Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 20th September 2011 in the Unley Citizens Centre Arthur St at 7.30 pm.
We are very much looking forward to hearing our guest speaker Mr. Timothy Horton the South Australian Commissioner for Integrated Design. His presentation will give us a unique insight into 5000 + An Integrated Strategy for Inner Adelaide.
Community engagement is cited as one of the cornerstones of the project so come to listen and have your say about our city and suburb.
State Opposition’s view of the 30 Year Plan
The June FOCUS meeting was well attended by our members and others who heard the Hon.David Ridgway, Shadow Minister for Urban Development and Planning, and Local MP Mr.David Pisoni speak.
The main points that the Liberals supported were:
- the concept of a long term plan
- the need for population growth
- an integrated transport plan
- the ‘major development process’ but use it more sparingly.
Both speakers
- condemned the lack of consultation over the development of housing on good rural land.
- emphasised that the city square mile had been neglected and provided good opportunities for development and increased population, while protecting heritage. They will look at tax regimes to encourage development in the city.
The Inner Suburbs Alliance.
This group, involving representatives from Norwood, Prospect, St. Peters, Kensington and Walkerville Resident Groups and FOCUS has met monthly and developed a set of principles and actions. We all have similar issues and gain strength from working together. Arrangements are being made to meet with relevant Ministers and others.
Unley and the Inner Metro Rim Plan.
Recently, Unley’s Director of Development, Peter Tsokas, invited FOCUS to meet with him to receive an update on what is happening with The Inner Metro Rim Plan.
President Ros Islip was accompanied by Joe Haslam, Suzy Hutchings and Deane Kemp.
They came away feeling quite optimistic that Council and the Council planners are working hard negotiating with the State Government to get the best outcome for Unley’s citizens.
Council has met with John Hanlon, Deputy Director of Local Government and Planning and Timothy Horton, the Commissioner for Integrated Design to discuss Unley’s response to the plan.
FOCUS expects ongoing dialogue with the Council as work on the draft Development Plan continues.
The Australian Civic Trust.
FOCUS is a member, and admires the work of the Trust in actively promoting consultation throughout the planning process, and supporting good design and development.
The FOCUS Committee is pleased that the owners of a villa in Malvern have agreed to FOCUS nominating their house for an award this year. It is an excellent example of renovation and sustainability.
Appeal Finalised on 27th July for the 97 Unit Retirement Village in Arthur/Mary St
After the Unley Development Assessment Panel (DAP) approved the plans on the 3rd March, Unley Ward Councillors Rufus Salaman and Michael Hewitson and several residents appealed to the Environment Resources and Development Court.
FOCUS admires their courage and determination and shares their satisfaction in gaining some significant concessions that will reduce the impact on the neighbours and the streets.
