MAY 2012 NEWS
NEWS RELEASE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE FIVE CATCHMENT COUNCILS
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2012
COUNCILS SET TO PROGRESS STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
A stormwater management plan for the Brownhill and Keswick Creek catchments is a step closer following a strategy proposed by the Chief Executive Officers of the five catchment councils involved in the project.
The strategy calls for the commencement of the bulk of proposed flood mitigation works – as recommended by consulting firm Worley Parsons – including construction of bypass culverts, detention basins, creek diversions and channel upgrades along the catchment.
In light of community concerns about the proposed flood control dam in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, the strategy also commits to pursue a feasible alternative to the dam over the next 12 months while other works elsewhere in the catchment get under way.
CEOs from Adelaide, Burnside, Mitcham, Unley and West Torrens Councils will recommend the strategy and seek approval from their respective councils this month. Michael Salkeld, Project Director of the Brownhill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project,says if the five councils endorse the strategy it will then form the basis of a stormwater management plan to be formally presented to the Stormwater Management Authority for approval.
“We are confident of moving forward with a stormwater management plan that has the support of all five catchment councils and takes into consideration the views and concerns of council constituents,” he said.
“We plan to present our proposed strategy to the Stormwater Management Authority this week and look forward to a positive outcome.”
Mr Salkeld says the strategy proposed by the five Council CEOs importantly takes into account feedback received during the recent community consultation process.
“Feedback from stakeholders including local residents and community groups has certainly helped shape the renewed strategy,” he said.
“What is clear is the need to start work on appropriate infrastructure measures that adequately reduce the impacts of flooding while delivering acceptable outcomes in terms of financial, environmental and social factors.”
More information about the Brownhill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project is available on the Adelaide, Burnside, Mitcham, Unley and West Torrens Council websites.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Please contact Michael Salkeld, Project Director of the Brownhill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project,on 8372 5473
ISSUED BY HUGHES PUBLIC RELATIONS: Kieran Hall 0422 147 151 or kieran@hughespr.com.au
NEWS RELEASE FROM THE NO DAM IN BROWNHILL CREEK ACTION GROUP
NEWS RELEASE
May 2, 2012
NO DAM IN BROWNHILL CREEK ACTION GROUP
SUPPORTS PROGRESS IN STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Our community group welcomes the strategy proposed by the Chief Executive Officers of the five catchment councils involved in the project.
We support 92% of the Stormwater Management Plan and believe that it is sensible to commence the bulk of the flood mitigation works as soon as possible.
We commend the Steering Group for acknowledging the widespread opposition to the proposed dam in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park and for their commitment to pursue a feasible alternative to the dam.
The peak conservation body, Conservation Council SA, The Kaurna Board,numerous community groups and the wider community, have made it clear that a dam in Wirraparinga/Brownhill Creek Valley is totally unacceptable.
The threat to the environment and heritage of Wirraparinga/Brownhill Creek Valley is not just a local issue, but one that affects the entire community. The last four kilometres of Brownhill Creek under state protection must be preserved, along with the significant trees, endangered species, Colonial and Kaurna Heritage and precious community open space.
The proposed strategy will provide a win for the environment and heritage of one of our states oldest parks, set aside in 1841 and a win for properties in need of flood mitigation.
More information is available at: www.brownhillcreek.org
FURTHER INFORMATION: Please contact Ron Bellchambers
Spokesperson for the No Dam in Brownhill Creek Action Group
mobile: 0427718106 email: brownhillcreek@gmail.com
APRIL 2012 NEWS
Conservation Council SA: Opposes Dam in Brownhill Creek.
The Conservation Council of South Australia is the peak conservation body for our state and it “opposes the building of a dam in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park”.
Mitcham Historical Society.
Mitcham Historical Society has kindly donated funds and is supporting our aim of preserving the important historical and cultural heritage of Brownhill Creek Valley.
Community Support.
We are continuing to receive widespread community support across the catchment council areas. This is clearly not just a local issue. Our community petition opposing the dam is approaching 7,000 signatories.
Community Alliance South Australia.
Our No Dam in Brownhill Creek Action Group is a member of Community Alliance SA, which acts as an advocate for residents’ associations and community groups in South Australia. There are now 24 groups represented in the Alliance. It aims to lobby for reform of the Development Act and all related acts, supporting planning that incorporates genuine community engagement and collaboration.
Mitcham Council’s Media Statement.
This encouraging Media Release recognises the overwhelming community opposition to the proposed dam (see link on the home page).
Deputations to the Catchment Councils.
Our deputations to the 5 Catchment Councils concluded on Tuesday 27 March at Adelaide City Council. Thank you to the large group of supporters who filled the galleries. Your presence made a significant impression on each of the councils and we are receiving important support from many elected members. Councillor Anne Moran from Adelaide City Council, for example, likened the preservation of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park to the Adelaide Parklands. It is vitally important to protect our remaining heritage open space areas.
Current Situation.
It is becoming increasingly likely that the 5 Catchment Councils will “ sign off” on 80% of the flood mitigation works in the Draft Stormwater Management Plan. This includes all of the works in the Keswick Creek Catchment (50% of the catchment for stormwater) and the urban Brownhill Creek Catchment works below and just above Anzac Highway. More time will be required to deal with a number of problems in the Brownhill Creek Catchment above the Glenelg Tramway. There are channel capacity issues to resolve, proper consultation to be carried out with Aboriginal stakeholders, a more accurate assessment of the scale and cost of the dam to be undertaken and alternatives to the dam to be analysed and decided on.
Maggy Ragless.
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Maggy Ragless.Maggy was our Local History Officer and recipient of Mitcham Council’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award for 2012.
Mayor Michael Picton says of Maggy,
“Her life long dedication to preserving the unique heritage in the Mitcham Council area will benefit all residents of Mitcham for generations to come”.
Maggy’s skills, knowledge and generous support were widely valued in South Australia and she will be missed.
There will be a Memorial Service for Maggy Ragless on Monday 30th of April at 11am, at Mitcham Reserve, Norman Walk Mitcham. BYO picnic to follow service.
KAURNA COMMUNITY PICNIC
Members of the Kaurna Community and other concerned community members gathered together for a BBQ lunch at the proposed dam site. The aim was to have an initial meeting in a small group. The beauty of the location, on a glorious Autumn day and the wonderful company made for a special afternoon. None of us could understand how a dam could even be considered for this valley, when alternatives are available. A large community event is being planned for May.
LONG BOARDERS NO DAM IN BROWNHILL CREEK COMMUNITY EVENT
On Sunday 29 April Long Boarders from all over Adelaide gathered for a large community event in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.
The event was professionally run and it was wonderful to see young people enjoying themselves in the park. Family members lined the course with picnic lunches.
The group raised $150 for the No Dam in Brownhill Creek campaign and voiced their concerns about the proposed dam.
