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Roseworthy resident LeeAnn Brough is appalled by the state government’s decision to remove 700 seats from Adelaide trains.Under the plan, decks of three seats on one side of the carriage will be replaced with decks of two to make more standing room for passengers.
Transport minister Patrick Conlon said the move would reduce the number of seats by between 10 and 12 per carriage.
The refurbishment package will also see the installation of 900 graffiti-resistant windows at a cost of $700,000.
The announcement has received damning criticism from local commuters, who say they will feel like herded cattle under the government’s new proposal.
Roseworthy resident LeeAnn Brough, who catches the train to and from Adelaide for work, is appalled by the government’s lack of foresight and said this is yet another stop-gap response to the public transport crisis.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Ms Brough said. “The state government needs to look at providing more services and rescheduling the timetables, not removing the seats.”
Ms Brough said in the three and a half years she has caught the train to work, she has seen multiple people collapse from heat stroke.
“In the heat of summer I have seen two or three people collapse,” Ms Brough said. “Cramming more people into the carriages is not only stupid but it is an occupational health and safety issue.
“And what about the elderly or people who are unable to stand for long distances? Who is the judge of who has to sit and who has to stand?”
Gawler-based Liberal MLC John Dawkins, who was given a new northern suburbs portfolio after the shadow cabinet reshuffle earlier this month, said the state government’s plan defies all logic.
“It’s crazy and it’s dangerous,” Mr. Dawkins said. “It may be fine for a few carriages but not for 70.”
Mr. Dawkins has been a vocal campaigner for a Gawler line overhaul and recently invited Mr. Conlon to ride the Gawler line with him to experience first hand the difficulties experienced by everyday commuters.
Mr. Conlon did not respond to the invitation.
Ms Brough is now urging all MPs to give up their chauffeur-driven vehicles and catch peak-hour public transport to work every day for a month.
“They should try catching the express trains and see if they get to work on time,” Ms Brough said. “To understand the situation they have got to get on a train, not just in the school holidays or in the middle of the day.”
However, Mr. Conlon has deflected the criticism, claiming Adelaide’s new public transport network will be something “South Australians can be proud of”.
“It will give us the best public transport system in Australia at the end of that time,” Mr. Conlon said.
The Rann government’s $2 billion plan is set to deliver new electric trains, converted and refurbished diesel trains, additional light rail vehicles, new hybrid trains and trams and a new ticketing system.
Seat removals and window replacements are scheduled to commence this week, with the entire upgrade of train interiors expected to be completed over the next three years.
Developers and residents clash
The prospect of having a shopping centre towering over their homes, and a car park overlooking their backyards, has angered a group of Evanston residents.A petition signed by 15 residents of Rau avenue and Orchard drive, which back onto Impact Investment Corporation’s shopping centre under construction in Evanston, is asking Gawler Council to install a 10-foot high fence behind the properties to protect their privacy.
James and Meryn Lang live on Orchard drive and say the development – which has seen the ground level behind their fences raised dramatically– has put them off being in their backyards, and it’s worse for neighbours with swimming pools.
“I can’t even have the blinds open, and you can’t be in your own backyard,” Meryn said.
“In the plans they (council) gave us they didn’t say anything about the land being built up.”
James said the value of their home, purchased in 2006, has dropped since they lost their privacy.
“It’s just not enjoyable to live here anymore,” he said.
However Impact director Michael Klobas said the residents knew the shopping centre would go there, and if they had gone to council and studied the development application they would have seen the ground height was being raised behind their properties.
“When the business zone was approved by council, a section of land we owned was left in residential zone on the basis that when these people bought this land and built those homes, they were aware there was a commercial development beside them,” he said.
“Those houses were there as a buffer between the existing residents and the development.
“They bought with full knowledge of the development occurring. The levels of development have not changed from the original plans when they were lodged with council three years ago.”
A garden is planned for the area behind the Orchard drive and Rau avenue houses concerned, but there is no guarantee that trees big enough to block views would be included.
Mr. Klobas said the proposed 10-foot fence is a council issue, and with a report due to come back to the October council meeting, the Lang family are hoping for a positive result.
