Ta l k i n g P o i n t s
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Winter 2014
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Be a vocal local
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2014 Council elections
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Between the City and the Sea
Council elections this November
Local Government elections in South
Australia will be held in November this year
and residents are being encouraged to
nominate for a position on Council and to
to vote.
Local Government members are elected
representatives of the people who live,
work and do business in the Council area,
and in the City of West Torrens we have 15
elected members, including the mayor.
Being an elected member
Elected members help influence and make
decisions about what happens locally. They
can be involved in:
• deciding on Council plans and policies
for the area
• guiding Council affairs
• ensuring Council resources are used
fairly for the benefit of everyone in the
community
• talking to local people about their views
and ideas for the area
• letting others know about issues within
their specific wards.
Airport Ward
Cr Rosalie Haese
West Beach Road. Both Cr Palmer and I
thank the many interested residents, who
in June attended the Stage 2 Consultation
for the West Beach Road. Options three
and four are the two preferred options.
Further work will be undertaken and
residents’ concerns and suggestions will be
considered when presenting the next stage
for comment.
In the meantime, Council officers will
be closely monitoring the situation.
Please notify Council or the Police of any
dangerous traffic situations ASAP.
Talking Points is produced by the City of
West Torrens for its community. The views
and opinions expressed in articles and
advertisements submitted by contributors,
other than the City of West Torrens,
do not necessarily reflect the views of
the Council as a body or as individual
members. Council encourages Elected
Members to share their comments with
the community.
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Page 2
Be a vocal local
2014 Council elections
www.westtorrens.sa.gov.au/elections
The City of West Torrens has seven wards,
each represented by two elected members.
While they are not paid wages, they do
receive an annual allowance, plus other
benefits such as mobile phones, laptops,
training, conferences and networking
opportunities.
Nominations for Council open on
2 September 2014 and close on 16
September 2014 at midday, with the last
day to vote being on 7 November 2014.
Unlike elections for State and Federal
governments, Local Government elections
are not compulsory and voting packs will be
posted to local residents between 20 and
24 October.
Changes to
ward boundaries
In the Summer 2013/14 issue of Talking
Points we reported that there have been
some changes to Council ward boundaries
which will take effect at these Council
elections.
These boundary changes will give a more
even distribution of electors within wards.
All ward boundaries were revised, so some
residents may now find that they will be
living and voting in different wards.
To find out if you’ve been affected, visit
Council’s website, westtorrens.sa.gov.au
and read the latest news item about these
changes. Alternatively, contact our Elections
Team on 8416 6333.
To find out more, visit Council’s website,
www.westtorrens.sa.gov.au/elections or
phone 8416 6333.
Adelaide Airport Limited
Master Plan 2014. The Preliminary Draft
Master Plan for the Adelaide Airport is now
available for public comment. View the plan
on AAL’s website.
Dogs. Great news for dogs - and their
owners! The Council will be providing
residents with their very own dog park. To
be located in Moss Avenue Marleston, the
safely enclosed park will have dog agility
equipment, shelters ….and trees! Many
thanks to those of you who responded
positively to the park.
Fulham Primary School reunion.
Attention all former students. A reunion will
be held at the Reedbeds Community Centre
on Saturday 30 August from noon - 4pm.
Please contact me for further details or
check the Fulham Primary School Group’s
Facebook site.
Special rubbish collections. Once a year,
residents and ratepayers are able to get a
waste disposal voucher for the Adelaide
Waste and Recycling Centre at 181
Morphett Road North Plympton. Vouchers
are available at the Council, and proof of
residence must be provided.
While we’re on the subject of dogs, did you
know that dogs (both male and female) are
less likely to bite or attack if they have been
desexed? Dogs are also less likely to want
to wander and, most importantly, less likely
to develop certain illnesses including cancer.
Registration fees for desexed and micro
chipped dogs are also lower.
Please contact me on either 82359157,
0439284278 or rhaese@wtcc.sa.gov.au. Cr
Palmer and I are always available to assist
you with your Council concerns.
Editorial/Design
Nerissa Nicholson
Team Leader, Media and Events
City of West Torrens
Word Cafe
Photography
John Kruger Hot Images.
Stock images: 123RF and Stock.xchng
Printing
Finsbury Green
Stock
Titan Plus Satin, carbon neutral - 113 gsm.
You may also like to follow me on
Facebook; ‘Councillor Rosalie Haese, Airport
Ward, City of West Torrens’ Please ‘LIKE’
and also Twitter “@RosalieHaese”.
Delivery
Salmat
To more than 27,000 homes and
businesses within the City of West Torrens.
westtorrens.sa.gov.au
A fully established rain garden in Mile End. Our Council is using innovative ways to reuse stormwater runoff.
When going against the flow reaps rewards
Our Council was recently in the
spotlight for exploding the myth that
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)
in established urban areas is ‘just too
hard’ when our Engineering Services
Coordinator Andrew King presented at the
Local Government Association (LGA) SA
conference and expo.
So what have we been up to?
Council’s efforts in managing water in
an urban environment have not gone
unnoticed, with the Goyder Institute for
Water Research, the Environment Protection
Authority (EPA) and the Adelaide and
Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources
Management (NRM) Board hailing our
achievements.
“Water Sensitive Urban Design seeks to
manage water in an urban environment
in such a way as to minimise the negative
impacts of urbanisation and maximise
economic, social and environmental
benefits,” Mr King says.
We’re involved with the Goyder Institute
on project reference groups and are
an important cog in the EPA’s Federal
Government-funded ‘Catchment to Coast’
program, where we’re involved with
research initiatives to identify suitable sites
within the West Torrens’ streetscape where
new rain gardens can be installed.
We’re also part of the NRM Board’s WSUD
Capacity Building Program to assist local
government in effectively managing water.
Our most recent WSUD project is underway
at Mile End, where we’re transforming the
area into Adelaide’s first retro-fitted water
sensitive suburb.
The ground-breaking work has as its genesis
a passion for smart usage of our precious
water resources.
“For us, it’s all about delivering a more
liveable, environmentally-friendly and
cooler city, characterised by trees, green
space, flood risk management, a reduction
in the flow of pollutants to the coast and,
ultimately, a fit-for-purpose water supply
that harnesses diversified sources of water.”
At the heart of our WSUD initiatives is the
creation of what are called rain gardens.
These are essentially streetscape or property
scale bio-filtration systems designed to
capture rainwater runoff from roads and
properties. Directed to kerbside gardens
populated with trees and other plants, the
runoff helps them to survive the hot and dry
weather spells as the water well element of
the rain garden provides access to water for
several weeks.
After being collected, the stormwater
passes through various layers of soil that act
as filters and remove harmful chemicals and
sediments before the water reaches local
waterways.
Council has more than 100 individual rain
gardens across the city (and a further 25
currently in the design stage), all planted
with native species that are largely drought
tolerant and provide habitat for local
wildlife.
At the same time, the rain gardens
significantly reduce the necessity for the
manual irrigation of trees and plants.
“We’re now at the point where WSUD
is very much ‘business as usual’ for our
Council,” Mr King said.
“In our push to achieve best practice in this
area, we assess WSUD and its applicability
to each and every project, at the design
stage. And while not always applied, it is
always considered.
Continued over
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Leading the way in water sensitive design
From previous page
“Of course, it’s a lot easier to do in a greenfield development but that doesn’t mean
it can’t be done in established metro environments. It can, we’ve proved it across
many suburbs, and we will continue to do so as the program rolls out across
streets and laneways in the City of West Torrens.”
Mr King explained that the WSUD installation at Mile End
was a classic example of the ‘can-do’ attitude that dominates
Council’s approach.
“The retro-fitting of numerous rain gardens across the historic
suburb has brought with it a raft a significant benefits, as much
for the residents as for the environment.
“Water equates to greenery and greenery, in turn, delivers
coolness. And in Mile End, we’re seeing the newly-planted trees
in our rain gardens grow at a substantially faster rate and achieve
greater health than typically installed street trees.
“They not only provide greater shade but the water in the rain
gardens further promotes more comfortable temperatures
and contributes to tackling what is called the ‘Urban Heat
Island Effect’.
“This, in essence, dictates that the more hard areas and
less green space there is, the higher the temperatures, with
research telling us that the differential between an area in the
middle of a city and that on the outskirts can be as high as 10
degrees Celsius.”
With all these achievements and accolades, it’s encouraging to hear that the
community of West Torrens has wholeheartedly embraced water sensitive urban
design and takes pride in and ownership of the process.
“When the community welcomes and supports what you’re doing, it not only gives
you a warm glow of satisfaction but leaves you convinced more than ever that what
you’re doing will succeed.”
Keswick Ward
Cr Michael Farnden
Dog park. After three years of false starts
to establish a dog park in the western part
of our city, Council resolved in early July to
establish one in Marleston/Kurralta Park,
using part of the Westside Bikeway and an
adjacent vacant block of State Government
land. Initially it will contain dog agility
equipment, lawned areas, a separate area
for small dogs and seating for owners.
Historic building in Keswick. Council
Administration proposed to demolish an
historic building on Kesmond Reserve in
Completed projects
Currently in design
This map of West Torrens shows our WSUD project
locations.
Keswick recently. I moved against this
recommendation to save this building, at
least for now, as I believe it important to
retain some of the history of our city. This
particular building was built in the 1930s
as a community health facility for mothers
and babies during and after the war. It has
been vacant and neglected over the past
few years, and I have called for a report
detailing a program of works over time to
bring it back to its former glory.
Housing Diversity
Development Plan Amendment. Almost
two years ago Council consulted with
residents on changes to residential zoning
in our city. I supported many changes to
the initial plan, based on resident feedback,
including the protection of the Glandore
character area from high rise development
on ANZAC Highway, reduction in proposed
building height in Keswick and Ashford
from six stories to three, and not allowing
four storey development in Kurralta Park.
The amended plan is now sitting with the
State Government Planning Minister for his
approval and will not come into force until
approved.
Social media. I have been pushing
for Council to establish a social media
presence, against strong resistance, for the
past four years to help Council connect
with our residents. Great news is this will
be happening very soon after recently being
approved by Council. Be sure to follow the
official Council and library social media
channels.
Stay up to date with what is happening or
give me feedback by following my personal
twitter (@mfarndenkeswick) or like my
Facebook page.
If you’d like to receive an electronic copy of Talking Points when it’s first
published, email your details to csu@wtcc.sa.gov.au and title your email
‘Talking Points Delivery’.
