Councillor Update
Note that these comments are the opinion of the councillor and not necessarily those of the council.
Boundary Reform
There has been no progress in relation to the matter of boundary reform within the City of Onkaparinga, since the City of Marion withdrew its interest some months ago. The Chamber (Council) is still waiting for a report from the administration concerning Cr Themelioti’s motion at the April meeting for discussions to be held with the Cities of Marion, Mitcham and Adelaide Hills Council. There has been recent media coverage concerning interest by the City of Holdfast Bay taking over suburbs currently contained with the City of Marion, with the Mayor of Marion responding that the two council areas could be combined and the State Attorney General regarding the movement of boundaries between the Cities of Burnside and Norwood, Payneham and St Peters. In recent days Gawler Council has indicated a desire to reform its boundaries with adjoining councils. It is interesting to note that the current review the State Government is having undertaken into local government is not considering local government boundary reform.
Cherry Gardens resident Darren Kruse (Councillor with the City of Mitcham) has set up an Internet site to gauge the interest of Cherry Gardens and Coromandel East residents in moving to Adelaide Hills (see article in this edition). He is also planning to hold a public meeting regarding this issue at the Cherry Gardens Memorial Hall to further discuss this. I encourage all residents to respond to this, whether they are in favour or against such a proposal to be put to the Boundaries Commission as it will provide an opportunity for a community petition to be prepared and not incur the $240,000 cost that is charged to councils should they seek a boundary reform. Similarly, he is doing this for the Coromandel Valley area as well.
Northern and Hills North District Reference Group
This group was established by the City of Onkaparinga earlier this year for community associations/groups in the hills and northern parts of council to network and meet with the administration. I am the elected member on this group. The next meeting is to be held at the Happy Valley Scout Hall on Candy Road, Happy Valley on Wednesday 30 October at 3.30 pm and I would encourage our community groups to attend this meeting.
Economic Development
As I indicated in my previous article the Blackwood Business Network (BBN) is now representing businesses throughout Thalassa ward on the City of Onkapariinga Economic Development Forum and I encourage any business in the Cherry Gardens area to contact Ms Jane Silbereisen, chairperson of the BBN and discuss opportunities with her. The BBN can be contacted through their Website at www.blackwoodbiz.com.au
ON Business Partner Program
The ON Business Partner Program is an initiative of the City of Onkaparinga to support local business to thrive and grow. The ON Program offers a range of support services including:
a business advisory service
a grant program
education and networking sessions
a local business directory
a free webpage for businesses
a program of local procurement.
Visit https://www.onbusinesspartnerprogram.com/ for more information or to list your business and take advantage of the support offered by the City of Onkaparinga.
I encourage local businesses to register with the City of Onkaparinga ON Business Program
Southern Sports, Recreation and Surf Life Saving Clubs Forum, City of Onkaparinga
Can I encourage sporting clubs in the Cherry Gardens area to participate on this forum? I am hoping that meetings will be held across the whole council area so that clubs gain a better understanding of each other’s facilities and their needs. The next forum’s general meeting has not been announced as yet but sporting and recreational clubs will receive an invitation to attend.
Speed Limit Ackland Hill and Ironbank Roads
Council has reviewed all the feedback received and the speed limit reduction was supported, with some concerns raised regarding additional travel times associated with the reduction. They are coordinating the review with Adelaide Hills Council with the aim of providing consistent speed limits across council boundaries. Both councils have received support in reducing the speed limit further in the vicinity of Cherry Gardens Road and the recreation ground. Based on the higher concentration of development and entrance to the sports ground, the Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) have provided in-principle support for a 60km/h speed limit between the council boundaries and Woodcutters Road and 70km/h for the remainder. The affected residents and sports groups were advised of the speed reduction on 23 August 2019. The next stage will be to notify DPTI to progress with these changes. Once approval is received, council will arrange installation of the new speed limit signs, with the aim of having it completed by late October 2019.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this article are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of Council.
Geoff Eaton
Councillor - Thalassa Ward - City of Onkaparinga
Email: geoff.eaton@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
Mobile: 0416 637 351