ADDITIONAL ARCHIVE MATERIAL

Community Perspective on Consultation on Urban Stormwater Management: Lessons from Brownhill Creek, South Australia: water-08-00170

NO DAM CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

FEBRUARY 2018: REGIONAL SUBSIDIARY APPROVED UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT. THE FIVE COUNCILS WILL NOW BE ABLE TO SET UP A REGIONAL SUBSIDIARY TO RUN THE BROWN HILL KESWICK CREEK STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT. A WONDERFUL OUTCOME AFTER MANY YEARS OF WORK.

THE BROWN HILL KESWICK CREEK STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY. THE FIVE CATCHMENT COUNCILS AND THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAVE REACHED AN AGREEMENT ON FUNDING! THE PROJECT CAN NOW PROCEED AND WILL DELIVER THE REQUIRED FLOOD PROTECTION ACROSS THE BROWNHILL CREEK AND KESWICK CREEK CATCHMENTS WITHOUT A DAM IN UPPER BROWNHILL CREEK. HISTORIC FEDERAL COURT RULING:

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED COLLABORATIVELY AND TIRELESSLY OVER MANY YEARS TO ACHIEVE THIS HISTORIC AGREEMENT!

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO COMMIT FUNDS TO PROTECT FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND HELP SPEED UP THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT.

Please double click to enlarge

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FEDERAL LABOR COMMITS TO FLOOD MITIGATION FOR BROWNHILL AND KESWICK CREEKS! THE FEDERAL COALITION GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO ALSO COMMIT TO A ONE THIRD SHARE OF THE TOTAL PROJECT COST.

News_Release_21_June_-_Labor_flood_mitigation_pledge_for_Brown_Hill_and_Keswick_Creeks

The latest Stormwater Management Plan (SMP) will provide the required flood protection, along with the rehabilitation of Upper Brownhill Creek. Federal and State funding is crucial to the implementation of the SMP, allowing the five catchment councils to proceed.

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ALL FIVE COUNCILS HAVE VOTED IN FAVOUR OF NO DAM OPTION D.

There is no chance of a dam option proceeding in upper Brownhill Creek.

A Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan is now finalised and with the Stormwater Management Authority. This final Stormwater Management Plan combines Part A Works (80% of the plan) in the urban sub-catchments of lower Brownhill Creek, Keswick Creek, Glen Osmond Creek and Parklands Creek, with Part B Works (20% of the plan) in the upper Brownhill Creek catchment (Option D).

Councils and community groups can now join together to seek funding and make sure that all stakeholders and our shared environment and heritage benefit from the implementation of a Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan.

This is a historic agreement and BCA wishes to thank everyone who has worked so hard over many years to achieve this common sense outcome in upper Brownhill Creek. A special thank you must go to West Torrens Council and Mitcham Council for their patience and leadership in working towards a collective solution. Adelaide, Burnside and Unley Councils should also be thanked for their efforts to achieve a resolution. The following Media Release appeared on the official project website: http://bhkcstormwater.com.au

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“85% OF ALL PUBLIC RESPONDENTS SUPPORT THE PROJECT’S PREFERRED OPTION D”

Flood Plan Wins Community Support

Consultation-findings-on-the-Brown-Hill-Keswick-Creek-Stormwater-Project-Part-B-Report-120815

All five councils voted in 2012 to pursue a feasible, cost effective and community supported no dam solution, due to widespread community opposition to a dam in Brownhill Creek.
The Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan: Part B Report 2014 recommends Option D, based on the technical findings of independent organisations, using the latest 2013 data. The Part B Report states that Option D “provides the required (100 year ARI) level of flood protection”, “has the lowest capital cost” and “the lowest annual maintenance cost”.
Now Option D has been overwhelmingly endorsed by the community.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NO DAM OPTION D:

The Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan-Part B Report-September 2014 and the Project Steering Group recommend No Dam Option D as their preferred solution.