“If we can get it, it would be really good,” Meryn said. “I just don’t count on anything anymore.”
The Lang family said they were not happy with the response from Impact when they complained about noise and privacy issues, nor when their backyard was flooded with mud earlier in the year as they were installing a shed.
“The backyard was completely under water,” James said.
“We’ve never had flooding before, because the ground level used to be below our border.
“A (concrete) barrier was taken down because council told us to, but it was not there for two years before and there was no flooding.”
However Mr. Klobas said the flooding was due to the removal of the concrete barrier.
“Mr. Lang removed the fence that we put along the boundary and a concrete plinth at the base of the fence designed to prevent flooding,” he said.
“He put his shed on the boundary, it rained and mud came in.”
Mr. Klobas also made the Lang family move a downpipe from the back of their shed onto the side of their shed, as it had been on the developer’s property.
Amid concerns over unrealistic timetables, changing maps and a lack of information, Gawler Council is progressing with negotiations on the Gawler East development.
The Bunyip recently revealed the urban development and planning minister has not and will not sign the memorandum of understanding (MOU) designed to ensure the Gawler community is consulted on the expanding urban growth boundary and subsequent development in Gawler East.
However council CEO Stephen Kerrigan said he expects more information from developer Delfin Lend Lease shortly, and then community consultation will begin.
“We haven’t got the information from Delfin and that’s not being critical, it’s just stating the facts,” he said.
“Delfin do have commitments that rely on provision of information from government agencies, it’s just the expectation was we would have had the information earlier.
“We’re meeting with Delfin next week, hopefully we’ll have a bit more information.”
At last week’s council meeting, councillor Penny Johnston expressed her frustration that council was accepting a much larger area of land for the MOU than was specified when they signed the document.
“How are we protecting the community’s interest if we sign an MOU subject to this smaller map area, then we suddenly agree the MOU is subject to a much, much larger area?” she said.
“We need to debate it fully before we make a decision on it, else we’re not serving anyone.”
However Mr. Kerrigan argued it would be confusing and pointless to try and limit the scope of the MOU, as the minister has already decided the development plan amendment for the entire area is also larger than previously agreed.
“There’s a lot more benefits that can be obtained for the community when the council has a positive relationship, and where the minister is encouraging co-operation,” Mr. Kerrigan said.
“If we’re not there negotiating on behalf of the community, we wouldn’t get a say.”
Mr. Kerrigan’s report to council said there is a “genuine desire” for positive relationships to continue so that social, environmental, economic and planning outcomes can be achieved as outlined in the MOU.
“Delfin Lend Lease have confirmed their commitment to the signed MOU and are seeking a similar commitment from council over the larger area which I have indicated will be provided,” he said.
Building community in Mozambique
Annette Blackett is packing light for her overseas adventure, armed with a single minded vision to create a better life for those less fortunate.The Lyndoch resident is one of six volunteers who will travel to Mozambique next Wednesday for the Lichinga Christian School Building Project, part of the international Youth With A Mission program.
It will be Annette’s third visit to the underprivileged community in south eastern Africa, where she and her colleagues will attempt to construct a new classroom for the school in just 16 days.
“I’m very much looking forward to it now,” Annette said.
“I’m going back to visit friends and see the work they are involved in at the moment.
“It’s the first time I’ve taken a team of people and none of those have been to Africa before and some have never travelled overseas before so it should be interesting.”
With the majority of its population under the age of 14 due to war, natural disasters and past political unrest, Mozambique is in need of material aid, while many of its people are devoid of education and spiritual guidance.
Annette said the new classroom will open the school’s doors to 100 students instead of the current 40, laying the foundations for improved literacy among students and also their parents.
“It’s very much about building those long term relationships and going back two or three times is what establishes that,” she said.
“Africa is a totally different place to here and what we expect in the western world doesn’t happen the same as far as getting on the phone and saying, ‘where’s this and where’s that’.
“We just need to go with a plan and as a team we’re very happy to have our eyes and our hearts open to whatever is there.”
Despite the obvious challenges and tough working conditions, Annette is confident the mission is achievable.
She said a local fundraising drive which raised $15,000 eclipsed the original target of $7000, turning long-held dreams into reality.
