Save festival plaza needs your help

Our friends at Save Festival Plaza (SFP)  need your help. Following the outstanding effort of 120 submissions made in two days against the Australian Tax Office's proposed fit out and tenancy in Walker Tower 2, three of the Save Festival Plaza Alliance committee are flying to Melbourne to present to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works on Wednesday morning 8th July at the Mantra Hotel, Russell St City. 

Two generous supporters have covered accommodation but the intrepid SFP  team need help to cover the cost of air fares and the ongoing costs of a Freedom of Information Request.  

If you are able contribute please make payments to: 

805 007    CUSCAL 
00331035 Save Festival Plaza Alliance Robert Fa 

In addition the second petition, No Plaza Tax Tower,  needs a major boost so please sign it as soon as you can. Be aware that donations made via the Change.org platform go to Change.org and not Save Festival Plaza. If you want to support Save Festival Plaza directly please donate to the bank account above.  

Above, Robert Farnan with Geoff Hayter, land economist, Mat Monti President of the Parklands Association, and the our redoubtable supporter Senator Barbara Pocock at the recent Gathering at the Tax Office in Franklin St.

In case you missed it! Park lands news updates

There is a lot happening, and it’s easy to lose track. Here is a clear, quick roundup of recent Park Lands news. 

RAGTAG “EXTREMIST GRANNY” LET OFF WITHOUT CONVICTION 

The Premier called her an extremist. On Friday July 3rd the Judge disagreed, releasing Mij Tanith without conviction, after her pleading guilty to unlawfully being on premises during a protest against the North Adelaide Golf Course development. She may still face a fine, court costs and a Victims of Crime Levy but we will keep you posted.  

You can read more on Indaily. 

MORE SIGNATURES NEEDED FOR PARK LANDS PETITION 

Around 5,000 people have signed the petition launched by Councillors Patrick Maher and Kieran Snape calling for a parliamentary review of State Government development on the Park Lands, particularly at Possum Park/Pirltawardli and Victoria Park for golf and motor sport expansion. 

Under South Australian law, 10,000 physical signatures from SA residents trigger a formal parliamentary inquiry. 

This petition requires paper signatures. You can download a petition sheet here. 

FIVE DAY TRIAL SET FOR LEGAL BID TO BLOCK THE CHOP 

A five day Federal Court trial has been scheduled to hear the case brought by Edwin Kemp Attrill and Traditional Owner Janette Milera, challenging the State Government’s plans to clear Possum Park/Pirltawardli under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. 

The Court has already ordered the Government to provide 48 hours’ written notice before felling any tree over 3.5 metres at the North Adelaide Golf Course site. 

Indaily has further reporting. You can also donate to help cover legal costs for this courageous pair at the Save Possum Park Go Fund Me Page. 

COUNCILS JOIN THE FIGHT 

On 14 June, Burnside Council voted to seek a briefing from the South Australian Motor Sport Board about 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. 

You can read the report and minutes here. 

While not exactly a call to arms, Burnside is clearly signalling concern about the escalating and destructive development pressures on the Park Lands. 

APA expects other councils to adopt similar resolutions in the coming months. 

SHANE SODY: A TRUE PARK LANDS CHAMPION

"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants." Issac Newton 1657

Longstanding former President and newsletter editor Shane Sody recently stepped down because of health problems. This article pays tribute to his remarkable legacy.

Under an exciting new President and a skilled and hard-working Committee the Adelaide Park Lands Association has suddenly, explosively grown into leading Statewide protection efforts for your Open, Green Public Park Lands, standing in opposition to Government attacks on hundreds of trees.

But we all know the foundations of this sudden influence were laid over years of stubborn hard work by former President Shane Sody.

Recently some health challenges forced Shane to accelerate his plans to hand over the reins to a new generation.

Shane was a man who has spent so many years defending your Adelaide Park Lands that people probably thought he lived in them. And to be fair, given the number of kilometres he cycled through them each year, and all the time leading Guided Walks, it is possible he spent more time there than at home.

Shane’s advocacy career has been long, loud, and occasionally embarrassing for Governments who thought they could quietly nibble away at your Park Lands without him noticing. They were wrong. Shane noticed everything.

His interviews over the years have revealed a man of principle, passion, and a truly impressive ability to explain complex planning issues. He fought for your Park Lands with the tenacity of a terrier.

His legacy includes hundreds of issues of this newsletter, dozens of Park Lands videos; overseeing the process of modernising and crystallising the branding of the Association; establishing (and for years, leading) the program of Guided Walks that is such a feature of your Park Lands; establishing a remarkable communications infrastructure that is the basis of our Stop the Chop Campaign today; and above all, instilling a stubborn fighting spirit.

Shane Sody has made a remarkable contribution to Adelaide’s civic life. When the State Government belatedly protects your Park Lands, future children will play under great spreading trees in expanses of Park Lands that were saved because of Shane.