on smoking in public areas and especially where food and drink is being served?

[monotonehell]

...The NSW survey clearly shows that smokers are in the minority and people are much more health conscious in these times. Are there plans to bring in more stringent controls on smoking in public areas and especially where food and drink is being served?

If smokers are a minority, then why are our streets covered in cig butts and all the bins on fire? That looks like the work of a majority to me.

[Vee]

Haven't got the latest statistics but these ABS statistics show the downwards trend for cigarette smoking.
http://bit.ly/bMwKDF

"In 1995, 24% of the (Australian) population smoked, compared to 37% in 1977."
"The prevalence of smoking is not spread evenly in the population. People with less education, less skilled jobs or who are unemployed are more likely to smoke than people of higher socio-economic status."

As for the large number of discarded cigarette butts in the city and what to do about this - S-A readers might have some suggestions?

Discarded chewing gum adds to the unsightly mess on city footpaths and stairwells. Ughhhh!

[cruel_world00]

Not sure where to post this but maybe one of the councillors can answer....

What is going on with City South tram stop? Who is in charge and why has it not been upgraded to the same standard as the rest of the stops?

It's pretty embarrassing that nothing has been done considering all the work that has gone on in the past couple of years.

Anything on the cards?

Regards.

[Omicron]

...The NSW survey clearly shows that smokers are in the minority and people are much more health conscious in these times. Are there plans to bring in more stringent controls on smoking in public areas and especially where food and drink is being served?

If smokers are a minority, then why are our streets covered in cig butts and all the bins on fire? That looks like the work of a majority to me.

Now now, Mono, you know that that's a subjective statement.

[AtD]

Not sure where to post this but maybe one of the councillors can answer....

What is going on with City South tram stop? Who is in charge and why has it not been upgraded to the same standard as the rest of the stops?

It's pretty embarrassing that nothing has been done considering all the work that has gone on in the past couple of years.

Anything on the cards?

Regards.

It'd be a state government thing, not the ACC.

[monotonehell]

...The NSW survey clearly shows that smokers are in the minority and people are much more health conscious in these times. Are there plans to bring in more stringent controls on smoking in public areas and especially where food and drink is being served?

If smokers are a minority, then why are our streets covered in cig butts and all the bins on fire? That looks like the work of a majority to me.

Now now, Mono, you know that that's a subjective statement.

I was aiming more for a positive statement.