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Do you know what these symbols mean?
Every one of these promotes and publicises
accessibility for people with disabilities.
Our Council is always working on improving
disability access to Council services and
amenities and as part of this process we are
introducing access symbols in our publicity
to indicate the accessibility of programs
and events. While not all symbols will be
pertinent to every function or program we
organise, we will be mindful of promoting
what we can, where we can. More
information about this will also become
available on our website in the near future.
So, what are these symbols?
There are 12 symbols in all, however in this
issue of Talking Points, we are featuring just
six. The remainder will be featured in the
Spring issue of Talking Points.
1. Wheelchair access
Most people would recognise wheelchair
access but it indicates access for individuals
with limited mobility, not just wheelchair
users (obviously they are included).
A ramped entrance is not completely
accessible if there are no kerb cuts, and an
elevator is not accessible if it can only be
reached via steps.
performance, conference or other program
for people who are Deaf and understand
sign language.
2. Access for blind people
other than Braille.
This one is fairly obvious. Large print,
however, is printed in 18 pt or larger text.
It is great for identifying large print versions
of books, pamphlets, guides and programs.
It’s also good for those who want to make
large print versions available at conferences.
Print is usually high contrast.
This symbol indicates access for people who
are blind or have low vision, best used in
places such as a guided tour, a path to a
nature trail or a scent garden in a park and
a tactile tour or a museum exhibition that
may be touched.
3. Audio description.
This enables people who are blind or have
low vision to enjoy performing arts, visual
arts, television, video and film via a live
commentary or narration (via headphones
and a small transmitter) of visual elements
provided by a trained Audio Describer.
4. Sign language interpretation.
5. Large print.
6. Closed Captioning (CC).
Also known as subtitles, closed captions
enable people who are Deaf or hard of
hearing to read a transcript of the audio
portion of a video, film, exhibition or
other presentation. Council’s ‘Day in the
Life’ video on our website features Open
Captioning (OC) which is another symbol
sometimes seen.
This is provided for personal
communication, a lecture, tour, film,
West Beach Road plans to be considered
Plans to upgrade West Beach Road are
continuing following the second round of
public consultation in June.
Our Council has been working with the
City of Charles Sturt, Adelaide Shores and
Adelaide Airport to look at cost effective
ways to alleviate traffic and parking issues
along West Beach Road.
In June we held a second round of public
consultation, asking local residents to
provide feedback on four concept plans
that had been developed to improve the
road layout of West Beach Road. From
that public consultation it was found
that two options were preferred by the
general public which would see a full road
reconstruction of West Beach Road, onroad cycle lanes, off-road shared path and
marked parallel parking.
“The two options that are most preferred
‘ ‘
by our residents are the most costly of the
four options presented, so it’s clear that our
residents are keen to see an overhaul of the
current road,” Chief Executive Officer Terry
Buss said.
considerations. We also need to ensure that
the final option that is adopted is agreed to
by all respective clients of the project, not
just our Council.”
Community input into a
project like this is invaluable
as it helps our Council plan
for the future.
“All stakeholders will be discussing the
options in the near future and we’ll report
back to our community as soon as we can,”
Mr Buss said.
Mr Buss said like all major road upgrade
projects the stakeholders would need to
balance the community’s views against the
financial cost and technical implications.
“Community input into a project like this in
invaluable as it helps our Council plan for
the future so we can meet the needs of our
residents.”
“There are other factors that need to
be taken into consideration regarding
the future upgrade of West Beach
Road, including financial and technical
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Plympton Ward
Cr Mark Frances
The Westside Bikeway as a whole has
become a great recreational corridor for
all forms of exercise and recreation. The
addition of gym equipment has been well
supported with more equipment being
planned.
There are plenty of exciting plans for our
area coming up.
Weigal Oval. A five year master plan
has been developed by the Council to
develop a multiple use sporting facility and
community recreational facility. This will
also complement the Westside Bikeway and
open up this whole area.
Marleston dog park. A large section of
land on the Westside Bikeway at Marleston
has been identified by Council to develop
a dedicated dog park. A large number of
residents walk their dogs daily along the
Westside Bikeway and the dog park will
allow owners to exercise their dogs in a
secure and fun enclosure.
Community Bike Workshop. I recently
visited the Community Bike Workshop at
the Plympton Community Centre which
is run by the Bicycle Institute of South
Australia. This is a great service run by
volunteers that assists people in need and
also teaches skills in the maintenance of
bikes. I fully support community groups
such as these and I look forward to keeping
these groups active in our local community.
Community hubs. As a member of
the Community Hubs Committee I am
pleased to have seen the completion of
the Thebarton Community Centre and I
look forward to the next stage, including
the Camden Oval development. All of
these developments are funded by asset
sales within West Torrens. This means that
no loan funding has been required. These
facilities will serve the community for many
years to come and will support sporting and
service groups.
If you require any advice or support on
Council matters please contact me on
0488 211 603.
Get rid of your unwanted waste
•
•
•
•
hot water services
iron sheets and guttering
mattresses - limit of two
e-waste - including TVs,
computers and household
appliances.
Hard waste should be placed
as close to the kerb as possible
and a limit of 1.5 cubic metres
per household applies.
Council’s annual hard waste collection is now on for local residents.
Residents wanting to dispose
of hard waste can do so during
August/September when
Council offers its free annual
hard waste collection.
Information will be letterboxed
about collection dates and
what can and can’t be put out
for collection. It will also be
made available on our website,
westtorrens.sa.gov.au.
Items that will be collected
include:
• furniture
• refrigerators and freezers
(doors must be removed)
• whitegoods (including air
conditioners)
• floor coverings and window
treatments (up to 1.5m
lengths)
• bicycles and toys
• garden tools
• lawn mowers
• timber off cuts up to 1.5m
lengths
• unbroken glass and shower
screens
The Home and Community Care
team will assist older people
and people with disability
who are unable to arrange for
help from family, friends or
neighbours to place their hard
waste items out for collection.
You can register your interest by
contacting the HACC team on
8416 6251.
Other disposal options
Council also provides residents
with a free mattress and sofa
collection service. Bookings can
be made by contacting Council
on 8416 6333 during business
hours. The service is limited to
two mattresses/one ensemble
or a lounge suite or equivalent
per year.
E-waste (electrical and
electronic items) can be
disposed of for free any time of
the year at Adelaide Waste and
Recycling Centre, 181 Morphett
Road, North Plympton. Proof
of residence is not required for
disposal of TVs and computer
equipment as these are covered
under the National TV and
Computer Recycling Scheme.
However, Council funds the free
disposal of all other household
appliances and proof of
residence is required.
Hard waste voucher
Council also offers residents
a voucher for free disposal of
one 6’ x 4’ trailer load of waste
(or equivalent) at Adelaide
Waste and Recycling Centre,
181 Morphett Road, North
Plympton. Vouchers can be
obtained from the Civic Centre,
165 Sir Donald Bradman Drive,
Hilton during normal business
hours. Proof of residence is
required. There is a limit of one
voucher per household and the
voucher is valid for one month
from the date of issue.
Dog registrations are due by 31 August
You can register and pay:
Online - westtorrens.sa.gov.au.
Phone - 8416 6333.
Mail - send in your cheque/money order.
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In person - visit our Service Centre,
165 Sir Donald Bradman Drive,
during business hours.
Lock all your doors and windows even when you’re home. Break-ins happen in broad daylight, not just at night.
Safeguard yourself against crime
As a community, crime is something that we
all need to be aware of.
We also need to safeguard ourselves as
much as possible against acts of crime and
this can be done in a number of ways.
Simple things like locking doors on cars,
homes and garages, having sensor lights at
your home and ensuring that valuable items
are not left in plain view to tempt would be
thieves are simple acts, but can be effective.
SA Police has a range of fact sheets
available online which can help people
protect themselves against acts of crime.
Fact sheets on home safety, personal safety,
business safety, vehicle safety and even how
to protect yourself against arson can all be
found on the SA Police website.
The following tips may help you be more
secure this winter and leading into spring.
• Remember to lock all doors and
windows - both at home and in your
vehicle. Even when you are outside in
your yard, lock your windows and doors
for added security.
• Keep garages and sheds locked and put
all tools and ladders away so that they
can’t be used to break into your home.
Remember to lock gates as well.
• Don’t leave valuables in obvious places
or places that they can be seen. Items
in your car such as GPS devices, mobile
phones and other technology should
also be removed. If you can’t remove
them, conceal them before you arrive at
your destination in case you are being
watched.
• If you’re recycling packaging of
expensive items (eg televisions, stereos,
etc) break it down and put it in your
bin. Don’t leave it next to your bin on
the street as this alerts would be thieves
that you have expensive items in your
home.
For more information visit the SA Police
website, www.sapolice.sa.gov.au and
access the information from the Safety and
Security tab.
Rate notices available electronically
West Torrens Ratepayers can now receive
and store their rate notices online with
BPAY View®.
BPAY View enables people to receive bills
and statements straight to their online or
mobile bank. This not only saves people from
receiving and storing paper bills, but alerts can
be sent via SMS and bank message reminders
that bills have arrived.
• Keep bills and statements where they
belong. Receive and store bills and
statements in the same place and
securely on your online or mobile bank.
• Easy access; anytime, anywhere. View
and manage bills and statements
anytime, anywhere.
• Pay on time. People can choose to
receive a handy email, SMS or bank
message reminder* that bills are
available and ready for payment.
*Reminder options may vary by each
financial institution.
• Stay in control. Pay bills how and when
you want — with control over the
account you pay from and the day you
pay.
• Easy on you, easy on the environment.
BPAY View not only saves time and
effort, it saves paper too!
To find out more and how to register,
visit westtorrens.sa.gov.au or contact our
Finance Team on 8416 6333.
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Lockleys Ward
Cr Kym McKay
It has been a busy time within Council and
around the ward during the past half of the
year. Council officers have been out in the
community seeking feedback on what the
community thinks and what they would like
to see in the coming year. Open space and
recreation figured highly along with current
services provided by Council.
The budget process is onerous for the
Council given all the areas that local
councils now cover off on as the State
Government continues to cost-shift services
and infrastructure onto councils.
