"PROJECT BLUE" - THE CONFIDENTIAL INSIDE STORY |
In February 2019 the Adelaide Football Club formally launched an attempted takeover of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre site for a corporate headquarters. The takeover bid was withdrawn on 4 April 2020 after the collapse of the AFC's revenue stream due to COVID-19 restrictions. However it can now be revealed the AFC's manoeuvring started several years before, and proceeded in secret, with the co-operation of City Council executives. It was an "inside job". Emails marked "strictly confidential" now released under Freedom of Information laws, reveal behind-the-scenes dealings as far back as May 2016 between the City Council and the AFC. In May 2016, Crows CEO Andrew Fagan was emailing Council CEO Mark Goldstone - "Good to see you at the footy last weekend" - offering to arrange a trip to Melbourne for Council executives, to help push the AFC's case for why it should be allowed to build its headquarters on Park Lands. |
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APPA has previously highlighted (in our Newsletter of November 2019) the generous corporate hospitality accepted by Mr Goldstone and other Council executives from the Adelaide Football Club and its sponsors.
These now-released emails reveal what was discussed during the period of such corporate hospitality and beyond. The emails reveal that:
- As far back as May 2016, Mr Goldstone was seeking legal advice on how the Council might "receive and respond" to a formal proposal from the Adelaide football Club. The Council's controversial "Unsolicited Proposals" process came a year later, long after beginning these discussions with Mr Fagan;
- After meeting Mr Fagan "at the footy" two subsequent meetings between Mr Fagan and Council executives were set up in August and September 2016;
- The AFC's activity ramped up immediately after the election in November 2018 of the "Team Adelaide" faction that has since dominated the City Council;
- From January 2019, more than two months before the public was alerted to the AFC's secret plans, weekly meetings had been set up (code-named "Project Blue") between executives of the City Council and the Football Club. The weekly meetings were scheduled over three months to April 2019;
- In February 2019, the Council was explicitly helping the AFC to frame its corporate takeover plans;
- Later, but still before the public was alerted to what was being planned, Council executives were describing the AFC proposal internally as a "great outcome";
- A confidential report to the Council in March 2019 confirmed that saving money for the Council was regarded as more important than public access to Park Lands.
Read the full email trail (55 pages, PDF, 16.8 Mb) |
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AQUATIC CENTRE MIGHT BE RELOCATED? |
Meanwhile, the City Council is now preparing to examine a range of other locations on which it might provide a new Aquatic Centre. |
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| A swimming centre was built in Denise Norton Park / Pardipardinyilla (Park 2) in 1969, to replace the former City Baths off King William Road. In 1985, the swimming centre was enclosed to become the Adelaide Aquatic Centre. |
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Council members are due to make a site inspection of the Aquatic Centre tomorrow, (Tuesday 16 June) prior to a workshop to explore what might be done about the ageing facility. The Council meeting on Tuesday 9 June agreed that a wide range of options for the Aquatic Centre are now on the table, including a rebuild on the current site, or a number of alternative locations for a new centre. |
See coverage of the issue on Channel Ten News (21-second video clip above). |
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RESTORATION - #GREENTHISSPACE |
This is the Video of the Month for June 2020. It's part of our "Restoration" campaign - trying to restore one of the many bitumen car parks that have alienated parts of the Adelaide Park Lands. A research team led by the University of Adelaide has found that revegetation of green spaces within cities can improve soil microbiota diversity towards a more natural, biodiverse state, which has been linked to human health benefits. Please watch this 2-minute video, and turn up the sound! Share the video with friends, and take up the challenge to send a short simple (and friendly) email to the Lord Mayor. Details and a suggested email here: www.adelaide-parklands.asn.au/restoration |
Feel free to share the video (or perhaps your own photo of the target restoration site in Park 23) with the hashtag #greenthisspace Next month, our regular Park videos will return, with a new video focussing on Tarntanya Wama (Park 26) |
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WOODY WEEDS OUT - WETLANDS IN |
The Adelaide Park Lands Authority is expected to make a decision later this month to endorse sweeping changes to the way that floodwaters are managed across the South Park Lands.
Proposals for two wetlands, or stormwater detention basins, have been drawn up, along with plans to get rid of poplar trees, characterised as "woody weeds" and have them replaced with native species along a broadened creek bed. |
The proposed work is intended to serve several purposes: - protect both the Park Lands and nearby land in Unley and Wayville from flooding;
- increase safety for Park users, by getting rid of steep and dangerous eroded creek banks
- increase biodversity along the length of the South Park Lands Creek;
- replace woody weeds with native trees; and
- create a seasonal wetlands environment to attract wildlife.