“The fundraising has been unbelievable, we’ve been blessed over and over and over again,” Annette said.
“Obviously God had an understanding of what was needed because all of that will be spent on the school.
“It will be a fully complete facility and anything we do have left will go to furniture, curriculum, resources for the kids and whatever else we can support.”
For more information on the Lichinga Christian School Building Project, visit www.lichinga.tk.
A Willaston man suffered head injuries after jumping from a moving train on the Gawler railway line on Sunday.
The man, who was travelling between Munno Para and Kudla stations, was apprehended by police on the train after he failed to produce a valid ticket and became agitated.
After a struggle, the man broke free from police, forced the doors open and jumped off the train, which was travelling at 100kph at the time.
The man fell onto the track, landing on his face, and disappeared out of sight. Police searched for the man after disembarking the train at Kudla station, and he was eventually located by a police helicopter hiding in nearby scrub. He was arrested and treated at hospital.
A 21-year-old Virginia man was arrested for traffic offences after allegedly driving at 190kph in a 110kph zone last Wednesday.
Police detected the man at 5.45pm on Port Wakefield road, Lower Light, three kilometres north of Two Wells.
He was charged with driving in a manner dangerous to the public, speeding and breaching the conditions of his provisional licence.
The man was bailed by police and will appear in Elizabeth Magistrates Court in November.
An Evanston South man was arrested last Thursday after a large quantity of marijuana was located growing at his home address.
Another man was also arrested later the same day when a hydroponic set up was located in a shed at his Angle Vale house.
A 34-year old Nuriootpa man was reported for driving without due care and driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle after a crash last Friday at Penrice road, Angaston.
The car collided with a stobie pole in the incident, but the driver was not injured. The vehicle had been unregistered since February.
About $20,000 worth of fertiliser and tools were stolen from a farm shed at Virginia last Tuesday.
More than 100 bags of fertiliser including nitrates and potassium were taken, which would have required a small truck to remove.
Police are searching for an unknown person who used a hacksaw to steal a section of copper gas piping from an Adelaide road, Gawler business last Tuesday night, which resulted in a gas leak.
Anyone with information is asked to call BankSA Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A man was arrested for unlawful possession, theft and driving unlicensed at Davidson road, Evanston last Friday.
A number of stolen goods were located in the man’s car including $20,000 worth of jewellery from a house break last Monday and 300 pristine $1 notes.
A fire caused $20,000 worth of damage to a business at Gawler road, Virginia on Saturday afternoon.
A rubbish fire burn off from three weeks ago reignited due to strong winds, burning a 10 x 20 metre area of grass.
CFS crews attended the fire, which also damaged seedling areas and shade cloth.
Four security lights were smashed outside the Hewett Primary School hall last Tuesday.
A classroom lock was also damaged at the school last Wednesday, causing $150 worth of damage.
A fire caused between $5000 and $10,000 worth of damage to an Evanston house last Friday.
Two MFS crews were called to the scene after the fire started in a kitchen stove.
The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure has warned motorists to expect heavy holiday traffic when planning return journeys from the Yorke Peninsula this Labour Day long weekend.
Significant delays are expected, particularly at the junction of the Port Wakefield to Kadina road and Highway One.
To assist the safe flow of traffic, a 25kph speed limit will be in place at approaches to the junction on Monday, October 6.
Breaks and Thefts
GAWLER – A train carriage was graffitied at Gawler Central station last Thursday.
GAWLER – A VS Holden Commodore valued at $6000 was stolen from a Cowan street car park last Friday night.
GAWLER EAST – Two vehicles were broken into on Cheek avenue last Thursday.
EVANSTON – A wallet was stolen from a workman at Evanston Primary School between 10am and noon last Wednesday.
EVANSTON – Power tools were stolen from two cargo containers at a Main North road construction site last Saturday.
GAWLER RIVER – Windows were smashed and two way radios were stolen from six road making machines at a Wingate road business on Sunday.
ANGLE VALE – Eight security lights were smashed, various buildings were graffitied and several holes were kicked in a canteen wall at Angle Vale Primary School last Friday, causing $800 worth of damage.