The Federal Government, in conjunction
with the State Government, are imposing
a planning fee for people wanting to
undertake building or home renovations
who are under the flight path. This fee is
referred to Flight Services to assess plans
for height restrictions. This is ludicrous and
I’m actively lobbying against it. Even if you
want to put in a swimming pool they still
assess it! My lobbying is currently sitting
with the Federal and State Government
departments and they say that they are
looking into it!
I continue to pursue the rezoning of the
area currently classed as commercial industry back to residential in Underdale/
Torrensville between the south side of
Ashwin Parade – Stephens Avenue –
along Ashley Street through the west to
Holbrooks Road. The process has taken
a lot longer than it should have. I will
continue to work to achieve the rezoning.
If it does eventuate it will return what was
once residential back to residential such as
Wilford Street, Vintage Road etc., however
existing businesses will maintain current use
rights until they are sold, close down or a
like business takes over. The positive aspect
for those commercial property owners is
that they could then sell the property to
residential developers as has happened
in Torrensville already at three major
warehouse sites so it opens up new options
for the land owners to explore.
I have also been lobbying for the use of
LED lighting technology to be retro-fitted
to our streetlights, either as a series of
swap-out projects or as lights need to be
replaced. While LED lights may be more
expensive initially, this technology will return
its capital costs in a few years while saving
ratepayers money that is currently paid to
the power companies each year. LEDs give
superior lighting performance. The biggest
impediment to having this program start
is the power companies and SA Power
Networks taking it on. Sydney is converting
all its street lights to the LED technology.
If you, like many residents, are concerned
about planning issues and feel left out
of the process or that you have not been
consulted with, then I ask you to keep a
close watch on what the State Government
is planning. If regional Development
Assessment Panels (DAP) are brought in,
locals ‘will be stripped out of the planning
process as it will be tilted heavily to
development at all costs by government
appointed panel members’.
New dog park
is on its way
More than 93 per cent of residents who
responded to a survey about establishing
a dog park along the Westside Bikeway
are in favour of Council proceeding with
the project.
In March Council conducted a survey of
local residents regarding establishing a
dog park at Moss Avenue, Marleston. The
proposed dog park would feature areas
for both small and large dogs, agility
equipment, sheltered areas and a dog
wash down area.
“We received a lot of positive feedback
from people who live near the area, as
well as others in our community who are
keen to see a dog park,” Chief Executive
Officer Terry Buss said.
“There were a few concerns about the
amenity around the dog park, however
the proposed design does include some
buffer to residents and could include
planting established mature trees.”
Mr Buss said the dog park would proceed
and that Council would keep local
residents informed when it was ready to
be opened.
Bilingual picture books help new arrivals to Australia learn basic English.
Library offers bilingual books
The Hamra Centre Library has added another collection to its ever-growing range,
bilingual picture books.
The books can help new arrivals to Australia and those who face barriers such as poor
language skills with learning basic English.
The books can also help families teach their first language to children to aid them in
being able to speak more than one language.
It is hoped that the introduction of the books will see the Library offer storytelling
in other languages in the future and that parents and grandparents will be able to
understand the books being read.
To find out more, visit the Hamra Centre Library, 1 Brooker Terrace, Hilton.
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Community gardens are for all ages, even young children.
Photograph courtesy Planet Ark.
Interested in joining a community garden?
Community gardens offer an opportunity
for residents to learn about growing
vegetables and fruit in a relaxed, friendly
setting. As backyards get smaller, the
chance for people to grow their own fresh
produce diminishes.
Council has three existing community
gardens - one located behind the Plympton
Community Centre in Long Street, one
on Coral Sea Drive, Fulham behind the
Over Fifties Club and a Children’s Garden
adjacent to the play equipment in the West
Torrens Memorial Gardens.
The Plympton garden is fully utilised and
residents wishing to join this group can
be placed on a waiting list. However, one
raised plot is currently available at the
Fulham garden for those who don’t want
to wait.
Council will soon be starting a new venture
on Clifford Street, Torrensville, with a park
being developed that will include accessible,
raised garden plots. Garden beds will be
established with quality, organic soil and
made available to local residents for free.
Gardeners will be responsible for keeping
their allocated beds planted and in tidy
condition and for providing fertiliser, seeds
and seedlings - although Council may be
able to provide some assistance in this
regard.
To find out more, contact Amanda on
8416 6333 during business hours.
Directory provides a host of local information
The new edition of the Community Directory is
now available. Free copies can be collected from
the Civic Centre and the Hamra Centre Library.
Containing information on local sporting clubs,
schools, social groups, health services and much
more, the directory is a handy reference guide to
the local area. Whether you are looking to take
up a new hobby, find a doctor or hire a venue,
then this directory is a great place to start.
This publication also provides a summary of
Council services including:
• how to use your rubbish, recycling and
organics bins
• registering your dog
• how to lodge a development application
• joining the library
• obtaining free and low-cost vaccinations for
your family, and
• how to find help for people who are frail
aged or have disabilities.
If you have details of a local organisation that
we could include in the next edition of this
directory, telephone 8416 6333 or email
csu@wtcc.sa.gov.au.
For the most up to date community information,
visit the City of West Torrens website westtorrens.sa.gov.au.
RIGHT: Council’s Community Directory for 2014/15 has now been released and is available free for
local residents.
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Mayor
Hon. John Trainer
During the year, as Council’s official
spokesperson, I have frequent opportunities
to communicate to you through the mass
media. Most of what I need to say needs to
be communicated while the subject matters
are still topical, so I do not use our quarterly
Talking Points editions to the same extent as
do ward councillors.
(Incidentally, when photographs are
taken of official occasions such as award
presentations, I have stepped aside after the
first shot so that we can have a selection
with the recipients on their own without
the mayor being included in every Talking
Points photograph. I hope that has been an
improvement!)
However, there are a couple of issues that I
would like to communicate to you through
this term’s last copy of Talking Points.
One relates to the Brown Hill and Keswick
Creeks Stormwater Management Project
(the BHKCSMP) and the ongoing threat of
serious flooding from those two creeks.
Five councils (Adelaide, Burnside, Mitcham,
Unley and West Torrens) have attempted
for a decade to produce a workable flood
mitigation program for this catchment area,
the fourth most at risk in Australia.
most seriously affected, we had originally
committed to 49 per cent of the local
government share. Without other funding
support, that $38m will double again to
around $80 million!!
Delays from uncooperative upstream
interests have disrupted and delayed
the program for a long time, with costs
(planned to be split one third each to
Federal, State and Local Government, with
the West Torrens share being $17 million)
jumping from $105 million to nearly $160
million.
The other issue relates to the Local
Government elections later this year, with
the ballot papers being posted out between
20-24 October, to be returned by 5pm
Friday 7 November.
Now the chance of that one-third Federal
assistance may have gone – at a meeting
in June with Assistant Minister Jamie
Briggs, we were given short shrift indeed.
My pointing out that a serious flood
would put out of action important Federal
infrastructure - a National Rail Terminal (at
Keswick) and an International Airport –
carried no weight at all.
Without Federal assistance, our $17m
commitment would be more like $38m
– even if the State helped cover the
Federal gap. As the downstream council
This would be beyond our capacity and
Council may have to totally reconsider the
basis of its participation in the BHKCSMP.
I take this opportunity to formally advise
that when nominations open on 2
September I intend to again nominate for
election as your Mayor – though definitely
for the last time.
Please give a lot of thought to the local
council representatives you elect to make
decisions on behalf of you and your
community. There are two to be elected
from each of seven wards.
And if you are one of the ratepayers who
needed to get yourself on the special
electoral roll for this Council election, and
did not do so – then you are a bit late. That
roll closed off a week ago!
Don’t let your doggy bag be a dodgy bag
Regular diners at restaurants
and cafes would be familiar
with the term ‘doggy bag’.
It’s a common term used
to describe a small bag in
which customers can carry
home leftovers of a meal.
If leftover food is
intended for human
consumption, there are
potential food safety risks
if food in doggy bags is
not stored and handled
properly after leaving the
restaurant.
Should a restaurant
provide doggy bags?
The South Australian Food Act 2001 does
not prevent restaurants from providing
doggy bags but there is also no requirement
for restaurants to do so. Customers should
be aware that it is their responsibility to
safely store and handle any food they
take home to minimise the risk of food
poisoning.
What are the risks of food in
doggy bags?
Doggy bags are commonly taken away
while the contents are in the temperature
danger zone (between 5oC and 60oC) and
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Page 10
have been for some time
during the meal. Bacteria
that commonly cause food
poisoning grow very well
at these temperatures.
Take-away hot food
is usually packed and
provided steaming to the
customer and is intended
to be eaten or taken home
for storage quickly. The
difference with food left
over from a meal is that it
usually has time to cool to
room temperature on the
plate.
How can the risk of food
poisoning be minimised by
businesses?
If a restaurant does choose to give doggy
bags to customers who request it they
should:
• transfer food into new, unused, foodgrade containers
• record a note of date, time and dish
name provided in a doggy bag
• remind customers to store and handle
food according to food safety guidelines
and use the SA Health Food Safety
stickers
• remind customers that the restaurant
cannot bear any responsibility for
temperature abuse or mishandling of
the food once it has been taken home
in a doggy bag.
How can the risk of food
poisoning be minimised by
customers?
If a customer chooses to take home a doggy
bag they should:
• place the food in the refrigerator as
soon as possible
• reheat the food so it is steaming hot
• eat the food within 24 hours.
More information
Council’s Environmental Health Team is
responsible for local public health, including
inspecting food premises and handling food
complaints.
For more information or to enquire about
these or other matters related to food
safety, contact the team on 8416 6333.
Information can also be found on our
website, westtorrens.sa.gov.au.
What’s On
Aug ‘14 - Oct ‘14
Pull this section out and keep somewhere handy!
west torrens auditorium gallery
There’s always something on display in the west torrens auditorium gallery. Free entry!
South Australian Living
Artists Festival
1 - 29 August
Eliza Piro
Limited Edition Prints
1 - 26 September
Various Artists
Life on Canvas
27 Sep - 5 Oct
Opening times
Mon & Tues: 10am - 6pm
Wed: 8am - 6pm
Thurs: 10am - 8pm
Fri: 10am - 6pm
Sat: 10am - 4pm
Mental Illness Fellowship
of South Australia
7 - 30 October
Western Woodworkers
Association
31 Oct - 10 Nov
Sun: 1pm - 4pm
*not open public holidays
Address: 1 Brooker Tce, Hilton (entry via the Hamra Centre Library)
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Regular events
Riverside Music Playgroup
Every Monday, 9.30am - 11am (during
school terms)
16 Madeline Cres, Fulham Gardens
Organised music and activities. Spend
quality time with your family and make
connections with others.
