by Shane Sody
One of South Australia's most influential professional associations is endeavouring to make protection for your Park Lands into a State election issue.
The Australian Institute of Architects (SA Chapter) is inviting all political parties to “ensure the enduring protection of the Adelaide Park Lands.”
The Chapter‘s Interim Executive leader, Craig Glasson has told members that in 2026, the SA Chapter will “continue to invest in strong policy and advocacy, education and professional development”.
“With the State Election scheduled for 21 March, the SA Chapter will continue to engage constructively with government, opposition and key stakeholders. … In parallel, we will continue to collaborate with other peak bodies to align advocacy efforts and amplify our collective voice on shared priorities.”
Craig Glasson, Interim Executive leader, Australian Institute of Architects, SA Chapter.
One of the strong policies that’s been put forward, for discussion with all political parties in the leadup to the State Election, is this one, below (PDF, 8pp, 208 Kb):
The AIA policy document includes statements about why your Park Lands matter, i.e.
Heritage and Cultural Significance;
Health and Community Wellbeing;
Climate Resilience and Environmental Performance; and
Economic and Social Value.
If you Love Your Park Lands, these points might seem obvious to you. But the AIA is not content with simply laying out the reasons why your Park Lands matter.
The Institute’s Policy document also calls for “strong legislative protection” to ensure that your Adelaide Park Lands “remain publicly accessible, green, and continuous.” In addition:
“Holistic planning and management that treats the Park Lands as one indivisible ecological and cultural system, not a series of development parcels.
“Design, heritage and evidence-based decision-making to guide future use, enhancement, and public investment.
“Respectful involvement of Kaurna representatives in matters relating to the care and cultural use of the Park Lands; and
“Collaborative governance, including partnerships with Green Adelaide and relevant agencies, to achieve long-term environmental and community wellbeing outcomes.”
The AIA’s six-page document includes a comprehensive list of 12 recommended “key actions” for an incoming State Government.
The AIA’s SA Chapter will be joining with the Adelaide Park Lands Association (and other organisations) for an election campaign policy launch titled “Protect Your Park Lands” to be held in Victoria Square/ Tarntanyangga, from 10am on Sunday 22 February. This launch event will be the subject of a later blog post.
Photo credits: Top (banner) image: Loretta Smyth. Other Park Lands pics: Shane Sody, Trish Russell, Ted Jennings, Jan Bowman.