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However, the work is likely to be controversial because as part of the creek widening, some kurrajong trees and significant eucalypts perched on the steep creek banks cannot be retained. In all, 122 trees are marked for removal - with 160 new ones intended to replace them. |
The Park Lands Authority has called a special meeting on 18 June, to discuss the proposal. |
MORE OF THE 1,000 CUTS UNDER WAY |
"Death by 1,000 cuts" is not just a metaphor - it is the lived reality for the world's only City in a Park. Within the past four weeks, since our previous newsletter in May 2020, setbacks for the world-unique Adelaide Park Lands have come thick and fast. |
1. Minister gets his way - no Park Lands coming back here: The last obstacle to development of old RAH site in Park 11 has been cleared away. Despite a last-minute deputation to State Parliament's Environment Resources and Development Committe (on Monday 1 June) by your APPA President and Deputy President, the Committee raised no objection to the Ministerial Development Plan Amendment. This has cleared the way for an "innovation centre" (blue) and a "cultural precinct" (tan) but NO Park Lands on any of this 7-hectare part of Park 11. |
2. SAHMRI 2 going up in Park 27 Work has just started on another biomedical building in Park 27. This has been foreshadowed for several years, but the Premier made news again on the site earlier this month announcing the start of construction. Investment in health research is welcomed of course, but the Government has failed to acknowlege the health detriments of continually chipping away at your priceless Park Lands. |
The Advertiser's story (subscriber-only $$ link) failed to even acknowledge that the site is within Park 27. |
3. Last hurdle cleared away for Lang Walker's office block and shops After years of haggling over the details, and long after Festival Plaza has been demolished, work is now about to start on the biggest single Park Lands giveway in Adelaide's history. The Walker Corporation is finally getting its commercial payoff after doing a very cosy deal with the former State Labor Government. |
Once again, the Advertiser's coverage (subscriber-only $$ link) fails to acknowledge that this is occurring on Tarntanya Wama (Park 26). See the history of this very shonky deal at www.adelaide-parklands.asn.au/festival-plaza |
4. Expansion of Adelaide High School As foreshadowed in our newsletters earlier this year, Adelaide High School in Ellis Park / Tampawardli (Park 24) is being extended. The artist's impressions released by the Government suggest that the proposed two new four-storey buildings would extend the footprint of the High School. |
However we've been informally advised that the buildings would replace two existing, lower-height structures on the same footprint. See the diagram below. |
Nevertheless it is disappointing that the Government did not explore the option of expanding Adelaide High School on the other side of West Terrace, where the School was first established in the early 1900s. Putting bigger buildings onto Park Lands is no way to respect Adelaide's greatest treasure. |
The bigger picture Here's just SOME of what's been proposed or built in Park Lands in the past decade alone: |
- Proposed new Womens and Children's Hospital
- Proposed multi-purpose arena
- Proposed two new four-storey buildings to extend Adelaide High School
- SAHMRI 2 medical research
- Adelaide Oval hotel
- Re-develop current WCH for housing
- Proposed Concert Hall
- Walker Corporation office tower & shops - under construction
- New casino hotel - nearing completion
- Botanic High School - completed
- Former RAH site new "innovation" zone - development under way
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LAST CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON GOLDEN WATTLE PARK |
Over the past two years the City Council has been attempting to update its plans for Golden Wattle Park / Mirnu Wirra (Park 21W). This Park is located between Goodwood Rd and Sir Lewis Cohen Ave on the south-western side of the City. APPA has previously responded to draft plans, praising some suggestions (e.g. an increased area of native vegetation area, and wider use of sporting fields by community groups) but arguing against a proposed larger building and parking for 150 cars on Park 21W. The final stage in the Council's planning for this Park is the release of a draft "Community Land Management Plan" (CLMP). |
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APPA is disappointed that the draft CLMP still envisages car parking for up to 112 cars (down from the previously-envisaged 150). The Plan is silent about the size of any new building that might later be permitted on the Park saying only that "clubroom building facilities ... will be upgraded to support formal sporting use and enable growth in participation." On the other hand, we are delighted that there will be recognition within the Park of its historic connection with "Wattle Day".