Cost: $5 and a piece of fruit to share.
Tel. 8235 2461 or 8355 3447
‘Bible Actually’ women’s informal Bible
reading group
Mondays, 10am - 11am
South Adelaide Christadelphian Hall, corner
Elizabeth St and Alice St, Plympton
Tel. 0411 303 282
Cowandilla Children’s Centre
- Saturday DAKS
First Saturday of the month, 11.30am 1.30pm (excluding long weekends)
21 Jenkins St, Cowandilla
A time for dads and special blokes with
children aged up to eight years old.
Tel. 8352 5346; email nicole.parry@sa.gov.au
Kiwanis Club of Reedbeds
Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month,
6.30pm
Aviators Lodge Motel, 728 Tapleys Hill Rd,
West Beach
New members welcome.
Tel. 8356 3847
Probus Club of Brooklyn Park
Fourth Monday of every month, 10am
Adelaide West Uniting Church, Sir Donald
Bradman Dr, Brooklyn Park
Guest speakers and outings programmed,
all welcome.
Tel. 8356 2507;
email probusbrooklynpark@gmail.com
St Richards Anglican Church Men’s Shed
Every Tuesday, 9am
1 May Tce, Lockleys
Come together in a friendly atmosphere
and work on projects which help both the
church and the community. Ladies also
welcome.
Tel. 8351 8280
Men’s Shed
Tuesdays, 10am - 2pm
Bedford Ave, Brooklyn Park
All welcome.
Tel. 8352 7820; email bossiney2003@gmail.
com
Hilton RSL Charity Bingo
Tuesdays 7.45pm, Thursdays 11.45am and
Sundays 1.45pm
147 Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Hilton
Tel. 0439 684 640;
email hiltonrslsub@bigpond.com
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Men’s Probus Club of West Beach
First Tuesday of every month, 10am
West Beach Tennis Centre club rooms,
Military Rd, West Beach
Enjoy fellowship, listen to guest speakers
and enjoy morning tea, lunches and other
arranged outings.
Tel. 0497 927 428;
email garnethb@hotmail.com
Volleyball for senior men and women
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5pm – 6pm
William Light School Gymnasium, parking
off Myer Ave, Plympton
No previous experience necessary. No cost.
Tel. 8297 1150 or 8365 7111
Lions Club of Richmond
secondhand shop
Every Wednesday, 9am - 12pm and the first
and third Saturday of the month, 9am 12pm (excluding long weekends)
57 Penong Ave, Camden Park
Tel. 8295 4048;
email richmondlions@optusnet.com.au
Yoga at Plympton Community Centre
Wednesdays, 9.30am - 10.45am
34 Long St, Plympton
Suitable for all levels with certified and
experienced yoga instructors. Cost $7 per
class or $60 for a 10 week term ($5/$40
concession).
Tel. Karen 8289 9692 or 0400 274 295.
Play Café - pre-school fun for little ones,
coffee and cake for bigger ones!
Wednesdays, 10am
Liberty Life Church,
121 Morphett Rd, Camden Park
Tel. Julie 8295 1161
West Torrens Chess Club
Wednesdays, 8pm - 12am
Kandahar, 327 Marion Rd, North Plympton
All ages are welcome whether you are a
beginner or a seasoned player.
Tel. Frank Kardos 8293 3023
Pomegranate Place Cafe and Op Shop
Wednesdays, 10am - 2pm and Saturdays,
9am - 1pm
Corner of Carlton St and Carlisle St,
Camden Park
Tel. Holdfast Baptist Church 8377 1956 or
facebook.com/pomegranateplace
Lockleys Bowling Club
46 Rutland Ave, Lockleys
Tel. 8443 6798
Social bowls - Wednesdays, Fridays
and Saturdays during winter (weather
permitting). Register names on day by 10am.
Playing bowls - practice and learn with a
coach Thursdays, 5pm (September - March)
New members welcome.
Thursday Sizzle - Thursdays, 6pm
Lockleys RSL monthly tea night
Second Friday of each Month, 6pm
362A Henley Beach Rd, Lockleys
Tel. 8443 7424 by the Wednesday prior for
bookings.
Social tennis competition
Every Tuesday, 7pm - 9pm
Peake Gardens Reserve, Bice St, Marleston
Mixed doubles social competition, with the
emphasis on social!
Tel. Mark Haskell 0499 577 702;
email mark_haskell@outlook.com
National Servicemen’s Association
of Australia
Every Friday (except public holidays),
9am - 1.30pm
41 Surrey Rd, Keswick
Tel. Marlene Blackmore 8293 6344;
email nsaasa@adam.com.au
Seniors model slot car group
Meet once a month on Thursdays for social
races on various Western districts tracks.
Slot Cars are a great hobby, particularly for
retired people looking for a pastime.
Tel. John 0412 857 008;
email fpr10@bigpond.com
Mainly Music: a fun music program for
pre-schoolers and their carers (during
school terms)
Fridays, 10am; Liberty Life Church, 121
Morphett Rd, Camden Park.
Tel. Lyndell 8295 1161.
Thursdays, 9.30am; Adelaide West Uniting
Church, 312 Sir Donald Bradman Dr,
Brooklyn Park. Tel. Lorraine 8234 1199;
email kidsspace@awuc.org.au
St Richard’s Book Post
Tuesdays and Fridays, 10am - 3pm and
Saturdays, 10am – 1pm
St Richard’s Anglican Church, 1 May Tce,
Lockleys
Tel. 0412 207 205 / 0417 813 362;
email office@lockleysanglican.org.au
Westside Floral Design Club
Last Friday of each month, 7.30pm
St Richard’s Church, 1 May Tce, Lockleys
Come and try. Learn about flower design
and floral arrangements.
Tel. Nada Cargo 0401 052 080;
email linz1@tpg.com.au
Sparkling Diamonds Netball Club
Training Tuesdays and Thursday evenings.
Church of Christ, 3 Allen Ave, Brooklyn Park
The club is always looking for new players
and coaches.
Tel. 0434864779 or 0408217067
West Torrens Rotary Club
Every Tuesday, 6.30pm
Duke of Brunswick Hotel,
207 Gilbert St, Adelaide
Tel. Bruce Harrison 0418 532 563
Lockleys Football Club past players day
Saturday 9 August, 12.15pm - 4.30pm
Lockleys Oval, Rutland Ave, Lockleys
Tel. 0408 892 369;
email lockleys@footymail.com.au
Camden Community Centre
7 Carlisle St Camden Park
Various programs and events including the
Camden Community Op shop and Camden
Community Woodwork Shop. Visit the
website for more information or phone.
Tel. 8376 0022; email admin@camden.org.au.
www.camden.org.au
German Shepherd Dog Club SA Balmead Shield 50th Dog Trial
Sunday 10 August, 9am
Pedigree Park, West Beach Rd, West Beach
Tel. 8326 5392
www.gsdcsa.or.au
Reedbeds Community Centre
19 Fitch Rd, Fulham
Tel. 8235 1644 or email admin@reedbeds.
com.au to book or register your interest of
becoming a volunteer.
Variety of programs on offer including
playgrounds, over 50s fitness, mixed
art group, iPad peer training sessions,
Margaret’s Tappers, Brainboosters, Yoga,
Broadband for seniors; Kitchen Kids cooking
class.
Phone or email the centre for more
information on times and cost.
SA Women’s Amateur Angling Club
Tuesday 12 August, 12.45pm - 5pm
Fishing at Onkaparinga River and Port
Noarlunga Jetty. Meet at the jetty car park.
Tel. 0407 715 338;
email fandan@adam.com.au
sawomensamateuranglingclub.blogspot.
com.au
Starting a New Business
Thursday 14 August, 9.30am - 11.30am
Tuesday 26 August, 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Inner West Business Enterprise Centre,
30 - 32 Stirling St, Thebarton
Tel. 8159 8700
Church of the Good Shepherd
craft group
Tuesdays, 10am - 12pm
(during school terms)
15 Clayton Ave, Plympton
Tel. 8351 0481
Volunteer Expo
Learn about volunteering opportunities.
Thursday 14 August 10am - 1pm.
West Torrens Auditorium,
1 Brooker Terrace, Hilton.
Tel. Shannon 8416 6333;
email slopez@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Arthritis SA weekly $2 book sale
Saturdays, 8.30am - 12pm
Corner of South Rd and Richmond Rd,
Marleston
Over 15,000 books, bag a bargain!
www.RotaryAdelaideWest.org or
www.ArthritisSA.org.au
SANFL IGA League
West Adelaide v South Adelaide
Saturday 16 August, 12pm
City Mazda Stadium,
57 Milner Rd, Richmond
Westadelaidefc.com.au
Cummins House Open Days
First and third Sunday of each month,
2pm to 4pm
23 Sheoak Ave, Novar Gardens
Guided tours of the house and grounds are
conducted by Cummins Society members
and finish with a fresh Devonshire tea.
www.westtorrens.sa.gov.au/cummins
German Shepherd Dog Club SA Members’ Competition
Sunday 17 August, 9am
Pedigree Park, West Beach Rd, West Beach
Tel. 8326 5392
www.gsdcsa.or.au
August
St Richard’s Trading Post
Friday 22 - Saturday 23 August, 9am - 2pm
St Richard’s Anglican Church,
1 May Tce, Lockleys
Tel. 0412 207 205 / 0417 813 362 or email
office@lockleysanglican.org.au
West Torrens Historical Society - general
meeting
Monday 25 August, 7:45pm
Kandahar, 329 Marion Rd, North Plympton
Tel. 8356 9768
William Light School - Principle tour
Thursday 28 August, 3.45pm
21A Errington St, Plympton
Tel. 8297 0488;
email dl.0907.info@schools.sa.edu.au
Western Youth Centre annual general meeting
Friday 29 August, 7.30pm
79 Marion Rd, Cowandilla
Tel. 8352 1236;
email wycinc@bigpond.com
Combined Probus Club
of Novar Gardens
Friday 29 August, 10 am
34 Long St. Plympton
Speaker Kathryn Needs - Adult Learning.
New members welcome.