BUCKLAND PARK – A white homemade twin axle trailer was stolen last Thursday.
McDONALD PARK – A blue trailer was stolen from a house on Sunday.
PORT GAWLER – A car which was stolen from Rosewater was found crashed into a tree on Shellgrit road on Sunday.
TANUNDA – A black BMX was stolen from the rear yard of a house on Para road between September 18 and 26.
TANUNDA – Two letter boxes on Murray street were damaged on Saturday night.
KAPUNDA – A stereo system, soap and bedding were stolen from a Bridge street premises last weekend.
KAPUNDA – A small quantity of liquor was stolen from a licensed premises about 2am on Sunday after a roller door was forced open.
ANGASTON – An unattended purse was stolen from a table at a hotel on Saturday.
SANDY CREEK – A quantity of disused copper piping was stolen from an engineering business last Tuesday.
MOUNT PLEASANT – Two gates were stolen from a farm on Fisher road between September 16 and 21.
LYNDOCH – A small quantity of alcohol was stolen from a Barossa Valley Highway winery on Saturday.
MARANANGA – A big screen television and a stereo system were stolen from a bed and breakfast on Seppeltsfield road last Thursday night.
Reports and Arrests
A 33-year-old Adelaide man was reported for driving without due care and driving under the influence of drugs after a car crash which occurred in the Barossa in January.
A 20-year-old woman of no fixed abode was arrested for trespassing at Nuriootpa last Thursday. She was bailed to appear in court at a later date.
A man was arrested at Evanston train station last Friday for an assault which occurred previously.
A male juvenile from Freeling had his car impounded and was reported for misuse of a motor vehicle on Friday night.
A man was arrested for disorderly behaviour and property damage after smashing a glass door at a licensed premises at Gawler at 12.30am on Saturday.
A Willaston man was arrested for breach of bail on Saturday.
A man was arrested for disorderly behaviour at Evanston on Saturday.
A Smithfield man was arrested for assault and property damage after allegedly damaging several cars at Evanston Gardens on Sunday.
Traffic restrictions lifted by early October
The wider, patterned footpaths that will be the trademark of the Murray street upgrade are beginning to take shape at the northern end of the street.
The rough concrete topping now seen will be polished back to produce an attractive, non-slip finish showing the pebble pattern in the concrete.
Gawler Council CEO Stephen Kerrigan said the project is progressing well, and council has received positive feedback from the community.
“The uncovering of several hidden cellars and some wet weather has impacted on the progress of the works, but officers have ensured that the contractors have pressed on to make up for this,” he said.
“The construction is now 10 weeks in and really starting to take shape.
“As paving and concreting continues to occur over the next four weeks council is also taking the opportunity to upgrade the Telstra pits, potentially preventing disturbance to the footpath in the near future.”
Mr. Kerrigan said the upgrade has been “quite stressful” on local traders.
“Their patience with the redevelopment and support to council staff and contractors is appreciated,” he said.
“Council’s ideal situation would be to see the construction works completed ahead of schedule, and if this occurs every effort will be made to open up Murray street to two way traffic again.”
Traffic restrictions are expected to remain in place until the end of construction, scheduled for October 11, to ensure contractors continue to have a safe environment while completing their work.
Underground infrastructure required to house street trees will also be installed during this period.
The polishing of the concrete footpath will start at the end of September, and where possible will be undertaken at times to minimise impact on businesses due to the level of noise and dust that will be generated, and this may include some after hours work.
The final installation of street trees and furniture will occur following the removal of traffic controls.
Budget cuts equal service cuts
Gawler Council will hold two special meetings to hear suggestions about ways to save $1 million.Councillors approved the 2008-09 budget on the proviso staff come back to council with ways to slash $1 million from council’s spending – from $23.6 million to $22.6 million – to reduce the $1.7 million deficit.
Corporate and community services director Vic Izzo said progress on reviewing and suggesting operating budget reductions has been much slower and more complex than expected, as failing to consider the consequences of each action would be a risky practice.
“Equally as dangerous is the practice of slashing across the board and while this may appear relatively easy, done without thought, (it) may actually result in expensive consequences,” he said in a report to council.
