….and then you win

by Shane Sody

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” It sounds like something Mahatmi Gandhi might have said (although he probably didn’t).

Nevertheless, the quote describes the progression of how new ideas or movements are received:

1. Ignore: Initially, your ideas are disregarded and not taken seriously.

2. Laugh: Once the idea gains some traction, opponents may ridicule or mock it.

3. Fight: As it becomes a more significant threat, they will try to actively suppress or attack it.

4. Win: Ultimately, the movement or idea becomes so powerful that it succeeds and is even celebrated, despite the initial opposition. 

This year, the fight to get meaningful protection for your Park Lands from relentless Government attacks has moved from the first to the second of those four stages.

The State Government has spent years ignoring your calls for Heritage listing and protection for your Adelaide Park Lands.

“Protection Procrastination” 6 August 2024

This year, after apparently deciding that you cannot be ignored any longer, the Government and its supporters have moved onto the next stage: ridicule. Here’s a sample of their mockery, ridiculing your demands to protect the world’s only Park with a City inside.

As this video demonstrates, the Premier and others have started using ridicule in an attempt to discredit our ongoing efforts to protect your Park Lands.

We’ve told both the Premier and Minister Nick Champion, in a series of meetings, that we always support Open, Green Public uses of your Park Lands; usages such as:

• community sport (on unfenced open playing fields);

• developments such as the Victoria Park /Pakapakanthi wetlands, the many recent biodiversity restorations to Park Lands creeks and lakes;

• experiences on the River Torrens such as kayaking, paddle boats, Popeye etc

• playgrounds, TreeClimb, and yes the Open, Green, Public North Adelaide golf course on your Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1)

Our collection of “Myth Buster” articles debunk the State Government’s bogus claims that the Adelaide Park Lands Association opposes any changes to your Park Lands See, for example, our responses to claims thar:

• “You are NIMBYs who want to keep the Park Lands as your private back yard.” (Myth Buster #1)

• You guys are so negative!  You're opposed to all uses of the Park Lands!” (Myth Buster #3)

• “Park Lands supporters lack vision; and are holding back what this city could become” (Myth Buster #12)

Repeating myths about your Park Lands or Park Lands supporters is a form of ridicule.

The State Government’s recent attempts at ridicule can be seen as evidence that your voices are starting to cut through. That’s encouraging.

So, when special interest groups (including Governments) try to convert your Open, Green, Public Park Lands into sites for new buildings, car parks and tree destruction, we will continue to speak up for the public; and for your Park Lands.

On our blog, in our newsletter and on our social media, we love to report the many ways that you enjoy your Open, Green, Public Park Lands.

But we are also prepared for what’s likely to be the next stage: the fights that are to come, before that eventual day when a future South Australian State Government belatedly recognises the value of this world-unique treasure, so that your Park Lands will win!

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The author of this article, Shane Sody, is a former President of the Adelaide Park Lands Association (from 2017 to 2025) and remains the editor of the semi-monthly newsletter, "Open Green Public".

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