Tel. 8297 7329
Iri-Ji Ndi-Igbo Nigeria Festival 2014
Saturday 30 August, 3pm - 9pm
Thebarton Community Centre, Cnr South
Rd and Ashwin Pde, Torrensville
Celebrate the cultural heritage of the Ndiigbo Nigerians with dance, music and food.
$10 per person / $30 for family of 4 with
dinner.
Tel. 0478 058 226;
email melkel2011@yahoo.com.au
September
September
Eliza Piro exhibition
‘Limited Edition Prints’
1 September - 26 September,
during library hours
West Torrens Auditorium Gallery,
1 Brooker Tce, Hilton
August
Networking:
More than just Social Media
Thursday 4 September, 5pm - 7pm
Inner West Business Enterprise Centre,
30-32 Stirling St, Thebarton
Tel. 8159 8700
South Australian Living Artists
exhibition - ‘A Sense of Place’
1 August - 29 August, during library hours
West Torrens Auditorium Gallery, 1 Brooker
Tce, Hilton
Anglicare Sunday Soup Lunch
Sunday 3 August, 10am – 1pm
St Richard’s Anglican Church,
1 May Tce, Lockleys
Tel. 0412 207 205 / 0417 813 362;
email office@lockleysanglican.org.au
The Band of the South Australia Police
Tuesday 19 August, 2pm
Star Theatres,
145 Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Hilton
Tel. 8234 1800
www.mightygood.com.au
Comedy with the Golden Phung
Saturday 6 September, 8pm
Star Theatres,
145 Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Hilton.
Tel. 8234 1800
www.mightygood.com.au
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Starting a New Business
Thursday 11 September, 9.30am - 11.30am
Tuesday 23 September, 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Inner West Business Enterprise Centre,
30-32 Stirling St, Thebarton
Tel. 8159 8700
German Shepherd Dog Club SA
Shannon Agility Dog Trial
Sunday 14 September, 9am
Pedigree Park, West Beach Rd, West Beach
Tel. 8326 5392; www.gsdcsa.or.au
Carole Sturtzel - ‘Stories from my Life’
Tuesday 16 September, 2pm
Star Theatres,
145 Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Hilton
Tel. 8234 1800; www.mightygood.com.au
Bingo Night
Saturday 20 September, 6pm
Western Youth Centre, 79 Marion Rd,
Cowandilla
Tel. 8352 1236; email wycinc@bigpond.com
West Torrens Historical Society special
meeting - The Royal Flying Doctor
Service at Adelaide Airport
Monday 22 September, 7:45pm
Kandahar, 329 Marion Rd, North Plympton
Tel. 8356 9768
Combined Probus Club
of Novar Gardens
Friday 26 September, 10 am
34 Long St. Plympton
Speaker Brian Jefferies AM
- Working in China
New members welcome.
Tel. 8297 7329
Oil Painting exhibition
‘New Ways of Seeing’
27 September - 5 October,
during library hours
West Torrens Auditorium Gallery,
1 Brooker Tce, Hilton
Young Neil and Aussie Bob - ‘Battle
Royale; Bob Dylan vs Neil Young’
Sunday 28 September, 6.30pm
Star Theatres,
145 Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Hilton
Tel. 8234 1800
www.mightygood.com.au
SA Women’s Amateur Angling Club general meeting
Tuesday 30 September, 10.45pm - 12pm
Western Youth Centre, 79 Marion Rd,
Cowandilla
Tel. 0407 715 338;
email fandan@adam.com.au
sawomensamateuranglingclub.blogspot.
com.au
October
St Richard’s Trading Post
Friday 3 - Saturday 4 October, 9am - 2pm
St Richard’s Anglican Church, 1 May Tce,
Lockleys
Tel. 0412 207 205 / 0417 813 362;
email office@lockleysanglican.org.au
Mental Illness Fellowship of South
Australia exhibition - ‘Celebration of Life’
7 October - 31 October, during library hours
West Torrens Auditorium Gallery,
1 Brooker Tce, Hilton
Space Encounters
Tuesday 7 October, 11am
Star Theatres,
145 Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Hilton
Join two astronauts and their robot as they
set off to an unknown planet.
Tel. 8234 1800; www.mightygood.com.au
Starting a New Business
Thursday 9 October, 9.30am - 11.30am
Tuesday 28 October, 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Inner West Business Enterprise Centre,
30-32 Stirling St, Thebarton
Tel. 8159 8700
West Beach Baptist Church garage sale
Saturday 11 October, 8.30am - 1pm
614 Burbridge Rd, West Beach
Sausage sizzle, cakes, jams, plants, books,
toys, household goods and more.
Tel. 8356 9317
Kindergym and Pre-gym
‘Come and Try’ Days
Tuesday 14 and Thursday 16 October
Kindergym: 9:15am, 10am and 10.45am
Pre-gym: 12.15pm and 1pm
Western Youth Centre, 79 Marion Rd,
Cowandilla
Tel. 8352 1236; email wycinc@bigpond.com
Adelaide West Uniting Church Spring
Community Fair
Saturday 18 October, 8.30am - 3pm
312 Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Brooklyn Park.
Entertainment, second hand books, brica-brac, plants, cakes, produce, pre-loved
clothing, crafts, hot food and children’s
activities. Pancake & coffee breakfast at 8am
with high tea at 10am and BBQ at 1pm.
Tel. 8234 1199 or email office@awuc.org.au
http://awuc.org.au
German Shepherd Dog Club SA members’ competition
Sunday 19 October, 9am
Pedigree Park, West Beach Rd, West Beach
Tel. 8326 5392; www.gsdcsa.or.au
What’s on copy deadline for Spring issue
26 September 2014.
Email copy to Mel Rymill-Butcher;
mrymill-butcher@wtcc.sa.gov.au.
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The ARPA Orchestra
‘From the Stage, Music and Images’
Tuesday 21 October, 2pm
Star Theatres,
145 Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Hilton
Tel. 8234 1800
www.mightygood.com.au
William Light School - Principle tour
Tuesday 21 October, 11.45am
21A Errington St, Plympton
Tel 8297 0488;
email dl.0907.info@schools.sa.edu.au
SA Women’s Amateur Angling Club
Tuesday 21 October, 1.30pm - 6pm
Fishing at Port Hughes and Moonta Bay.
Meet at the Port Hughes jetty car park.
Tel. 0407 715 338 or
email fandan@adam.com.au
sawomensamateuranglingclub.blogspot.
com.au
Italian Pensioners of Thebarton and
Suburbs - Every Generation Open Day
Wednesday 22 October, 9.30am - 11.30am
Thebarton Community Centre, Cnr of South
Rd and Ashwin Pde, Torrensville
Tel. 0438 846 181;
email frankvioli88@tpg.com.au
Lockleys Senior Citizen Club - Every
Generation ‘Let’s get together’
Thursday 23 October, 12pm
362B Henley Beach Rd, Lockleys
Entertainment with lunch and afternoon tea
$6.50.
Tel. 8356 9035
West Torrens Historical Society - general
meeting
Monday 27 October, 7:45pm
Kandahar, 329 Marion Rd, North Plympton
Tel. 8356 9768
SA Women’s Amateur Angling Club general meeting
Tuesday 28 October, 10.45am - 12pm
79 Marion Rd, Cowandilla
Tel. 0407 715 338;
email fandan@adam.com.au
sawomensamateuranglingclub.blogspot.
com.au
Combined Probus Club of Novar
Gardens
Friday 31 October, 10 am
34 Long St. Plympton
Speaker Hon. Martin Hamilton-Smith MP.
New members welcome.
Tel. 8297 7329
Western Woodworkers exhibition ‘From the Workshop’
31 October - 10 November (during library
hours)
West Torrens Auditorium Gallery,
1 Brooker Tce, Hilton
Council provides a range of amenities and services for the local community, including community events.
Find out where rate dollars are being spent
This summary outlines the services and
projects that Council plans to provide and
implement in the 2014/15 financial year
and its sources of funding.
Budget summary
Operational costs in the budget (excluding
St Martins) have been contained to an
increase of 3.6 per cent, despite:
• The impact of utility cost pressures,
which are largely beyond Council’s
control, including a water rate increase
of $123,840 (24.2 per cent) over what
was budgeted in 2013/14.
• Additional costs associated with the
local government elections in November
2014 of $168,500.
• A funding increase of $240,000 to cover
development application workload
increases and the creation of a rapid
response team in support of depot
maintenance operations.
Rate funded capital expenditure programs
have been increased by $1.73 million (12.9
per cent).
Average rates will increase by 4 per cent in
2014/15.
An amount of $2 million has been budgeted
for community facilities and related
development, with further funding of $3
million projected in 2015/16. These projects
are asset sale funded, not rate funded.
Our key priorities
Special report Our 10 year plan
10 year approach has been
budget A
taken to the budget based on
Key influences on the budget
14/15
and annual business plan of the
Council include:
• Sustainability: ensuring our
Council remains financially
strong on a long-term basis
and that future ratepayers are
not left to pick up the bill for
work that should have been undertaken
earlier.
• Asset management: ensuring a
responsible, systematic and structured
approach is taken to the maintenance,
upgrade and operation of community
assets, valued at $820 million.
• Stormwater flood mitigation: ensuring
work is undertaken to minimise the
impact of floods within the West
Torrens’ community, including the
impact of the Brown Hill Keswick Creek
system.
This focus is consistent with the Toward
2025 Community Plan of the Council which
was adopted in June 2009.
A strategic focus is a must if long-term
issues are to be managed responsibly.
Community assets must be protected and
preserved for future generations to use and
enjoy. Many of these assets have useful lives
of 100 years, perhaps longer if managed
appropriately.
•
•
•
•
the strategic agenda of the
Council and the need to address
sustainability, asset management
and stormwater flood mitigation
priorities. Forward planning for
the next 10 years includes:
Capital expenditure to be committed
to road and footpath infrastructure
totalling $120.1 million (or $12.01
million per annum).
Expenditure to be committed to
drainage and other capital works
totalling $107.6 million, including $25.8
million on flood mitigation works in the
Brown Hill Keswick Creek catchment.
Capital expenditure to be committed to
buildings, plant and equipment totalling
$55 million, including $8.1 million to
fund the development of community
facilities.
An amount of $44.7 million to
be borrowed - a very manageable
commitment by the Council with loan
repayments as a percentage of rates
estimated not to exceed seven per cent.
