News & Discussion: Adelaide City Council

[SRW]

The only thing that really bothers me about council is the lack of communication and transparency about decision making and project management. The Victoria Square project is prime example of this; the interested public are treated like mushrooms.

[contractor]

Excuse my ignorance but is it not reasonable to remove Victoria Square from the map? Change the diamond shape to a square and continue King William Street straight through and create four city blocks. The sale of land going towards investment elsewhere in the city.

Victoria Square appears to be a white elephant. It seems that no-one sees this because they have known it to exist since birth, in my opinion.

[Thanial]

i was convinced the breathing article was legit, spent a couple of minutes quite concerned...

[crawf]

You know what it would not surprise me if they did do this, the council are money hungry and now setting their sights on innocent people feeding the birds. Bullsh*t it's about public safety, it's all about $$$ and more nanny state nonsense. How are they going to police this aswell as smoking?

It's ridiculous it's even a news topic, when the city is on the verge of it's biggest transformation in decades.

Priorities, Adelaide City Council? (hint hint development plan)

[Nathan]

You know what it would not surprise me if they did do this, the council are money hungry and now setting their sights on innocent people feeding the birds. Bullsh*t it's about public safety, it's all about $$$ and more nanny state nonsense. How are they going to police this aswell as smoking?

It's ridiculous it's even a news topic, when the city is on the verge of it's biggest transformation in decades.

Priorities, Adelaide City Council? (hint hint development plan)

If people started feeding rats in Rundle Mall, there would rightly be outrage and demands for the council to put a stop to it. How are pigeons any different?

[Waewick]

You know what it would not surprise me if they did do this, the council are money hungry and now setting their sights on innocent people feeding the birds. Bullsh*t it's about public safety, it's all about $$$ and more nanny state nonsense. How are they going to police this aswell as smoking?

It's ridiculous it's even a news topic, when the city is on the verge of it's biggest transformation in decades.

Priorities, Adelaide City Council? (hint hint development plan)

If people started feeding rats in Rundle Mall, there would rightly be outrage and demands for the council to put a stop to it. How are pigeons any different?

yeah I guess that means we should stop street art because it is in the same vein as graffiti ?

[Omicron]

You know what it would not surprise me if they did do this, the council are money hungry and now setting their sights on innocent people feeding the birds. Bullsh*t it's about public safety, it's all about $$$ and more nanny state nonsense. How are they going to police this aswell as smoking?

It's ridiculous it's even a news topic, when the city is on the verge of it's biggest transformation in decades.

Priorities, Adelaide City Council? (hint hint development plan)

If people started feeding rats in Rundle Mall, there would rightly be outrage and demands for the council to put a stop to it. How are pigeons any different?

Well, um, generally people prefer birds to rodents when it comes to socially-acceptable wildlife.

Besides, if a pigeon poos on you, it's lucky and you should buy a lotto ticket. If a rat poos on you, you may as well set yourself on fire.

[ynotsfables]

Very true we are becoming a nanny state, every thing you do now days is a public liability people will be too scared to leave their houses soon, everything just seems to be a taboo now from driving your car to shopping and having to supply your own bags, smoking cigarettes which will probably soon be entirely banned and give it time you soon won't be allowed to kiss in public either.
People from overseas notice this, I think it is a bit overkill.

[Waewick]

You know what it would not surprise me if they did do this, the council are money hungry and now setting their sights on innocent people feeding the birds. Bullsh*t it's about public safety, it's all about $$$ and more nanny state nonsense. How are they going to police this aswell as smoking?

It's ridiculous it's even a news topic, when the city is on the verge of it's biggest transformation in decades.

Priorities, Adelaide City Council? (hint hint development plan)

If people started feeding rats in Rundle Mall, there would rightly be outrage and demands for the council to put a stop to it. How are pigeons any different?

Well, um, generally people prefer birds to rodents when it comes to socially-acceptable wildlife.

Besides, if a pigeon poos on you, it's lucky and you should buy a lotto ticket. If a rat poos on you, you may as well set yourself on fire.

[david]

So many criticisms of the Council, it's hard to know where to start.............

I will confine my remarks to a couple of things,

Victoria Square
To say that it is all so secretive is just so much nonsense. This project was very widely publicised and public comment sought at various stages, The design is of the highest standard, is freely available on the website. Council is currently held up pending external funding to equal the Council's contribution. Currently times are tight but surely its better to have some visionary plans in the top drawer ready to go as soon as the funds become available rather than setting sights at just a few minor upgrades and a few more trees. This is the living heart of the city as envisioned by Colonel Light and Council is determined to keep its sights set high.