Project Press Release

BHKC Summary Brochure May 2015

Creek Capacity Upgrade Works information sheet

Creek Rehabilitation Works information sheet

Legal Arrangements with Property Owners information sheet

Property owners guide to managing healthy urban creeks

Official BHKC Stormwater Project Website: http://bhkcstormwater.com.au

BHKC Stormwater Project Website-Latest News

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SUMMARY:

There’s no need for an expensive and destructive dam in Ellison’s Gully or Brownhill Creek Recreation Park (1841). Ellison’s Gully is the major spring fed source of Brownhill Creek / Willa Willa and it shares a natural creek environment, documented cultural heritage and community amenity with Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. This is Kaurna Country, Wirraparinga, and over 11,000 Adelaideans and tourists (see “Petition” page) have called for the preservation of these valleys and the implementation of a feasible No Dam solution. The Kaurna Nation Cultural Heritage Association, Conservation Council SA, the National Trust of South Australia, Nature Foundation SA, Mitcham Historical Society and The Friends of Brownhill Creek (see “Support” page) have all supported a No Dam solution. Responding to overwhelming community opposition to a dam in Brownhill Creek, all five catchment councils, Adelaide, Burnside, Mitcham, Unley and West Torrens, agreed to pursue a feasible No Dam option and now it is available. All five catchment councils now support No Dam Option D, the project’s and community’s preferred option. The Stormwater Management Authority have directed the Project to finally complete the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Management Plan and communities across five catchment councils can unite to lobby for effective funding to implement the plan. Please scroll down to view videos and access more detailed information.

SUMMARY READING:

NEWS PAGE-Nov 2015-All Five Catchment Councils Voted in Favour of No Dam Option D

Media Release-Environment and Heritage Groups Support Option D

BCTP Letter Supporting Option D

Eastern Courier Aug 26, KNCHA

BCA Media Release

Latest No Dam Bi-Fold Flyer

Environment and Heritage Assets in the Upper Reaches of Brownhill Creek-June, 2015

BCA-Public Consultation Flyer.pdf

BCA Membership Form (We now have 217 paid members)

refinding-yabbies-colour-c-17aug15

Please note: Anyone wanting a full colour hard copy, suitable for presents for early primary aged children can purchase for $15, with the proceeds going to the Friends of Brownhill Creek to help with creek and riparian zone restoration. Postal orders to BCA, PO Box 113, Mitcham Shopping Centre Torrens Park SA 5062. Account Name: Brownhill Creek Association Incorporated. Financial Institution: People’s Choice Credit Union (formerly Australian Central/Savings and Loan CU). BSB No. 805 050. Account No. 2342677

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VIDEOS:

“This is Brownhill Creek” by local filmmaker Linda Kennedy

Linda enjoyed Brownhill Creek in her childhood and now visits often with her two children. Brownhill Creek is their favourite place. Linda is passionate about making imaginative and creative documentaries and you can see more of her work at Midnight SHORTS

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“This is Ellison’s Gully”, the latest video by local filmmaker Linda Kennedy. Linda was not commissioned to produce these films and kindly made them freely available to the public. Linda hopes that her films will help to preserve these natural valleys for future generations.

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No Dam in Brownhill Creek – Aerial Video

Gain an amazing aerial perspective of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park (1841) and the magnificent Stone Pines (Pinus Pinea) at “Seven Pines”. These heritage-listed trees are on the National Trust, State and National Significant Tree Registers. Read the Final Report on The Seven Pines at Brown Hill Creek Recreation Park

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“Noah’s Place”

Noah made this impressive and personal video about Brownhill Creek as part of the SA Institute of Architecture competition: “Take Your Place”. In the Eastern Courier Messenger article “Capture what you love”, Noah says “it’s my favourite place in the world-I love everything about it.”

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Additional reading:

See ‘Get The Facts’ page

MEDIA RELEASE-12th May,2014-Creek Upgrade Solution Essential

NO DAM COMMENTS

MEDIA RELEASE- Friday 14th February-Adelaide Floods While Dam Site Dry!

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DEPUTATION TO MITCHAM COUNCIL 25/02/14 : PUBLIC EVENT

A huge thank you to all who attended! 150 community members crowded into Mitcham Council Chambers and even overflowed outside. The powerful and positive community energy was “palpable”. The No Dam Petition with 10,087 signatories was presented to council and a summary of the three year campaign was delivered, along with a call for Mitcham Council to continue its support for a feasible No Dam option. This is in line with the endorsed position of all five catchment councils “to pursue a feasible no dam solution”.

Just one section of the large community gallery: Mitcham Council Chamber, 25/02/2014

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ANDREW SOUTHCOTT MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BOOTHBY, FORMALLY OPPOSES THE DAM:

Andrew Southcott MP-Letter of Support

Letter to Andrew Southcott MP

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MARTIN HAMILTON-SMITH MP, STATE MEMBER FOR WAITE, FORMALLY OPPOSES THE DAM AND SUPPORTS THE PROJECT PREFERRED OPTION D.

Letter of Support Option D-Martin Hamilton-Smith MP

THE HON. IAN HUNTER MP (MINISTER FOR SUSTAINABILITY, ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION; MINISTER FOR WATER AND THE RIVER MURRAY; MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE) HAS WRITTEN TO OUR LOCAL STATE MEMBER FOR WAITE.