Continued over
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Special report
14/15 budget
$283 million during
the next 10 years
It is estimated that capital expenditure will
total $283 million over the next 10 years
and be committed as follows:
Capital expenditure - 10 years to 2023/24
Drainage18.8%
Footpaths4.1%
Roads38.4%
Other19.2%
Library1.2%
Plant6.4%
Buildings11.9%
More detailed information on the budget
and annual business plan for 2014/15 can
be found online at westtorrens.sa.gov.au
with copies also available for inspection at
the Civic Centre and Hamra Centre Library.
Key projects
Drainage
$2.6 million is budgeted for drainage and
stormwater flood mitigation works to be
undertaken including:
• $2 million in construction work
associated with Lockleys catchment
drainage (Rutland Avenue system).
• $350,000 to modify/extend existing
stormwater drainage in Ashley
Street, Torrensville (Hayward Avenue
catchment).
This is part of an ongoing drainage
commitment over many years by Council
and is largely loan funded.
Road maintenance
Council is responsible for 294 kilometres
of roads and 669 kilometres of kerbing,
and is budgeting $5.5 million for the
ongoing maintenance of this infrastructure,
largely comprising road reseals and the
replacement of kerbing and gutters.
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Page 12
Road reconstruction
Plant and equipment upgrades
Council’s road reconstruction program
totals $3.2 million for the following to be
upgraded:
• Hudson Court, Netley.
• Brooker Terrace, Richmond (part).
• West Thebarton Road / Phillips
Street, Thebarton, incorporating the
undergrounding of power (stage one).
$1.9 million is being committed, after tradein values, to upgrade plant and equipment,
including trucks, tractors, motor vehicles
and library resources.
Footpath program
With 626 kilometres of footpaths
throughout the West Torrens area, we
are budgeting $920,500 for replacement
and new footpath construction, including
remediation works.
Key services being maintained
Operational expenditure in 2014/15 has
increased by $2.25 million (4.1 per cent)
compared with 2013/14 budget estimates.
Operational expenditure 2014/15
Playground upgrade program
Council’s playground upgrade program
totals $780,000, with the following
playgrounds earmarked for upgrade:
• DCA Reserve, Beare Avenue, Adelaide
Airport/Netley.
• Lysle Street Reserve, Brooklyn Park.
• West Torrens Memorial Gardens, Hilton.
• Halsey Road Reserve, Fulham.
• Parkin Reserve, Neston Avenue, Netley.
• River Torrens Linear Park, Riverview
Drive, Lockleys.
• River Torrens Linear Park, Sherriff Street,
Underdale.
• Poplar Street Reserve, West Beach.
• Cummins Reserve, Saratoga Drive,
Novar Gardens.
• Camden Oval (South), Novar Gardens
adjacent to Glenlea Tennis Club.
Sport and recreation
$1.3 million is being designated to update
and maintain other sport and recreation
facilities throughout the area including:
• $465,000 for projects along the River
Torrens Linear Park.
• $380,000 to upgrade reserve irrigation
systems to meet SA Water guidelines.
• $315,000 for other reserves works,
which include the upgrade of Reedbeds
Community Centre Reserve, the upgrade
and relocation of the War Memorial in
Bill Sheppard Reserve and road interface
improvements for Kings Reserve.
Community facilities and related funding
$2 million has been budgeted for further
community hub and related development,
with another $3 million projected in
2015/16. All funding is from asset sales.
Building upgrades
Building upgrades total $1 million and
include:
• $250,000 for the installation of
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
compliant public toilet facilities within
the Camden Oval complex.
• $300,000 for Thebarton Theatre fire
safety (stage two).
• $200,000 for building compliance
upgrades.
• $160,000 for DDA and fire compliance
upgrades at the Western Youth Centre.
Development, Regulatory & Waste
16.1%
Asset Maintenance/Management
43.4%
Corporate & Governance
17.9%
Community Services
22.6%
Asset maintenance
Council has asset maintenance teams
responsible for roads, landscaping, trees,
grass, property and building and general
maintenance.
Depot and property maintenance works
expenditure is being increased to $11.8
million (up by 8.2 per cent).
Waste management
Council is budgeting $4.52 million on waste
management services.
Costs have been impacted adversely by
estimated increases of $59,000 in the
waste-to-landfill levy imposed by the State
Government, although this cost will be offset
by the anticipated removal of the carbon tax
by the Commonwealth Government.
E-waste and hard-waste collection services
will again be offered to all residential
households in 2014/15 and the program
against illegal dumping and food waste
recycling initiatives are being continued.
The City of West Torrens has reduced its
disposal to landfill by around 50 per cent
since the introduction of the recycling and
green waste collection systems.
St Martins
Our aged care facility, St Martins, offers
quality accommodation and fully accredited
support to 115 elderly and frail residents.
The $7.9 million operational budget of St
Martins is entirely self-funded. No ratepayer
funds are used.
The Hamra Centre Library provides a range
of information and related services to the
community.
$2.7 million has been allocated in the
2014/15 budget for these services to be
maintained.
Community Care
In recognition of the increased need for
community-based personal care services
for the elderly, frail aged and those with
disabilities, Council has maintained its level
of services with assistance from State and
Commonwealth Governments. This has
included home assistance and maintenance
support and in-home personal support
programs.
The budget for 2014/15 is $656,500,
although this is largely State and
Commonwealth funded.
Community Services
Other services to the community, including
community development programs, events
and information, will be provided from an
allocation of $1.2 million.
These programs are partly supported by State
and Commonwealth Government funding.
Income
Key financial indicators are all positive in the
2014/15 budget, based on a four per cent
increase in the minimum, non-residential
and residential rates.
These increases provide the foundation for
addressing long-term asset management
and sustainability requirements.
Council’s operating statement in the
2014/15 budget projects a surplus from
operations of $6.8 million (operating
income less operating expenses) and
forward estimates project modest surpluses
over the next 10 years. Asset sustainability
ratios are better than break even, cash flow
projections are strong and indebtedness
levels are low.
Council relies heavily on rates to fund its
community programs, rates being 76.2 per
cent of the 2014/15 income budget, as
shown in the following chart.
Council has the second lowest average
residential rates in metropolitan Adelaide.
Council
Average rates
Ratio
Walkerville
1,760
1.8
Adelaide Hills
1,717
1.7
Unley
1,543
1.6
Prospect
1,538
1.6
Burnside
1,536
1.6
Mitcham
1,439
1.5
Tea Tree Gully
1,404
1.4
Norwood
Payneham
1,379
1.4
Holdfast Bay
1.354
1.4
Gawler
1,301
1.3
Onkaparinga
1.299
Marion
1,299
Campbelltown
1,282
1.3
Playford
1,206
1.2
Charles Sturt
1,203
1.2
Salisbury
1,139
1.2
West Torrens
983
1.0
Port Adelaide
Enfield
894
0.9
1,349
1.4
Average
Projected percentages for West Torrens are
shown below.
These percentages are considered moderate
and manageable.
Year
5.8
2014/15
6.0
2020/21
6.3
2015/16
5.7
2021/22
6.8
1.3
2016/17
6.1
2022/23
6.6
1.3
2017/18
6.4
202/24
7.0
2018/19
6.2
Rating options
Rating powers available to the City of
West Torrens are established by State
Government legislation under the Local
Government Act 1999 and a number of
flexibilities and options are available for
consideration. These include: site and
capital valuation systems, differential rating,
minimum rates, fixed charges, service rates/
charges, tiered rating, rate capping.
All options are reviewed in detail in the budget
and annual business plan of the Council.
Does Council have a rates
windfall when property values
increase?
The answer to this is no. Council does
not benefit from property value increases.
The following graph shows how rates in
the dollar are reduced to compensate for
increased property values, and so remove
any windfall gain that would otherwise
have occurred.
0.5
Rate in the $
An overall average rate increase of four per
cent is budgeted for 2014/15, which is 0.1
per cent lower than that foreshadowed in
the forward estimates of last year’s budget.
Rating Policy
10.0
6.0
0.2
4.0
0.0
Rate increase
12.0
0.3
0.1
2.0
0.0
199920012003 20052007200920112013
Grants5.4%
User charges
Statutory charges
14.1%
2.7%
Loans %
of rates
2019/20
8.0
Other1.5%
Year
6.3
0.4
76.3%
Loans
% of
rates
2013/14
Source: LGA Survey
Income for 2014/15
Rates & equivalent
Special report
14/15 budget
The average residential rates for West
Torrens Council in 2013/14 were $983, the
second lowest in metropolitan Adelaide, as
shown below.
Valuation ($billions)
Library Services
Loans
Council’s loan program for 2014/15 totals
$1.843 million ($1.714 million in 2013/14)
and is for drainage infrastructure.
Loan repayments expressed as a percentage
of rates is the benchmark that is best used
to assess Council’s indebtedness.
Council intends that inequities, hardship
and significant rate increases within the
community be managed using existing
provisions of the Local Government Act that
allow:
• Rates to be rebated (reduced) on a
range of grounds, including to provide
relief from what would otherwise
amount to a substantial change in rates;
and
• Rates to be remitted (cancelled or
reduced) or postponed if the payment
of rates would cause hardship.
Council has a Rating Policy in place in
support of these arrangements.
Rate postponement for seniors is mandatory
following amendments to the Local
Government Act 1999 and the Local
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Special report
14/15 budget
Government (General) Regulations 1999.
These changes mandate an entitlement to
postponement if:
• The ratepayer holds a state Seniors Card
or has an application pending when an
entitlement exists.
• The property in question is the principal
place of residence and
• The property is owned by the principal
ratepayer or the principal ratepayer and
their spouse.
Applications are required in a manner and
form to be determined by Council and are
only required to be submitted in the first
year, rather than on an ongoing annual
basis. The first $500 in rates cannot be
postponed.
An application can only be rejected if capital
liabilities associated with the property at
the time of application exceed 50 per cent
of the capital value of the land, based on
current mortgages over the property that
were registered before 25 January 2007.
Natural Resource
Management Levy
Under State Government legislation,
Council is required to collect a tax, totalling
$1.197 million in 2014/15, known as the
Natural Resource Management Levy.
This is not part of Council’s rates and the
amount collected is passed on in full to the
State Government.
Attainment of objectives
Council’s objectives for 2013/14 were
achieved as follows:
• Completion of the $4.5 million
Cowandilla Mile End stormwater outfall
drain project, comprising a detention
basin, pump stations and underground
stormwater pipes.
• Further progress occurred with a scheme
to divert food waste from the residual
waste stream to the green organics
waste stream.
