by Jan Bowman

Growing Concern Beyond the City

At its meeting on Monday 13 July, the City of Charles Sturt unanimously resolved to write to Premier Peter Malinauskas seeking urgent information about the redevelopment of the North Adelaide Public Golf Course and proposed works in John E. Brown Park.

The motion, moved by Councillor Katriona Kinsella, recognises the importance of the Adelaide Park Lands to residents across metropolitan Adelaide, particularly those living in the western suburbs, and calls for greater transparency regarding the impacts of current and future developments.

Cr Kinsella's Hindmarsh Ward shares boundaries with the Premier, Peter Malinauskas’ state seat of Croydon.

In supporting the motion, Council acknowledged that many Charles Sturt residents regularly use the Park Lands for walking, cycling, organised sport, nature appreciation and recreation, and that these spaces play a vital role in providing tree canopy, wildlife habitat, biodiversity and urban cooling.

Speaking to her motion, Cr Kinsella said:

“Every day, our residents use these spaces for walking, cycling, recreation, organised sport, connecting with nature, and simply enjoying the benefits that green open space provides. They are also an important contributor to regional tree canopy, biodiversity and cooling at a time when our climate is becoming hotter and our cities denser.”

Cr Kinsella said residents are asking Charles Sturt Council to assist them in understanding what is proposed for the park, what the impacts may be, and how those impacts will be managed.

Long-time Bowden resident Amy Johansen said the lack of information and consultation has been appalling.

“I've spoken to family and many neighbours who have felt the same. The information or chance to have a say never came. These same people are now sad, angry, and betrayed.”

Local resident Edwin Attrill presented a citizen deputation in support of the motion, accompanied by fellow Bowden and Brompton residents Amy Johansen and Karen Smith. Approximately 30 local supporters attended the meeting.

“I'm really proud of City of Charles Sturt for putting forward this motion and for having such intelligent conversations around it. To have unanimous support really shows how important this issue is to the Charles Sturt community: that these are our parklands, they're everyone's parklands. So, it's really encouraging to know that the Councillors are supporting us and calling for the Premier to provide answers that we have not been given to date,” Edwin Kemp Attrill said.

The unanimous resolution reflects growing concern that decisions affecting Adelaide's internationally significant Park Lands extend well beyond the City of Adelaide, with communities across metropolitan Adelaide using and valuing these important public spaces.

Concerns About John E. Brown Park

Particular concern was expressed about the proposed construction of a new driving range in John E. Brown Park (Park 27A), with elected members noting that residents have raised numerous questions that remain unanswered. These include potential impacts on tree canopy and biodiversity, public access arrangements, associated infrastructure such as parking, and the future of the nationally significant Deceased Workers Memorial Forest.

Council also noted that residents are seeking greater clarity regarding the cumulative impacts of development within the Park Lands and how these proposals align with broader environmental and heritage objectives.

Information Sought from the State Government

The Council's letter will seek detailed information regarding:

engagement with Kaurna Traditional Owners;

environmental, heritage and planning assessments;

the identification and protection status of trees proposed for removal;

replacement planting and biodiversity outcomes;

impacts on walking and cycling routes and public access;

proposed parking and associated infrastructure; and

measures to retain and protect the Deceased Workers Memorial Forest.

Cumulative Impacts on the Park Lands

The motion also seeks information on the cumulative impacts of successive developments within the Adelaide Park Lands, including impacts on urban heat, biodiversity, transport connections, and consistency with both the National Heritage listing of the Adelaide Park Lands and the Adelaide and its Rural Settlement Landscapes UNESCO World Heritage bid.

Council noted that approximately 400 trees have already been removed in Possum Park/Pirltawardli (Park 1) as part of the golf course redevelopment and that it remains unclear how many trees may be affected in John E. Brown Park. Elected members further observed that they had received no formal briefings or updates from the State Government regarding redevelopment plans.

Support from Other Councils

The motion represents a significant show of support from a neighbouring council and reinforces calls for greater transparency and public information about proposed changes to one of South Australia's most important public green spaces.

Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith has also requested that Premier Peter Malinauskas release specific project information and environmental impact details regarding state-led developments in the Adelaide Park Lands.

Wider Metropolitan Concerns

Concern about developments affecting the Park Lands and surrounding areas is also emerging elsewhere across metropolitan Adelaide.

On 14 June, Burnside Council voted to seek a briefing from the South Australian Motor Sport Board regarding proposed increases in motor sport activity at the Adelaide Street Circuit. The Council also authorised its Mayor and CEO to advocate on behalf of the Burnside community and local environment regarding the impacts of motorsport.

Similarly, Norwood Payneham and St Peters Council considered a related motion on 7 July, further demonstrating that concerns about major developments affecting Adelaide's public open spaces are being shared by councils across metropolitan Adelaide.

The growing involvement of neighbouring councils highlights that the Adelaide Park Lands are not merely a local asset, but a metropolitan and state treasure whose future is of concern to communities across South Australia.

WALK IN JOHN E BROWN PARK

Join our walk through John E Brown Park (27A) to learn about its history this Sunday 19 July at 10.30 am.

https://events.humanitix.com/stop-the-chop-at-john-e-brown-park