May 2022 News Update
Construction of the duplication of South Road begins with the removal of vegetation at the Thomas Rd South Rd Intersection
Duplication of Main South Rd, Cycling & Pedestrian Crossings
FOWB has for years lobbied both State and Local Government for a suitable east-west cycle crossings, and more recently, for separate cycling & pedestrian crossings over South Road. Although there appeared to be early agreement with FOWB’s suggestion of an underpass near Little Rd, it was not included in the recently published plans for the duplication. FOWB continues to advocate on this matter on multiple fronts: with the CE Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), local Member Leon Bignell and the CE Onkaparinga Council.
We are not giving up on this issue yet!
On a more positive note, FOWB and Biodiversity McLaren Vale are in conversation with Fleurieu Connections Alliance (contractors for the duplication projects) about landscaping and appropriate species selection for the revegetation of the verges of both South and Victor Harbor Roads.
Non–Native trees on Rural Roadsides
In November 2021, after questions from the local community about newly planted Manchurian Pears on Little Road and other incongruities, FOWB requested clarification from the City of Onkaparinga regarding how decisions are made about which species are to be planted on rural roadsides. We suggested the need to consider local character, topography and ecology, and to avoid incongruities.
In response to FOWB concerns Council’s Parks and Natural Resources team are developing Rural Roadside Planting Guidelines. We understand that this will be ready for community consultation in June 2022.
Questions have also been raised about the suitability of some plantings on street verges on the boundary between urban and country. The newly planted Norfolk Island pines in the southern Maslin Beach carpark and on the southern side of Nashwauk Cr, Moana, near the Moana Sands Conservation Park are but two examples.
Emerging Issues that have come to our attention include:
Locals are asking whether all the lights are necessary at night at Payinthi College. The signage, buildings and grounds are fully lit all night, causing light pollution, glare and ‘sky glow’, all of which is at odds with the area and will adversely affect homes when the new suburb is built next door.
It’s great to hear news that the State Government has promised significant funding for the Willunga-To-Aldinga Cycleway. You might remember that a few years ago the community was asked to respond to 3 options for the cycleway - Option 1 along Flour Mill Rd and Aldinga Rd, Option 2 along Little Rd, Option 3 along Aldinga Rd. We understand that Council will be considering its preferred route again soon. FOWB prefers that as little as possible of any new path run along the busy and uninteresting Aldinga Road.