• Council’s program against illegal
dumping continued to achieve a removal
rate by those responsible of 65 per cent.
• In the past 12 months, 53 per cent of
waste was diverted away from landfill.
• New and replacement works included
4,889 square metres of footpaths,
9,591 lineal metres of kerbing and
140,864 square metres of road surface.
The construction of 1.79 kilometres of
roads was also completed/commenced.
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Page 14
• A comprehensive community
engagement program (Our Place)
was conducted from July to October
2013. The results are contributing
to the revision of the Towards 2025
Community Plan and other plans.
• The Summer Festival continued to
be a popular series of events for the
community with an estimated 3,600
people attending the evenings.
• Following strong community
engagement in March 2013, with
more than 300 submissions received,
Council considered and amended the
draft Housing Diversity Development
Plan Amendment (DPA). The final draft
DPA was submitted to the Minister for
Planning in November 2013, and part
one of the DPA was gazetted on 11
November 2013.
• A Residential/Industry Land Use Interface
Study was completed as the first step in
reviewing requirements to improve the
delineation and separation of these zones
where they ‘meet’ throughout the city.
• The Western Adelaide Region Climate
Change Adaptation Plan began with
in-depth studies on storm and seawater
inundation, assets and infrastructure,
public open space, biodiversity and
coastal environments, social vulnerability
and resilience, development planning
and urban growth.
• Council reduced its greenhouse gas
emissions by 397 tonnes from the
previous year.
• Capping work by the Western Region
Waste Management Authority for
Garden Island was finalised.
• More than 70 volunteers helped plant
5,000 locally indigenous seedlings at
Breakout Creek for Arbor Day and a tour
of the Port Stanvac desalination plant
was held to celebrate World Water Day.
• Council provided submissions on a
range of plans and policies that State
Government departments and other
councils were consulting on, including
the Urban Renewal Amendment Bill, the
DPA Notification Bill and the Adelaide
Shores DPA.
• In its first 12 months of operation, the
Thebarton Community Centre accepted
450 bookings, ranging from one-off
events to regular weekly meetings.
These involved community, school and
church groups, individuals and social
and business hires.
• St Martins provided residential aged care
for 113 permanent high and low care
residents, along with two respite beds
that were used by many frail elderly
residents throughout the year. Bed
occupancy was above 98 per cent for
the year.
• Work began at St Martins on a
second lift and the reception area was
redesigned to improve efficiency. The
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
maintenance area was also refurbished,
improving work flow and safety for
maintenance staff.
St Martins completed significant work in
preparation for the ‘Living Longer, Living
Better’ legislation.
Council’s 156 volunteers provided
around 13,000 hours of service.
The Hamra Centre Library received more
than 215,000 visitors and more than
450,000 items were borrowed.
The community bus service carried more
than 1,200 passengers every month on
arranged outings and shopping trips.
The Home and Community Care
program provided around 10,000 hours
of services to some 2,500 clients.
The library’s literacy programs for
preschool aged children were held six
times per week with an average weekly
attendance of 270.
In the first three quarters of the year,
Council received 933 residential
development applications with an
estimated value of $90.1 million, 68
commercial development applications
with an estimated value of $24
million and 17 industrial development
applications with an estimated
value of $8.7 million. During the
same period Council completed 477
residential building code inspections, 34
commercial and industrial building code
inspections, and 26 swimming pool
safety inspections.
Council’s service centre responded to
more than 56,000 telephone calls in the
first nine months of the financial year.
Early payment incentives
Early payment incentives are available again this
year in the form of three travel vouchers valued
at $500 each. Rates must be paid in full by 1
September 2014 to be eligible for these prizes.
Council officials, employees and their
immediate families are not eligible to enter.
The prize draw will take place at the 16
September 2014 Council meeting and the
winner will be announced in Talking Points.
2014/15 at a glance
Total operating expenditure........$57.43m.
Total capital expenditure.............$20.49m.
Rate revenue...............................$48.94m.
Other revenue.............................$15.25m.
NRM Levy...................................$1.197m.
Loans..........................................$1.843m.
Operating surplus ratio....... 13.8 per cent.
Sustainability ratio............. 104.2 per cent.
Loan repayment percentage of rates
............................................... 6 per cent.
Cash net of reserves..................... $79,185.
Frank Norton Reserve at Torrensville, home to just one of many playgrounds Council has upgraded this year.
Council swings into action with playgrounds
When it comes to providing residents
and ratepayers with playgrounds and
recreational space, you could say that we
are really in the swing of things.
During the past six months there has been
a flurry of activity across local suburbs, with
some $800,000 already spent on creating
new playgrounds and redeveloping existing
one. The good news is there’s a lot more in
the pipeline.
Already attended to and completed are
playground projects at:
• Apex Park and Siesta Avenue, West
Beach
• Ashburn Avenue Reserve, Fulham
• Frank Norton Reserve, Torrensville
• Helenslea Avenue Reserve, Brooklyn
Park
• Michael Street Reserve and Noble
Avenue Reserve, Lockleys
• Britton Street Reserve, West Richmond
• Rex Jones Reserve, North Plympton,
which includes a Liberty (disability) swing
• Reedbeds Community Centre, Fulham
• Baroda Avenue Reserve, Netley
• Cross Terrace Reserve, Kurralta Park
• Errington Street Reserve, Plympton
• Golflands Reserve, Glenelg North
• Pacific Parade Reserve, West Beach
• Peake Gardens Reserve, Marleston
• Sandringham Reserve, North Plympton
• Shephard Court Reserve, Novar
Gardens.
Chief Executive Officer Terry Buss said
playgrounds and recreational facilities enjoy
a high priority at Council as we strive to
provide our residents and ratepayers with
the best place to live, work and enjoy life.
“We know how important outdoor activity
is to the community, which is why we are
mindful of providing as many recreational
opportunities as possible including parks,
reserves and cycling and walking trails, ovals
and wetlands,” he said.
“Playgrounds, of course, are a vital
component and play a crucial role in the
healthy development of children, with
research indicating that all learning emotional, social, motor and cognitive - is
accelerated, facilitated and fuelled by the
pleasure of play.
“We know, too, that when playgrounds are
fitted with play equipment that promotes
different types of activity and presents a
variety of challenges, the learning is even
greater. And in West Torrens, we make it
our business to provide the widest possible
array of playground experiences,” Mr Buss
added.
Looking ahead, a number of playgrounds
have been nominated for an upgrade or
replacement in the budget for 2014/2015,
among them DCA Reserve and Parkin
Reserve, Netley; Lysle Street Reserve,
Brooklyn Park; Civic Centre Memorial
Gardens, Hilton; Halsey Road Reserve,
Fulham; River Torrens Linear Park at Lockley
and Underdale; Poplar Street Reserve, West
Beach and Cummins Reserve and Camden
Oval (South), Novar Gardens.
The Playground Amazing Race
The Playground Amazing Race is in West
Torrens!
The ‘Amazing Race’ is a four-week
challenge open to children and families in
the West Torrens community who want to
discover more opportunities to be active
outdoors.
The Amazing Race encourages families to
visit selected playgrounds, answer a simple
checkpoint question at each location and
return their forms to go into the draw to
win one of nine family park packs valued
at $100 each. West Torrens is home to a
variety of different parks and playgrounds
just ready to be explored.
The race is on from 9 August - 7 September;
for more information or to participate, go
to www.westtorrens.sa.gov.au/outdoors or
contact the OPAL team on 8293 7680.
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Parking protocol - how
1. If I’m in a timed spot, can I just move my car to another
space in the same area when the time is up?
stating the number of the broken machine and briefly explaining
the problem. Even if the machine is broken time limits still apply.
If you’ve parked in an area with a time limit, you must move your
car completely off the length of road or out of the area to which
the sign applies before you can leave your car in the same zone
again. So, if you drive out of the area, come back, and in the same
space or another space is free, then you can park.
Fine: $45 for not buying a ticket where possible.
Fine: $45 for exceeding the time limit.
2. Can I be fined more than once for the same offence?
You can be fined multiple times for the same offence. If you leave
your car in an area where parking is permitted for less than an hour,
say 30 minutes, then you can be fined every 30 minutes after the
first infringement is issued. Where the time limit is an hour or more,
you can be fined every hour after the first fine. For offences that
don’t involve a time limit - parking in a bike lane for example - then
you can also be fined every hour.
Fine: $45 each continuing offence.
3. What happens if the ticket machine is broken?
Look to see if there’s another parking machine in the same zone
and, if there is, get a ticket from that one. However, you’re not
required to cross the road to access a working machine. If there’s
no alternate parking machine, put a note on your car’s windscreen
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Page 16
4. Can I park near a post box?
You can’t stop within three metres of a public post box, unless the
driver is dropping off or picking up passengers or mail.
Fine: $85.
5. Is there a law about taking up two parking spaces?
Where a length of road is marked with parking bays, you must
position your car completely within a single parking bay, unless the
vehicle’s too wide or long to fit.
Fine: $45.
6. When parallel parking, how much space must I leave
between the cars in front and behind?
Unless you’re in a marked parking bay, you must position your car
at least one metre from any vehicle in front or behind.
Fine: $60.
7. Can I park in a slip lane?
No, you can’t park or stop in a slip lane unless there’s a sign saying
otherwise.
Fine: $85.
Illustration - Chris Edser. Reproduced with permission of the RAA.
much do you know?
8. Can I park in a bike line?
No, you can’t park or stop in a bike lane, even if it’s just to drop off
or pick up passengers or goods. Some bike lanes have signs advising
that they’re only in operation at certain times; in these cases you’re
free to park outside the stated hours, unless there’s another sign
saying otherwise. So check for other time limits that may apply.
Fine: $239, plus a $60 Victims of Crime Levy if detected by
police.
9. Can I park, or have two of my wheels, on a nature strip
next to the road?
Under the road rules, you can’t park any part of your car on
a nature strip, footpath, bicycle path, shared path or dividing
strip next to the road, unless there happens to be a sign saying
otherwise. What’s more, road traffic regulations also say you can’t
park in any public place that’s owned or controlled by a council,
unless the area’s specifically set aside for that purpose.
Fine: $85 for breaking the road rules or, for breaking road
traffic regulations, the fine is $126 in the City of Adelaide
Park Lands and $60 in other public places.
must be at least three metres between the outside of your car and
a continuous white dividing line or dividing strip. This is the case
regardless of whether or not there’s a yellow line on the edge of the
road.