Letter From The Hon. Ian Hunter MLC To State Member For Waite Martin Hamilton-Smith MP

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OUR GOALS:

1. Save the environment and heritage of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park (1841), Ellison’s Gully and the Kaurna Country, Wirraparinga, by stopping the proposed dam.

2. Support the implementation of a balanced and effective Stormwater Management Plan, which includes the feasible No Dam Option D.

3. Promote sustainable best practice Stormwater Management Solutions from ‘Catchment to Coast’.

KEY POINT:

A dam in Brownhill Creek will not prevent flash flooding from short, intense rainfall over the urban Brownhill Creek catchment. The experts agree that a downstream creek upgrade must be undertaken. These downstream works eliminate the need for a dam and provide a feasible and more cost effective Stormwater Management solution.

A BETTER WAY:

A feasible Creek Capacity Upgrade Option D (No Dam / No Large Hi-Flow Diversion Culverts in Unley) is available and the community is expecting that it be implemented. The five councils need to complete the plan as soon as possible and seek funding. They should not waste any more time on the proposed dam, which is an unnecessary component and a major impediment to achieving a complete plan.

NO DAM OPTION D IS SUPPORTED BY:

Over 11,000 signatories to the No Dam Petition! (not electronic, but physical signatures)
Conservation Council SA (our peak conservation body)
The Kaurna Nation Cultural Heritage Association (KNCHA)
National Trust of South Australia
Nature Foundation SA
Mitcham Historical Society
The Friends of Brownhill Creek
Community Alliance SA
Numerous other community groups
Martin Hamilton-Smith MP, Independent Liberal State Member for Waite
Andrew Southcott MP, Federal Liberal Member for Boothby

CATCHMENT COUNCILS’ AGREEMENT:

“In light of community concerns about the proposed dam in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, the strategy also commits to pursue a feasible No Dam solution”.

But a dam has not yet been ruled out and The National Trust has placed Brownhill Creek Recreation Park on its At Risk Register.

We are the custodians of this valley for future generations and we need to act now, before it is too late!

COMMENTS

QUOTES

“Brownhill Creek Recreation Park has long been cherished by South Australians and as one of our State’s oldest parks, it is rich with cultural heritage” (Minister John Hill, 2003).

Read full quote:Minister John Hill MP

“The Bureau of Meteorology has provided revised rainfall data that indicates that a flood control dam does not provide a feasible solution for the Part B Works. Further investigation using the data shows that the best solution is upgrading the existing creek at critical sections along the length of Brownhill Creek” (Ian Hunter MLC; Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation; Minister for Water).

Read full quote: Letter From Minister Hunter

“Option D has been identified by the BHKC Stormwater Project as the preferred option for Part B flood mitigation works”. (BHKC Stormwater Project Summary Brochure: Managing Stormwater Flows in Upper Brownhill Creek, Page 7). Please note that Option D is the No Dam option.

BHKC Summary Brochure May 2015

“The task of this department is to help our communities find a balance so that our impacts do not diminish the natural capital of the state. We express that as – our vision is a sustainable and prosperous South Australia where natural resources are used wisely and a healthy environment is understood to be the basis of a good quality of life“ (Allan Holmes, Former Chief Executive, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources).

Read full quote: Our Chief Executive

“While I recognise the need to make reasonable provision to protect those at risk from flooding, there are many ways of achieving this that do not detract from, or destroy, areas which should remain unspoiled for future generations” (Barbara Hardy AO, Order Of Australia and Patron of Nature Foundation SA).

Read full quote: Barbara Hardy & Brown Hill

“The Brownhill Creek Stone Pines are undoubtedly Living Monuments of great historical significance for Mitcham and the State of South Australia. They also have botanical and scientific significance at National and International levels. The Stone Pines at “Seven Pines” are now listed on the Significant Tree Register of the National Trust of South Australia. Their nomination to the Register of Significant Trees of the National Trust of Australia accounts them new status“ (Charlie Buttigieg, Tree Nominator to the Register of Significant Trees of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria and South Australia).

2013 Trust News Feb issue Charles Buttigieg & SA historic trees

Final Report on The Seven Pines at Brown Hill Creek Recreation Park

SELECTED COMMUNITY COMMENTS FROM OUR ARCHIVE

Note: Out of over 2,000 comments received, only 3 favoured a dam. One of the three mistakingly thought that the dam would permanently store water. We have included a selection of 41 community comments for you to view.