PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOCUS YEAR 2014-2015

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15th 2015
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
FOCUS YEAR 2014-2015

The principal goal of FOCUS is to preserve the heritage and character of Unley, and despite all the efforts of FOCUS, other heritage groups and Council, the State Government continues to introduce legislative changes that ignore the Unley Development Plan and encourages the destruction of the heritage and character of Unley.

The 2014 Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 16th September 2014 featured Mr Peter Wells, the Principal Conservation Architect in the State Heritage Unit. Peter provided an informative lecture including photographs to demonstrate the unique architectural styles that dominate the streets of Unley. He also provided an insight into what constitutes the State and Local Heritage Places.

On Thursday 6th October 2014 FOCUS chaired an open meeting to “Meet the Candidates” for the Unley Council Elections. Mr Joe Haslam very ably chaired the session and candidates were provided with questions to prepare their answers. It is disappointing that many of the unsuccessful candidates have not remained involved in local issues.

The February Meeting was deferred to Tuesday10/3/15 when Mr Lee Anderson, the Technical Officer _ Arboricultural for the City of Unley gave a very interesting presentation on the trees and Council’s Vegetation Policy.

Some key points made included:

• Unley covers 14 square kilometres with less than 3% open space.
• There are 26,000 trees in Unley, 23,000 are street trees.
• In 2009 when the last study of the age of the street trees — 40% were classed as veteran, mature or semi mature.
• State Government Legislation changed in November 2011 making it easier to remove regulated trees on private property.

The July Meeting featured David Pisoni and Steven Griffiths from the Liberal Party, and Mark Parnell representing the Greens responding to the approval of the Cremorne Plaza Redevelopment by the Development Assessment Commission. FOCUS deplores the fact that this Development does not comply with the Unley Planning Policy and sets a dangerous precedent.

Warren Jones chaired the discussion. All agreed the development is not acceptable and no further action can be taken by the community. The development now faces the market.

ISSUES:

PLANNING

FOCUS objected to the Proposed Cremorne Plaza Development despite it not being considered. This development ignores the Unley Development Plan in several areas including 2 stories above the height limit. This has now set a precedent with a new development of 8 stories proposed for Greenhill Road, Wayville, which will almost certainly be approved by the DAC.

The SA Expert Panel on Planning Reform has made recommendations, which have major ramifications for Unley. The final Report has now been released and the Draft Legislation introduced to Parliament.

Main issues include:

• Planning approvals for any building more than 4 stories or worth more than $3 million completely bypass Council and go straight to the Development Assessment Commission.
• Objections are limited to those notified which in the case of Category 2 is immediate neighbours. Council is only permitted to comment on local issues such as traffic and parking. The Government has the right to appoint specific precincts for major developments.
• Elected Council Representatives removed from the decision making process.
• An emphasis on faster approvals leading to inappropriate decisions.
• Character suburbs being degraded by a reduction in the number of zones and a tick box approach.
• The Planning Minister having too much control.
• No recognition of Contributory Items from Development Amendment Plans which will result in our Historic and Streetscape Zones being destroyed.
• The granting of Retrospective Planning Approval which appears to becoming more common and is currently legal.

It is reported that in Unley the investment value of renovations and extensions to houses is worth 3 to 4 times the value of new buildings. It is rewarding to see the wonderful restorations being done on old houses currently. This is mainly due to residents having certainty in the protection provided by the Development Amendment Plans which will be lost.

LOSS of SIGNIFICANT TREES and GREENERY

FOCUS has continued to promote the retention of Significant Trees in Unley, on private and public land.

Issues identified by FOCUS are summarised as:

• Standards for Arboriculturists.
• Safeguards in Development Application Regulations. The Development Assessment Panel does not appear to always consider the Arborist’s Reports.
• Safeguards in property purchase procedures.
• Procedures for tree removal. The role of Council Arborist and Principal Policy Planning Officer, wider community involvement.
• Mapping and monitoring of trees.

FOCUS has been involved with neighbours in helping to save 2 significant trees in Fairford Street. Thanks to the vigilance and persistence of neighbours they have been saved. The neighbours who were notified under the Category 2 Notification were prepared to lodge objections and appear at the Development Assessment Panel. Unless those notified object there is nothing others can do.

As a result of working with other tree loving groups a small working party has identified some actions to assist including applying for funding to establish a Project to map the remnant red gums in Unley.

FOCUS has met with the Unley CEO Peter Tsokas twice this year and this has provided an opportunity to share concerns and he has agreed to support the tree monitoring project and the arborist standards. FOCUS thanks Peter for agreeing to make this a regular commitment.

The Unley Oval was originally gifted to the citizens of Unley and it is important that we as citizens ensure this continues with no restrictions.

Council has agreed to provide a plaque for the original stone stable wall at Fullarton Park.

FOCUS continues to provide information to residents who have concerns about Unley’s Heritage and character and want to do something about it. The local press frequently asks FOCUS for comments on local issues especially in relation to planning and heritage.

The FOCUS Committee continues to work with other groups with similar aims and concerns such as the Inner Suburbs Alliance and the Community Alliance, Save our Suburbs and the National Trust.

Committee Members continue to lobby and submit submissions to Planning Authorities, politicians and Unley Council.

The FOCUS Committee welcomes new members to inspire us and contribute their skills and knowledge in order for FOCUS to be more active and effective.

I want to thank the Committee for all the energy, enthusiasm, time, effort, support and participation they have provided to FOCUS this year, and also some members who are always willing to help out when needed.

Thank you to Suzi Hutchings, Vice President; Mary Rumbold, Secretary/Treasurer; Val Nairn, Minute Secretary; Phillip Henschke; Rosalie McCarthy; Public Officer and Deane Kemp and Warren Jones Committee Members.

The FOCUS Committee thanks Ben Moretti for the time and effort he invests in maintaining the FOCUS website and Membership lists.

Thank you also to our local State Government member David Pisoni for his assistance and support.

Please contact me if you would like more information or clarification.

Ros Islip
President FOCUS

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