Councillors have arranged two briefings to consider the cuts, but at last week’s council meeting were again warned services will suffer.
“There are more than 40 different cuts being considered, and we need to consult with council. It will inevitably cut down on services,” Mr. Izzo said.
“We currently have robust services – somewhere along the line there has to be an assessment by the council if they want to continue these services or drop them.”
Solar industry possible in the Barossa
Reduced prices for solar panels and a boost in training and employment for local youths are the spin-offs of a solar program that local towns can get involved in.
Adelaide based ZEN Home Energy Systems has started a 300-home solar energy transformation in the Victorian shire of Towong, and plans to replicate the program in regional South Australia.
ZEN CEO Richard Turner said the program will serve as a welcome ‘shot in the arm’ for the shire’s economy.
“We’re not just installing solar energy systems in homes and walking away, but we’re creating a new industry and education program within the community,” he said.
“Regional centres constantly battle against lowering population levels through losing youth and skilled workers to large cities.
“This initiative will combat that trend by engaging local tradespeople and developing new expertise in the region while at the same time providing a sustainable energy solution.”
The multi-million dollar initiative will see the 300 homes in Towong fitted with the company’s fully integrated solar grid connect home energy system and solar hot water system.
However, Mr. Turner said they only need around 50 homes to start a project.
“You could have 20 in Tanunda, 20 in Nuriootpa and 20 in Angaston, that community becomes a region,” he said.
“I’m keen to meet with local community leaders to show how the Victorian program can be replicated here in South Australia.”
For more information visit www.zenhomeenergy.com.
Dawkins to champion northern issues
Gawler-based Liberal MLC John Dawkins has another string to his bow following the shadow cabinet reshuffle last week.
Mr. Dawkins has added the new northern suburbs portfolio to his existing parliamentary secretary duties and said he looks forward to championing issues of relevance to northern residents.
“In my view it fits in with my current duties very well,” Mr. Dawkins said. “Opposition Leader Martin Hamilton-Smith and I have worked closely and effectively on state infrastructure and regional development for over a year now.
“I am delighted to be able to assist him with this added and important responsibility of the northern suburbs.”
Mr. Dawkins also said he would take this opportunity to ensure the minister for the northern suburbs, Jennifer Rankine, was not failing in her new role.
“I’m keen to monitor what the new minister is doing and keep an eye on any proposed initiatives in the area,” he said.
Mr. Dawkins is widely known for actively advocating public transport reform, using his speech at the Legislative Council last week to again draw attention to Gawler’s failing train network.
Mr. Dawkins said while the northern suburbs were thriving there were still many issues he would like to see tackled.
“There are a number of organisations doing great work in the area but there’s a lot more work to do to improve public transport services, business opportunities for locals and employment rates, especially among the area’s young people,” he said.
“I look forward to building on my existing networks, creating new ones and working with the local community to ensure the north receives the strong advocacy it deserves.”
Out with the old, in with the new
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Coach Mark Brant has been told his services are no longer required at Gawler Central Football Club.“I was told I wasn’t attacking enough, did not promote enough youth, there were some discipline issues and I did not get them into a grand final,” Brant said yesterday (Tuesday). “Basically I was not the right man for the job.
“Shocked and disappointed would be the best words to describe how I am feeling. With the hard work I put in, I thought there were numerous opportunities for the younger players and the skill level had risen, while we kicked in excess of 20 goals on several occasions.
“Throughout my time at the club I’ve given 100 per cent and always conducted myself professionally...I’m extremely disappointed in the committee’s decision.”
Brant said he would consider taking a year off from coaching and wished the Central players all the best in their football endeavours.
Meanwhile, long-serving Angaston player Craig Hadden, who holds the Panthers club record for most A grade games, has been announced as that club’s new coach for 2009.
“Craig has been appointed for two years,” Angaston president Kerrie Woodards said. “He has been at the club a long time and his loyalty has been recognised, and he deserves his chance at the top level at the club. We see him as a very good coach in the making.”
Hadden has coached Angaston’s B grade for the past three seasons and this year the Panthers reserves won six games, three times as many as in 2007. Although he put the boots on a couple of times to help out this season, he definitely will not play next year.
