2 May 2024
The Upper House of State Parliament last night backed a Greens’ motion noting the history of the Crown and Anchor and its importance to Adelaide’s live music scene, but fell short of committing to overhauling SA’s heritage laws to better protect iconic pubs.
The Greens had pushed for the Upper House to call on the Malinauskas Government to oppose plans to redevelop the Cranker and to amend state heritage laws to ensure cultural and social value is considered as part of the development assessment process, but these sections of the motion were struck out after the Liberals backed amendments from the Labor Party.
“It is good to see the Upper House has recognised the value of the Crown and Anchor to Adelaide in passing this motion but sadly, an opportunity to embrace meaningful reform of our heritage laws has been lost,” said Greens SA Planning Spokesperson Robert Simms MLC.
“Many South Australians will be disappointed to hear the Liberals saying one thing outside the Parliament when addressing protesters and doing quite another in the Parliament itself. They say a week is a long time in politics, but 3 days is even longer for the Liberals who appear to have shifted ground since Sunday’s rally after facing pressure from vested interest groups like the Property Council.”
“Sadly, Labor and the Liberals are in lockstep in defending this failed planning regime.”
“The debate about the Crown and Anchor has exposed the gaping holes in our states’ heritage laws. Heritage is about much more than just bricks and mortar, it’s about the heart and soul of our city and our community. The Greens will continue to stand with the community in fighting for a planning regime that serves the interests of the community, rather than developers.”
“With thousands taking to the streets, signing petitions, and writing to members of Parliament, it’s clear that there’s a groundswell of support for the Crown and Anchor and our landmark pubs. The Malinauskas Government must listen and do everything within its power to save the Cranker.”
“This a battle about the heart and soul of our city. This is just the beginning of a movement to reform our planning laws and pressure is going to continue to build for the Government to act.”