You can have your say on the CLMP up until Thursday 18 June: https://yoursay.cityofadelaide.com.au/community-land-management-plan-review We will be hosting a Guided Walk in Park 21W on Sunday 9 August. You can book for the walk here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/guided-walk-through-golden-wattle-park-mirnu-wirra-park-21w-tickets-106184514742 |
DISC GOLF COMES TO PARK 15 |
A new sport has come to the Park Lands. It's fun and free. You can do it at any time, and it requires practically no equipment - just a flying disc (aka a frisbee). A nine-hole "Disc Golf" course has been set up in King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina (Park 15). |
Just like golf, you try to land your flying disc in the hole (basket) with a minimum number oif throws. Find out more here: http://flyspot.com.au/courses/adelaide-park-lands/ Thanks to ausdiscs.com.au for the pics. |
ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY - WIN SOME, LOSE SOME |
In a welcome break from the past, Adelaide University has torn down some of the wrought-iron fencing along Victoria Drive and reinstated a small part of previously-lost Park Lands near the Cloisters - opposite the Uni footbridge over the River Torrens. |
On the other hand, Adelaide University is also looking to expand its built footprint in both Park 10 and Park 12 where for over a century University teams (and others) have been playing sport. No plans have been formally lodged but representatives of the University made a presentation on Thursday 4 June to the Adelaide Park Lands Authority, signalling they would soon be seeking permission to build hard-surface tennis courts, and additional change room facilities and sheds. |
The proposed changes would allow mnore sport to be played, but would also extend the built footprint over the two Parks by 380 square metres. You can view the University's PowerPoint presentation at: https://dmzweb.cityofadelaide.com.au/agendasminutes/files08/Minutes/APA/2020/2020_06_04APA.pdf |
WHAT'S ON IN THE PARK LANDS |
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There are always events scheduled in the Park Lands, many of them free, and there are always opportunities to explore the Park Lands on your own, or with friends or family. Browse our Explore Parks pages for hints about interesting spots to visit. Many previously-scheduled events have been cancelled or postponed, to assist in limiting the potential spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless there are several opporunities for Park Lands walks: |
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| Kaurna Walking Trail Anytime This 17-stop trail covers places of significance to Kaurna culture and heritage. Starts at the Festival Centre; finishes in Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga. Click the pic for details |
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| Guided Walk through and around Whitmore Square Sunday 28 June, 1.30pm to 2.45pm Click the pic for details |
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| 13 km Park Lands loop walk Sun 5 July from 8.00am Friends of the Heysen Trail encourage you to visit all the Parks that surround the CBD in one day. They estimate it will be a 5-hour walk. Cost $10. Bookings essential. Click the pic for details |
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| Guided Walk through Bonython Park / Tulya Wardli (Park 27) Sun 18 July, 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Click the pic for details |
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BRIEFLY, IN OTHER PARK LANDS NEWS |
Art Prize - pick your favourite work to hang in 2021 The exhibition of finalists in the Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize was postponed due to COVID-19, from April-May until December-January. Nevertheless all 77 finalists can be browsed online at https://www.parklandsart.com/ To date, 19 of the art works have been sold, with money flowing to the artists. You can purchase any of the others before the exhibition commences. You might even be lucky enough to pick up an artwork that might prove to be one of the winners. Judging will take place just before the 2020 exhibition belatedly opens at the Festival Centre on 3 December. |
Clockwise from top left: - Yvonne Boag - Adelaide in Summer
- Christine Fenech - Botanic Park Study
- Christopher Meadows - Between the Flags
- Jinjin Guo - The Cat of the Enchanted Forest
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New self-guided walking trail available - Park 24 |
If you find yourself unable to join us on one of our monthly free Guided Walks through the Park Lands, you can take a Guided Walk at any time that suits you. APPA has partnered with the National Trust to provide public walking trail guides to various parts of the Park Lands. |
Each walk takes an hour or two. Some are longer than others. Each walk features historical and current photos, as well as commentary at each of a dozen or so places of interest. You can use either the Adelaide City Explorer website, or download the National Trust's Adelaide City Explorer app for your smartphone. At each stop on your walk, you can either read the description, or listen to the audio commentary. These are the Guided Walks available - including the latest one, Ellis Park / Tampawardli (Park 24): |
