Welcome to the FOCUS Newsletter for November 2011
Next Meeting Tuesday 22nd November.
Following the enjoyable dinner/meeting in 2010, members have decided to do the same this year. Friends and partners are welcome.
We will gather at 6 – 6.30 in the Bistro at the Earl of Leicester Hotel.
The “Earl” is in Leicester St Parkside halfway between George St and Kenilworth Rd. There is parking on each side of the historic building.
A short, informal meeting upstairs will follow at 7.45.
RSVP to Ros on 8272 3007 or Val on 8271 5686 by Monday evening 21st Nov.
FOCUS Committee
At the AGM, members welcomed Suzi Hutchings to the Committee as Vice President.
The President thanked Ben Moretti for his work as Past President, Web Manager and Membership Secretary. Ben will continue to run the web site but FOCUS urgently needs a new Membership Secretary to keep the membership records and send out the notices to members. (mainly by email)
It is with sadness that the Committee accepts the resignation of Marie Chance, our wonderful Treasurer. Marie has been Treasurer for 7 years and has done a great job. Thank you Marie.
Now, we make an urgent appeal for someone to step forward to fill this role for FOCUS
Your committee is extremely frustrated that currently we are at a holding stage with the Unley Development Amendment Plan 3 (DAP) (Corridors) The Council has sent it’s proposed DAP to the Minister for Planning for approval. Following approval it will come back to Council for a period of consultation. This will be a critical time for FOCUS to members and the community to respond.
It appears probable that the biggest issue will be the height limits for Unley and Greenhill Roads and the preservation of our heritage and character zones.
5000+ Urban Design and Renewal in Adelaide
Mr. Timothy Horton, the Commissioner for Integrated Design was the guest speaker at the AGM. Mr Horton told us that integrated design principles bring everyone together from the beginning-designers, architects, artists, Councils, Government, builders, planners and the community.
The Australian Government has provided$1 million to pilot the Integrated Design Strategy for Adelaide but the Commission is independent of Government. Its web site is www.5000plus.net.au
Inner Suburbs Alliance
FOCUS continues to be involved and they are preparing material to use when the new DAP’s appear. Unfortunately Minister Rau has declined to meet with the group.
Community Alliance Inc.
This new group of approximately 15 residents’ societies will be officially launched at a family picnic on Sunday 27th November at the St Clair Park Woodville between 12 and 4. Friends of the City of Unley Society Inc.
Chief among its objectives is “To lobby for reform of planning, development and related legislation to ensure participative decision making with real community engagement.”
Historic Building Arthur St/Unley Rd
As you have probably noticed this historic 2 storey bluestone building is to be auctioned. It is on the Unley Heritage list but we need to be vigilant.
Arthur/Mary St Proposed Retirement Village.
Do you know that this site is for sale? Who knows what the future holds?
Adelaide Festival of Ideas 2011
Several FOCUS members attended sessions on Heritage and Urban Development which were relevant and excellent.
Steffen Lehmann’s presentation, “ Designing For the Future” and Jan Ghehl’s “Cities for People” are available at www.adelaidefestivalof ideas.com.au.
National Trust Discussion Paper Living Heritage Vision 175
This excellent paper outlines ideas for building on the 175. years of SA Heritage in order to create a richer, more diverse and sustainable built environment.
The National Trust is seeking responses from individuals and organisations. For more information go to www.nationaltrustsa.org.au
