22 September 2021
The Liberals’ plan to re-zone the riverbank to allow for commercial development risks destroying the character of the Adelaide Park Lands, warn The Greens.
“The Government’s plans to rezone the riverbank to allow for cafes, bars and shops by the River Torrens would privatise our public green space,” said Greens Spokesperson for the City of Adelaide, Robert Simms MLC.
“Our unique, heritage listed Park Lands belong to all South Australians. They shouldn’t be commercialised in this way.”
“What’s next for our riverbank? Once the commercialisation genie is out of the bottle, you can’t put it back in again. I fear this has the potential to trash our Park Lands and destroy their unique character.”
Earlier today, Mr Simms moved the following motion that he will bring to a vote in the coming weeks.
That the Legislative Council
1. Notes that:
a) the site proposed by the State Government for a ‘Riverbank Arena,’ Helen Mayo Park (Park 27) is designated Park Lands under the Adelaide Park Lands Act 2005
b) the Adelaide Park Lands and city layout are listed on the National Heritage Register and parts of the proposed site fall within the area of the listing
c) the proposed development of the site could impact adversely on the heritage values of the Park Lands; and
2. Opposes the State Government developing Helen Mayo Park on the basis that this represents a further erosion of the Park Lands that is inconsistent with its status as a nationally heritage listed site.