NEXT MEETING:
Tues 19 June 2012 at 7.30pm. Peter Tsokas, Chief Executive Officer, City of Unley, will be our guest speaker.
Venue: Unley Community Centre, Arthur St, Unley.
For more information please ring Ros Islip, President, on 8272 3007 or 0438 723 001.
Significant and Regulated Trees Legislation: Submission to the Development Planning Commission: FOCUS Vice President, Suzi Hutchings, prepared an excellent submission on behalf of FOCUS and also made a presentation to the Commission at the Public Meeting on 15th February. FOCUS is not, at this time, aware of any further announcements from the Government regarding this legislation.
Carramar: The State Government has advertised this property, on the corner of Greenhill Rd and George Street, for sale as a “development site”. While this building is on the State Heritage List and could only be demolished with the approval of the Planning Minister, unfortunately the older out-buildings and grounds have no protection. The Committee has been collecting relevant information and Deane Kemp has prepared a written submission to the South Australian Heritage Council for FOCUS asking for current listing to be reconsidered with the view to inclusion of two out buildings. Carramar was the home of the Gosse family, a prominent Adelaide family. Lady Downer was born and lived there. The home was renowned for its William Morris decorative arts but it is not known if any remain. The National Trust has offered its support to help save Carramar.
Brownhill Creek Dam Proposal: Members, Deane Kemp and Suzi Hutchings, met recently with Michelle Bonnici of Unley Council to gain more information about the consequences for Unley of the different proposals, now reduced to two, i.e. dam or no dam. In either case, significant underground works to divert storm water from the plains and the hills around restrictions in Brownhill and Glen Osmond Creeks are envisaged. While this will cause some inconvenience during construction, on completion Unley will look just the same but with the risk of flooding greatly reduced.
Demolition of Unley homes: Committee members have reported that there has been an increase in the number of applications for demolition of Unley properties recently. A letter has been sent to the City of Unley expressing concern on behalf of FOCUS.
People’s Choice Community Lottery: FOCUS recently participated in this community lottery for the first time. Money raised will go towards paying the premium of $450 for compulsory public liability insurance. It is anticipated that next year FOCUS will again participate in this successful lottery.
Inner Suburban Alliance and Community Alliance: FOCUS has joined these like-minded groups and has been actively involved, working with them to help preserve the character of the inner suburbs of Adelaide and advocating for better planning processes in SA.
History Month in Unley:
The Unley Museum is holding the following events to celebrate History Month:
- A Walk about Unley: Thursday 17th May and Sunday 20th May, Unley Museum, starting from 80 Edmund Ave, Unley at 11.30am-1pm.
- Hop on the Bus – A tour of Unley’s Schools: Thursday 10th and Thursday 17th May, Unley Museum at 10am to 12noon.
Bookings required. For more information contact Elizabeth Hartnell on Ph: 8372 5117,
Mon -Wed and Sunday pm or ehartnell@unley.sa.gov.au or www.unley.sa.gov.au/museum
Bungalows and Beyond – the Contribution of Unley Park: This exhibition is throughout May, information and hours as above.
FOCUS contact details:
Congratulations to all the hard working committee for their efforts on our behalf, it is greatly appreciated. Di Campbell
As a previous staff member of Carramar I am grateful of the interest and care you are taking in this property.
Sincerely Grace Macdonald