Fine: $60.
11. How close can I park to an intersection?
If the intersection is controlled by traffic lights, you must leave at
least 20 metres. If there are no traffic lights, then a minimum of
10 metres is required. At some locations, parking and stopping is
restricted for longer distances, so always check for signs and line
markings.
Fine: $85 for either offence.
Council deals with many parking issues on a day to day basis. It
is hoped that this information will help clear up some common
mistakes that motorists make.
This information appeared in the Winter 2014 issue of the
RAA Magazine and has been reproduced for local residents
with permission of the RAA.
10. I know I can’t park near a yellow line, but what about a
white line?
One of the biggest unknowns about parallel parking is that there
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Plympton Ward
Cr Arthur Mangos
Crime. In certain pockets of the city crime
is increasing. If you are concerned about
safety, contact your local Neighbourhood
Watch group. If you do not have one,
consider forming one to help reduce/deter
crime.
Airport. I will always support the airport
curfew; it must, in no circumstances,
be altered. I will always support that
no relaxation of the curfew occur. Our
Local State MP has stated this publicly
as well. Recently, Air Services Australia
visited Council and gave a presentation
on aircraft flight paths and noise. To find
out more, visit our Council’s website. If
you wish to complain about noise, this
is the government body that deals and
investigates complaints. Please ensure you
log dates and times of the flights as this
information is vital for the complaint to be
dealt with effectively.
Rates. As a resident as well as a councillor,
I also have to pay rates so I wish them to be
at a minimum. However, the Council has
to also consider the other 14 members on
Council, requests from the residents and
industry and external State Government
pressures placed upon us.
I am providing you with some information
on how Council collects money and pays
it the State Government as a tax collection
agency and this money is not used by the
community.
Waste collection fees, $480,000; water
rates $390,000; plannning fees $60,00;
NRM levy a huge $1.125 million, street
lighting $900,000, dog registration fees
$40,000,Valuer General $200,000; believe
it or not from our rates a whopping $3.26
million dollars was paid to our State
Government and it is estimated that his
financial year $3.77million will be paid.
These are indirect State taxes that Council
collects for our State Government and we
all wonder why our Council rates are so
high?
For more information refer to the elected
member messages on our website.
Get wasted tours are on again
Our popular free community tours to waste
and recycling facilities are planned again for
October and November.
While dates are to be confirmed, people
interested in attending are encouraged
to register their interest soon as limited
numbers are available.
First time artwork by Miffy.
Community art
to be showcased
A keen group of 20 people began an
oil painting course in the West Torrens
Auditorium Gallery in May, under the
tutelage of local artist Junee Butler-Noke.
The 10 week course was aimed at people
who had always wanted to paint but not
had the opportunity, so many in the group
had never painted before.
Early sessions covered topics such as tonal
values, underpainting, colour theory and
the vital characteristics of colour. Later
lessons covered composition and design of
a painting, perception, balance and weight/
optical considerations.
The group is currently working towards
a public exhibition, to be held between
27 September and 6 October in the West
Torrens Auditorium Gallery. All residents
are invited to attend the opening of the
exhibition, titled ‘Life on Canvas’ and
celebrate with the group of budding artists.
The opening will be held between 2pm and
4pm on Saturday 27 September and a free,
light afternoon tea will be provided.
To find out more about this program, or to
register to attend the exhibition opening,
contact Amanda on 8416 6212, email
ajohnston@wtcc.sa.gov.au or Katharine on
8416 6252, email kannear@wtcc.sa.gov.au.
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Page 18
Participants will be given a chance to see
what happens to their waste, recyclables
and organic materials once they are
collected from the kerb. The tours will be
scheduled on a weekday from 9.45am 3.45pm.
Here’s what some tour participants have
said about the previous Get Wasted tours.
of enjoyment, but not only was it an
informative day - it was also enjoyable! It
was great to see behind the scenes at some
of the facilities and fascinating to learn about
some of the processes involved. I look at
rubbish quite differently now!” Kym and Jo.
“It was a very interesting and informative
day. It gave a good account of what
happens to the waste products disposed in
the bins and other areas. I congratulate the
Council for providing such a comprehensive
tour, in giving us some idea of what it is
doing to minimise landfill.” Sister Margaret
Mary.
“We were very impressed how it was done.
I thought we were good recyclers but
learned more! Thanking Council for making
funds available for these tours.” Elaine
Proposed tour sites for the next sessions
include Adelaide Waste and Recycling
Centre at North Plympton, the Jeffries
Group and SITA-ResourceCo Alternative
Fuels at Wingfield and E-Cycle Recovery at
Gepps Cross.
“A big thank you to Council for providing
the tour. Rubbish is not an area where
one would expect to find a whole lot
To register your interest contact Margaret
on 8416 6333 or email
msteuart@wtcc.sa.gov.au.
Every Generation Festival
Each year the Council of the Ageing (COTA
SA), the state’s peak seniors’ organisation,
stages the Every Generation Festival to
celebrate the lives, achievements and
contributions of seniors.
The community-based festival brings
together people of all ages and from all
backgrounds, offering the opportunity to
learn new skills, make new friends and
experience different things.
The main City of West Torrens Every
Generation event in 2014 will be co-hosted
with STAR Theatres, which offers the Out of
the Square program at suburban theatres.
It will be a concert titled ‘From the stage,
music and images’ to be held on Tuesday
21 October at 2pm. The ARPA Orchestra
will perform popular music from stage
shows, ballet and opera with a back-drop
of Heather Blewett’s images of loved global
and local stars, casts and crews taken at the
Adelaide Festival Theatre.
The cost is $15 per person and includes
afternoon tea, provided by Council.
To find out more, or book tickets, phone
8234 1800 or book online at
www.mightygood.com.au.
Street sweeping not only keeps our roadsides clean, but helps reduce the risk of localised flooding from stormwater drains.
The advantages of street sweeping
One of the many services that our Council
provides for residents is street sweeping.
Streets in West Torrens are swept on a
regular basis and are generally cleaned
every month.
Street sweeping provides a number
of benefits. The most obvious is the
collection and removal of rubbish that
has accumulated on the side of the road,
thereby making the streets look much
cleaner.
Airport Ward
Cr Garth Palmer
West Beach Road concept plan. It was
pleasing that a large number of residents
responded to the Stage 2 Concept Plan
survey. Residents were given the opportunity
to comment on the most preferred option
of the road design. Options three and four
were mostly favoured. Consultants have
been engaged to examine the responses and
comments and summarise them in a report
with a recommendation to both councils,
Adelaide Shores and Adelaide Airport.
But the removal of rubbish and leaves that
accumulates in the gutters also stops them
from getting into our stormwater system,
which can block drains and cause localised
flooding during heavy rains. This debris, if
caught in our stormwater systems, can also
be harmful to fish and other wildlife that live
in our rivers. So, in short, street sweeping is
an effective method of removing pollutants
that collect on our city streets.
Our Council undertakes street sweeping
in the early morning hours as this is when
Cr Haese and I are very mindful of the views
and the safety concerns of our residents. It
has been a difficult exercise and we are fully
aware of the anxieties and distress of residents
living on West Beach Road and adjacent
streets. We will press for an early solution.
Upgrade of Airport Road. Council is
mindful that Airport Road is considered to be
the gateway from the Airport to the City. At
the recent budget meeting, Council assigned
monies to develop a concept plan to include
landscaping and beautification of the median
strip between Henley Beach Road and
the entrance to the Airport on Sir Donald
Bradman Road.
Drainage works at Lockleys. Stormwater
drainage has been of concern to residents
living in Rutland Ave and adjacent streets
in Lockleys. The long-awaited study of this
situation has now been completed. The plan
the least disruption to traffic occurs. West
Torrens has a number of major arterial
roads that carry traffic from various suburbs
into the central business district and, as
such, carrying out street sweeping before
peak hour traffic begins is very important.
While some residents may find the noise
from the street sweeper interrupts their
early morning sleep, street sweeping is
very important to help reduce the risk of
localised flooding and help keep our local
waterways pollutant free.
for the first stage is to upgrade the drainage
system by installing new enlarged pipes, pits
and inlets.
While undertaking the works, it is intended
to construct ‘rain gardens’, which will
improve the quality of the water entering the
underground stormwater infrastructure and
enhance the amenity of the area. I’m hoping,
as part of these works, Council will agree
to review the design of the existing traffic
control devices.
Summary. It’s been great working with
Cr Haese this term and together we have
established a strong partnership. I have also
enjoyed working with the cooperation of
the Mayor and fellow councillors and believe
that we have a very strong team. Both Cr
Haese and I are standing for re-election.
We will continue to be a strong voice and
represent your interests in Council.
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Elected Members’ contact details
Mayor
Keswick Ward
Morphett Ward
Hon. John Trainer
Cr Michael Farnden
Cr George Demetriou
Phone mobile:
0417 876 847
Phone mobile:
0429 090 246
Phone mobile:
0418 897 994
Email:
jtrainer@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Email:
mfarnden@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Email:
gdemetriou@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Airport Ward
Keswick Ward
Plympton Ward
Cr Rosalie Haese
Cr Helen Scotcher
Cr Mark Frances
Phone mobile:
0439 284 278
Phone:
8416 6290
Phone mobile:
0488 211 603
Email:
rhaese@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Email:
hscotcher@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Email:
mfrances@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Airport Ward
Lockleys Ward
Plympton Ward
Cr Garth Palmer
Cr Kym McKay
Cr Arthur Mangos
Phone mobile:
0416 292 498
Phone mobile:
0439 277 958
Phone mobile:
0439 277 640
Email:
gpalmer@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Email:
kmckay@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Email:
amangos@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Hilton Ward
Lockleys Ward
Thebarton Ward
Cr Cindy O’Rielley
Cr Annette O’Rielley
Cr Tony Polito
Phone mobile:
0400 599 153
Phone mobile:
0400 599 176
Phone:
8353 4063
Email:
corielley@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Email:
aorielley@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Email:
tpolito@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Hilton Ward
Morphett Ward
Thebarton Ward
Cr George Vlahos
Cr Michael Coxon
Cr Spiros Sarris
Phone mobile:
0412 101 968
Phone mobile:
0402 212 002
Phone mobile:
0404 145 455
Email:
gvlahos@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Email:
mcoxon@wtcc.sa.gov.au
Email:
ssarris@wtcc.sa.gov.au