Big bucks at Marrabel Rodeo
The Marrabel Rodeo is back after a one-year hiatus and will be kicking off this weekend.
After it was cancelled last year due to the horse flu outbreak, the 71st Marrabel Rodeo is expected to be a hotly contested event.
It is rated amongst the top 10 rodeos nationally and about 180 of the country’s top competitors will be taking to the arena to vie for more than $20,000 in prize money.
Proceeds from the annual event benefit the local community and are distributed between clubs, charities and groups.
Cricket, pony and Lions clubs as well as schools and other community groups also raise money by providing catering, cleaning up and helping organise and run the day.
Marrabel Rodeo president Mick Williams said the event will kick off at 8.30am.
“The day promises plenty of action with bull riding, buckjumping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and junior events commencing at 8.30am,” he said.
The bucking stock action will start at 10.30am.
“With the rodeo cancelled last year due to the horse flu, competitors will be keen to compete at Marrabel in order to accumulate as many points as they can before the nationals in December,” Mr. Williams said.
Free weekend camping, full bar, catering and sideshows will be available.
Live entertainment by Paul O’Bryan’s Country Rock Band will fire up at the end of the rodeo and will continue until late.
A recovery breakfast will also be on offer on Monday.
Soccer truly a universal sport
In the early days of Elizabeth, a group of English migrants yearned for the sport of their homeland and formed a soccer team.
The Northern Nomads was born in 1957 and Jim Binyon was the main organiser.
About the same time another soccer team was formed, Elizabeth United, and after two seasons both entities combined to form the Elizabeth Soccer Club and played on a brand new ground, Ramsey Park.
“Dad was one of the founders of northern soccer,” said Jim’s son Dave. “He got some neighbours and friends together and established a club soon after we arrived in the area.
“Initially we played on Ridley road, but dad kept pushing the Housing Trust and eventually Ramsey Park was created. Unfortunately when the two clubs amalgamated dad wasn’t on the committee, so over time his input has probably been forgotten.”
Born in Manchester in 1939, Dave was a handy soccer player as a youngster, and his school team reached the final of the Manchester Payne Shield. One of his team-mates was Shay Brennan, who went on to play 14 seasons for Man United and represented Ireland.
Dave came to South Australia in 1954, spending his first week on Torrens Island in quarantine, as a member of the crew had contracted smallpox and he had not been vaccinated.
Initially he played for a team made up mainly of Dutch immigrants, Orange, then as a 17-year-old suited up for the Nomads before joining Salisbury.
“After a season with Salisbury I went overseas to England, where I was offered a trial with Stockport County in third division,” Dave said. “Then I played with semi-pro team Altrincham in Cheshire county for a couple of months.
“Before returning to Australia I played with the Westminster Royals in Vancouver, Canada, but when I came home Salisbury did not want me. I got a permit to play for Elizabeth in a game, which was against Salisbury, and after kicking two goals they wanted me back.”
Dave finished the 1961 season with Salisbury, then transferred to Elizabeth, but in 1964 married and moved South, playing for Wakefield Wanderers, which eventually changed its name to Noarlunga United.
Playing league on Saturday, Dave also was involved with Young Christian Workers (YCW) soccer on Sundays, and one year won the award for most goals in a season and represented the state team in SA’s first win over Victoria in more 30 years.
He came to Gawler in 1983 and his interest turned to horse racing. Over 25 years he tasted some success as a horse trainer, and won a few races with the likes of Derby Downs, Miss Mastvil and Southern Slave.
However, soccer wasn’t far from his thoughts.
“Two years ago I started coaching soccer at Raiders and last season was with Tea Tree Gully, which has something like 500 junior members,” Dave said. “I was interested in coaching Gawler juniors, and perhaps I will end up there.”
Dave worked with SA Gas for 24 years, and then tried to start a business breeding turkeys but ended up driving buses until his retirement. He and wife Mary have four children, David junior, Linda, Angela and Fiona, and 11 grandchildren.
Another aspect of Dave’s life is as an acting extra. He worked on five episodes of McLeod’s Daughters – once dropping a flag to start a horse race – and several films, including Robbery Under Arms.