creatorMany residents oppose the original design and the impact it would have on a small public reserve that the community had fought to attain. The City of Unley has the least amount of publicly owned green space which is compounded by the climate and biodiversity crises. We are losing more trees than we are gaining (our carbon sequesters and urban lungs) so retaining existing trees and green spaces must be prioritised.
The impending sale of Highgate Park in Fullarton with potential loss of well over 100 trees and existing gardens, means we are exacerbating, not mitigating or adapting to the climate crisis, and addressing biodiversity loss. This includes the increasing displacement of native animals such as possums, kookaburras, and species of parrots and bats who reside in the tree hollows of older trees.
It is also vital to note however, that we must address road transport and its infrastructure. It is our fastest growing source of community carbon emissions, so inclusive and accessible active transport infrastructure, as an alternative to the motor vehicle, must also be a priority.
To add to this complexity, Goodwood railway station must be accessible to people with limited mobility so everyone can access public transport to prevent discrimination and to increase inclusivity.
It is clear that this project is extremely complex and demonstrates that state government must put people back in to planning before proposed plans are drafted! I will work to ensure all current and future plans for this site receive thorough community consultation through Council. I will also advocate for better methods of consultation on a state government level – including independent facilitation outside of DIT.
“Project overview
The Australian and South Australian governments have committed $25 million for the design and construction of the Mike Turtur Bikeway Overpass Project.
The Public Transport Projects Alliance (PTP Alliance) will undertake the planning and design for this project on behalf of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.
The Mike Turtur Bikeway Overpass Project involves the construction of a Shared Use Path over the rail corridor at Goodwood to improve connectivity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The project will also provide safe, Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) compliant access to Goodwood Railway Station.”