Premier urged to back the Park Lands Circuit - NOT motor sport APPA has written to the Premier, Steven Marshall, urging him to re-think the State's commitment to the annual "Adelaide 500" motor race. We have urged him to consider moving the event entirely to Tailem Bend, or alternatively ensuring that the annual takeover of Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16) is greatly reduced in duration. |
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In the same letter, we've encouraged the Premier to get behind the proposed "Adelaide Rainbow Circuit". APPA is one of many organisations helping to promote a proposal to link Adelaide's garland of Park Lands in an unbroken, colourful, illuminated cycling, walking and running loop. Read the full letter here. |
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Clean up the Torrens for swimming Hardly a new idea, but Greens Senator Sarah Hanson Young wants the Federal Government to fund a program to clean up Australia's waterways, including the River Torrens, to make it clean enough for swimming. |
Inquiry into SA's Urban Green Spaces The Natural resources Committee of SA's Parliament is seeking your views on our State's Urban Green Spaces. APPA is working up a submission on how State laws are failing SA's principal urban green space, the Adelaide Park Lands, but you too can tell the Commtitee what if anything should be changed in regard to urban planning, biodiversity, water management, nature education or similar issues. |
Read the inquiry's full terms of reference here:
https://committees.parliament.sa.gov.au/committee/341/Natural%20Resources%20Committee/54/54th%20Parliament%2003%2F05%2F2018%20-%20Current/54 (You need to click on "current inquiries".) Written submissions should be addressed to the Parliamentary Officer, Natural Resources
Committee, GPO Box 572, Adelaide 5000, or by email to: NRC.Assembly@parliament.sa.gov.au |
The risk from Australia's failing environmental laws A Nobel Laureat is among 200 doctors and scientists, who've warned that Australia's failing environmental laws will fuel further public health crises, after COVID-19. In a letter to the environment minister, Sussan Ley, they’ve called on the government to use the once-in-a-decade review of Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act to strengthen environmental protections and acknowledge the importance of a healthy environment to human health. |
Red the story here: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/25/australias-failing-environmental-laws-will-fuel-further-public-health-crises-nobel-laureate-warns APPA is part of a nation-wide campaign for better environmetnal laws. We are one of 56 organisations that together form the "Places You Love Alliance". See below. |
Join us!
You can be a proud Park Lands supporter, with membership starting at only $15 (for concession and student membership) expiring 30 June 2021. Longer-term memberships are also available.
We rely almost exclusively on annual membership fees to continue our Park Lands advocacy, so if you haven't already, please consider putting your money where your mouth is and backing APPA to keep up the Park Lands fight. Join here: www.adelaide-parklands.asn.au/membership
As a financial member of APPA, you receive: |
For existing members, renewal invitations are being sent out during June. |
PHOTO OF THE DAY - RECENT HIGHLIGHTS |
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From the top: - Exercising on the "sweat track" in Victoria Park / Pakpakanthi (Park 16)
- The 1875 glass Palm House at Adelaide Botanic Gardens (in Park 11)
- Eucalyptus blossom in Yam Daisy Park / Kantarilla (Park 3)
- Walking to work through Rundle Park / Kadlitpina (Park 13)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander War Memorial in Red Gum Park / Karrawirra (Park 12)
- Adventure playground in Bonython Park / Tulya Wardli (Park 27)
The Park Lands "photo of the day" series has been running since May 2014, and the collection of Park Lands photos gathered over almost six years now numbers over 2,200. We maintain (and gradually grow) more than 40 separate albums: one for each numbered Park and Square, along with several albums for "Alienations". Contributions are very welcome! To find out more about any of these featured Parks, click the link to the Park number. To see the #AdelaideParklands #picoftheday as it's released each morning, just follow us on Facebook, Instagram &/or Twitter. |
Despite being a National Heritage-listed place, the Adelaide Park Lands are not well protected by Federal environmental laws.
That's why we've joined the Places You Love Alliance, to campaign along with 56 other organisations for better environmental protection laws. |
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NEWSLETTER TEAM
Editor: Shane Sody
Contributors: Ted Jennings
Proofreader: Trish Russell, Kate Treloar
Send content enquiries/submissions to secretary@adelaide-parklands.asn.au
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Here at APPA, we hate marketing (spam) emails. That's why we deliver news about the Park Lands, in this email format, only once per month. If you're after more regular information, please follow us on Facebook where we are posting every day. Unlike marketing emails, we're not trying to sell you anything, so we hope you'll forgive this intrusion to your InBox. Nevertheless, if you'd rather not hear from us in future, please just unsubscribe here. |
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