April 2024 News Update
Duplication of Main South Road Stage 2 - Aldinga Beach Road to Sellicks Beach
Stage 2 includes the realignment of the Sellicks Beach Road intersection, and an underpass at the intersection of Main South Road with the newly realigned Aldinga Road and Aldinga Beach Road. It also includes intersection upgrades at Hart and Colville Roads, Norman and Rogers Roads, and Hahn and Cox Roads, plus the installation of wide centre medians and wire rope barriers to improve safety by separating northbound and southbound traffic. Three U-turns are provided along Main South Road to facilitate local access.
Friends of Willunga Basin, along with other community groups and individuals raised many issues concerning east west connections for biodiversity, vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists as part of the community engagement process. It is disappointing to see that this feedback didn’t result in major changes. https://fcalliance.com.au/assets/volumes/downloads/FCA_Notification_WeHeardWhatYouSaid-MSR2.pdf
Recently a group of concerned locals raised their concerns about the inadequacy of the proposed plan for the Norman & Rogers Road intersection. Heavy agricultural vehicles such as grape and olive harvesters and their support vehicles will not be able to cross Main South Rd at this location and the U turn space down the road doesn’t appear to be large enough for these vehicles to not block traffic.
We are also raising the need for a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists at the Victory Hotel, where Sellicks Beach Road/South Road intersect. It is at the end of the duplication of South Road where speeds are high and visibility is low. We also feel that emergency vehicle access and animal movement have not been considered.
If you too have concerns about the stage 2 plan please pass on your concerns so we can add them to a FOWB response secfowb23@gmail.com or contact Fleurieu Connections Alliance directly info@fcalliance.com.au
Concept Plan Main Road McLaren Vale Streetscape Upgrade
City of Onkaparinga has launched the community consultation for the concept plan from 4 April to 6 May 2024. This project has evolved out of the McLaren Vale Main Street Tourism Vision, with an objective to have people stop and linger in the street. The vision identified the McLaren Vale tourism hub as being a section of Main Road between McLaren Vale Hotel to Hewitt Drive, the area accommodating a number of historic buildings and tourist focused businesses. For more information, register for updates and provide feedback -
Streetscape upgrade Main Road McLaren Vale | Your Say Onkaparinga
Please note: Council information session is on Wednesday 24 April, at the McLaren Vale Visitors Centre from 6.30 to 8.00pm.
Coastal Update
As a result of the Beach is not a Road Campaign petition (January 2024) for further restrictions of vehicles on Aldinga, Silver Sands and Sellicks Beaches, council staff will present a report to Council in July.
City of Onkaparinga has written to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport asking for a Swim only Zone around the Aldinga Reef Aquatic Reserve. The Minister has recommended that the Council conducts public consultation on this matter.
In early March, council presented a draft Coastal Adaptation Plan, outlining how they will manage changes to our coastline into the future. This plan has been informed by research, investigations and risk assessments that have considered possible changes up to 2100. It recognises the long-term nature of coastal change, the long lifespan of things we build near the coast, and the advantages of taking proactive and early action.
Council called for community feedback up until 2 April 2024. Although it is too late to provide feedback it is possible to register to become a citizen scientist, so you can help monitor changes in our coastline over time, by collecting data after storms, capturing regular photos along the coast to monitor shoreline changes, and even sharing coastal drone footage with us.
https://yoursay.onkaparinga.sa.gov.au/coastal-adaptation-study
Button Road Engagement Feedback Report
On 19 March 2024, Council reviewed this Report, which you might have contributed to, and the following motion was passed:
Council notes the finding of the Notice of Motion regarding the western section of Button Road, Aldinga.
Elected Members are provided with workshops on: a. the hydrology and ecology and unique location of the Washpool b. a site visit with Kaurna representation discussing the connection and value the location has to Kaurna people.
Council forms a position on Button Road to assist with council advocacy efforts and future planning of the western end of Button Road, Aldinga.
Regional Climate Action Plan (ReCAP)
Friends of Willunga Basin provided feedback on the draft Regional Climate Action Plan (ReCAP) in November 2023, and the final plan was adopted by the Cities of Holdfast Bay, Marion, Mitcham and Onkaparinga earlier this year, and formally launched by the four Mayors and Deputy Premier on 28 March 2024.
The new plan coordinates the activities and investments of the Resilient South partners for the next five years (2024-2029) and is focused on what can be achieved by the partners, including identifying opportunities to work with other organisations. It also provides a blueprint for stakeholders, particularly businesses and community organisations, to work with Resilient South on improving disaster readiness in relation to heatwaves, fire and flood emergencies.
The Future Trees Project, assessing the vulnerability of public trees to climate and biosecurity threats, and making recommendations on how the urban forest can be made more resilient.
One Tree Per Child Onkaparinga
This campaign was launched on Earth Day 22 April. It’s a not-for-profit founded by Olivia Newton-John and Jon Dee, that aims to inspire every child to plant at least one tree before they finish school. Onkaparinga is thrilled to be the first SA council to partner with One Tree Per Child, Green Adelaide, Arborgreen, and Trees For Life in order to bring the One Tree Per Child Onkaparinga campaign to our community.
Families are invited to Onkaparinga’s Community Tree Giveaway event at the Seaford Community Centre on Sunday 2 June from 2–4:30pm. They are giving away 1000 free trees and shrubs - with a range of species to suit all gardens, no matter the size! The event includes family-friendly entertainment featuring the Amazing Drumming Monkeys, facepainting and fun kids activities plus expert advice, information stalls and workshops - just remember to bring proof that you live in Onkaparinga to collect your tree.
Community support for FOWB
A big thankyou goes to Cinemallunga for making us the recipient of the raffle on 13 April 2024. The wonderfully attired attendees at the screening of Zoolander donated a generous $350.00 to FOWB.
We had a great result from our stall at the Willunga Farmers Market on 23 March, signing up 14 new members. Thanks to WFM and all who helped.
FOWB Membership Renewal
Just a reminder that all FOWB membership renewal for the year 2024/2025 is due on 30 June 2024. A reminder will be sent to everyone in the next few weeks.