The goal of FOCUS is to preserve the heritage character of Unley.
The City of Unley includes a rich collection of early Victorian, Federation and pre 2nd War houses with a broad range from single fronted workers’ cottages to mansions. This means stopping the demolition of pre 2nd World War houses and buildings and ensuring that they are redeveloped in a sympathetic manner which retains the character and history of the buildings.
FOCUS also advocates for the preservation of the historic character streetscapes, parks and gardens including the preservation of significant trees. FOCUS wants to preserve Unley as a city of villages.
There have been three main themes to the work of FOCUS during 2010-2011:
- The State Government 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide
- Increased population density in the City of Unley
- Working with other inner suburban resident groups
The State Government 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide
The FOCUS Committee and some members have been very active in highlighlighting what we believe are the fundamental flaws in the plan,and the impact on the city of Unley. We have advocated for better outcomes for Unley.
FOCUS activities that have involved opposition to this plan are:
Inviting Kevin O’Leary, an expert on urban planning to adress FOCUS members at the February meeting . Kevin gave a very interesting talk to many members and visitors from other resident groups. Kevin has published several articles on issues relating to the 30 Year Plan.
Kevin expressed grave concerns relating to the plan to pack people into high rise flats above shops and offices on main roads with no consideration given to the health effects of living on busy roads.
He spoke about :
- the absence of an integrated traffic plan and
- the lack of consultation with the community and local councils.
Kevin outlined some examples of good urban planning such as in Portland, Oregon and Perth, WA.
Peter Tsokas, General Manager, City Development, Unley also attended and spoke about what was proposed for Unley.
FOCUS prepared a 5 page submission outlining FOCUS opposition to the Plan.
This submission was presented personally to Peter Tsokas, General Manager, City Development, and David Brown, Senior Policy Planner for Unley at a meeting to discuss it.
This submission was also sent with an informative letter to Mr Rau Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Shadow Ministe Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Shadow Minister the Hon David Ridgway, the Local Government Association, Mr Tim Horton, the Commissioner for Integrated Design and Mr David Pisoni, MP for Unley.
FOCUS members letterboxed 2000 homes in the areas most affected by the Unley Development Plan Amendment (DP3) corriders informing them of the council consultation process. This included several meetings well attended by members, a written proforma and email feedback.
FOCUS Committee promoted our views about the 30 year plan publicly through the Messenger Press, ABC Radio, and letters to the Editor in the Advertiser.
A special meeting was held in April to inform FOCUS members of the plan and hear their views.
The June FOCUS meeting provided the Liberal Party the opportunity to respond to the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide.
The Shadow Minister for Urban Planning and Development, the Hon. David Ridgway and Mr David Pisoni responded to the plan, their main points were:
- support for a long term plan
- the need for a population plan
- support for an integrated transport plan
- the “major development process” but to use it more sparingly
- condemnation of current lack of consultation over development on productive rural land
- emphasised that the city square mile provided good opportunities for development and increased population while protecting heritage by offering tax cuts.
Unley and the Inner Metro Plan
Peter Tsokas, General Manager, City Development, invited FOCUS to meet with him and David Brown, Senior Policy Planner for Unley to hear an update of what Council is doing.
Council has met with John Hanlon, Deputy Director of Local Government and Planning and Tim Horton, the Comissioner for Integrated Design to discuss Unley’s response to the plan.
FOCUS members who attended this meeting expressed that they felt Council and planners were working hard to get the best outcome they could for Unley.
FOCUS expects ongoing dialogue with Council as work on the draft Development Plan continues.
Responses received from Council and John Rau explain that the Unley Draft DPA3 will go to Council later in the year and then out for public consultation late 2011 or early 2012.
This will be an important time for FOCUS and members to respond with our views and propose positive alternatives and high quality standards for any proposed developments.