Similarly we have plans for the regeneration of Rundle Mall and it is expected that Council will begin construction work in the coming year with priority to be given to new paving, lighting and landscaping as well as removing much of the clutter to enable better sight lines and a generally more open and inviting space for shoppers. Again a visionary plan which will be funded by Council in conjunction with other stakeholders and an uplift in private investment following an improved public realm. Already activation projects are being rolled out under the banner of Splash Adelaide and there is more to come over the summer months. Plans are also being prepared for activation of the laneways, where Council will work with property owners to get things happening.

And as for feeding the pigeons........it must have been a realy slow news day! The by-law has been in place for many years and who knows why that provision was put in by the city fathers last century but as far as I can ascertain no-one has been fined and no-one is about to be fined for feeding the pigeons. Mark you, not feeding the pigeons might be good for their health!

And as for a smoke-free Mall, all I can say is 'bring it on, the sooner the better'. The majority of public comment so far has been very supportive but soon you will have your chance to comment on the proposaed new By-Law.

David Plumridge
Acting Lord Mayor.

[Will]

So many criticisms of the Council, it's hard to know where to start.............

I will confine my remarks to a couple of things,

Victoria Square
To say that it is all so secretive is just so much nonsense. This project was very widely publicised and public comment sought at various stages, The design is of the highest standard, is freely available on the website. Council is currently held up pending external funding to equal the Council's contribution. Currently times are tight but surely its better to have some visionary plans in the top drawer ready to go as soon as the funds become available rather than setting sights at just a few minor upgrades and a few more trees. This is the living heart of the city as envisioned by Colonel Light and Council is determined to keep its sights set high.

Similarly we have plans for the regeneration of Rundle Mall and it is expected that Council will begin construction work in the coming year with priority to be given to new paving, lighting and landscaping as well as removing much of the clutter to enable better sight lines and a generally more open and inviting space for shoppers. Again a visionary plan which will be funded by Council in conjunction with other stakeholders and an uplift in private investment following an improved public realm. Already activation projects are being rolled out under the banner of Splash Adelaide and there is more to come over the summer months. Plans are also being prepared for activation of the laneways, where Council will work with property owners to get things happening.

And as for feeding the pigeons........it must have been a realy slow news day! The by-law has been in place for many years and who knows why that provision was put in by the city fathers last century but as far as I can ascertain no-one has been fined and no-one is about to be fined for feeding the pigeons. Mark you, not feeding the pigeons might be good for their health!

And as for a smoke-free Mall, all I can say is 'bring it on, the sooner the better'. The majority of public comment so far has been very supportive but soon you will have your chance to comment on the proposaed new By-Law.

David Plumridge
Acting Lord Mayor.

Councillor Plumridge. Why is the ACC not seeking/investigating alternative sources of funding for the Victoria Square upgrade?

For example, why not introduce a public lottery to fund it?; introduce a $1 Victoria Square levy on all carparking in the city?; introduce commercial elements into the design (i.e. similar to the pub in the centre of the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane), which can then be sold to help fund the upgrade?...I am sure there are many other ideas.

I don't think the upgrade will ever happen if all that is being done is to wait for a handout from the federal or state government. Be creative!

[ml69]

I've suggested it before, but would the ACC consider selling air rights above the Central Market precinct to help fund a Vic Square upgrade? In particular, I'm talking about permitting residential development above the Central Market (it's been done in Haymarket in Sydney).

I'm sure a redeveloped Vic Square and the nearby Gouger St restaurant precinct would be attractive to potential residents. Plus increased residential density would give the area more life.

[Waewick]

given the rate at which the council reject medium rise buildings, I can hardly see them actively selling medium rise.

[Benski81]

Similarly we have plans for the regeneration of Rundle Mall and it is expected that Council will begin construction work in the coming year with priority to be given to new paving, lighting and landscaping as well as removing much of the clutter to enable better sight lines and a generally more open and inviting space for shoppers. Again a visionary plan which

David Plumridge
Acting Lord Mayor.

With all due respect, new paving, lighting and landscaping aren't exactly "visionary" they're more just new paving, lighting and landscaping.

[Waewick]

Similarly we have plans for the regeneration of Rundle Mall and it is expected that Council will begin construction work in the coming year with priority to be given to new paving, lighting and landscaping as well as removing much of the clutter to enable better sight lines and a generally more open and inviting space for shoppers. Again a visionary plan which

David Plumridge
Acting Lord Mayor.

With all due respect, new paving, lighting and landscaping aren't exactly "visionary" they're more just new paving, lighting and landscaping.

I wonder if instead of just paving the place they can think of a different material to use?

maybe cobblestones given the direction of the council.