Increased Population Density for Unley
FOCUS, along with councillors and residents opposed the the development of a Retirement Village in Arthur/Mary Street which comprised 89 units. Focus prepared a submission and a committee member spoke to it at a special DAP. The main point of contention was that the proposed development is seriously at variance with the Unley Development Plan. Lack of consideration of neighbours with 3 story buildings overlooking neighbours, increased traffic and parking and increased noise.
This development was approved with minor changes. Two councillors and some residents appealed to the Environment Recources and Development Court against the decision, FOCUS applauds them and thanks them for gaining some concessions that will reduce the impact on the neighbours and neighbourhood.
The planned population increase for Unley in the 30 year plan is a concern.
Currently there is no proposed transport plan, infrastructure plan or increased services, such as schools or kindergartens which are close to capacity.
Working with Others
During the last year the FOCUS Committee has built connections with the following groups in order to increase the effectiveness of what we do. This is a result of the threat to Unley from the 30 year plan which also affects the heritage and character in other inner suburban areas.
Unley Council
FOCUS appreciates that Council consults with the community and includes FOCUS.
This year FOCUS Committee has had two positive meetings with planning staff.
The Mayor invited the FOCUS Committee to meet with him and councillors to discuss issues.
Peter Tsokas attended a FOCUS meeting to outline plans.
Unley Council and Unley Museum
As a result of FOCUS approaching Council for the establishment of recognition of places of historic interest a project was established with representatives of Council, the Museum, FOCUS and Street Trader Groups to develop a proposal to Council.A project scope was developed by outside consultants and presented to Council where it was accepted .
This project has not been funded for this financial year.
Inner Suburbs Alliance
FOCUS has joined with representatives from Resident Groups in Norwood, Prospect, St Peters, Kensington and Walkerville to form an alliance to oppose the 30 Year Plan and its effect on inner suburbs.
The group has developed a set of principles and actions and currently have sent letters to relevant Ministers and are arranging to meet with them. The group has been able to negotiate some free publicity for our issues.
The Australian Civic Trust
FOCUS has become a member of the Trust and admires the work that it does in promoting consultation in the planning process and good design and excellence in urban development.
FOCUS has nominated a villa in Cambridge Terrace, Malvern which has been renovated while complying with sustainable practices for this year’s awards.
National Trust
FOCUS has had discussions with the Trust and some Committee members have attended Trust consultations.
Ongoing Issues
As a result of supporting a member opposing the demolition of a villa in the Unley Historic Zone two anomalies in the Unley Planning process became apparent.
In the Historic Zone when an application is made for the demolition of a significant building there is no requirement to provide plans for the proposed replacement building.
Currently as a result of State Government Legislation only residents notified of a demolition or building application are eligible to object, this reduces opportunities for FOCUS to object.
FOCUS has written to Council in relation to this.
I would like to thank all members for their support and assistance especially to the committee who work hard to keep FOCUS operating. The committee have worked exceptionally hard this year, preparing submissions, arranging speakers, organising membership drives etc. I thank them sincerely.
I want to thank Ben Moretti for his great contribution to FOCUS . Ben has been President and Vice President and a Committee member since the establishment of FOCUS. Ben has set up the FOCUS Website which has given FOCUS an edge on other resident groups. Currently Ben is Membership Secretary . Ben is resigning from the Committee and this position due to work and family commitments but has very generously offered to maintain the Web Site. Thank you Ben.
We are looking for a new Membership Secretary for the Committee.
I thank Mr David Pisoni, the local member for his support and assistance, Mr Lachlan Clyne, Mayor and Unley Councillors and Council staff for their support during the past year.
I believe that the next year will be a very significant one for Unley as the 30 year plans, when approved will be in place for possibly 30 years.
New plans should protect the identity and character of historic areas by preserving historic areas and integrating new developments to conserve and emphasise the cultural, aesthetic and historical importance of the area.
FOCUS must be diligent in scrutinising proposed plans and providing feedback to Council and Government ensuring resident’s rights are protected and a high quality of development is demonstrated.
We are all working towards , sustainability, sunlight, trees and space for all in Unley.
Ros Islip
President FOCUS
