Media Centre - Seven Point Plan Update
Seven Point Plan Update
Seven Point Plan Update
Published 28/11/2008
1.Fix the Britannia Roundabout via an underpass or permanent traffic control measure.
I have a keen interest in seeing the Britannia Roundabout fixed. On average, around 100 accidents occur annually. I believe that a good long term solution to fix this notorious roundabout is to conduct a feasibility study to build an underpass to divert traffic towards Fullarton Road and Dequetteville Terrace.
For many years now I have been calling on the State Government to take the necessary steps to make the Britannia Roundabout safer for all motorists. I have circulated petitions, held public meetings and have supported the Britannia Roundabout Action Group (BRAG). This year I participated in a BRAG public meeting and made a submission to the Adelaide City Council’s Victoria Park Master Plan.
2.Secure open spaces and sporting facilities at schools in need in the eastern and north eastern suburbs.
3.Keep open Glenside Hospital to provide the necessary support for those with a mental illness.
It is deeply troubling that the Rann Government plans to sell off 42 per cent of the Glenside Campus to make way for a housing development and shopping centre at the expense of mental health and the local community.
I am concerned that if the sale of the Glenside Campus goes ahead mental health services at Glenside Hospital will be downgraded, while the local character of the area and local flora and fauna will be destroyed. This year I have made a submission and presented evidence to the Select Committee on the Proposed Sale and Redevelopment of the Glenside Hospital Site. I also moved a motion in Parliament in June to raise awareness about the plight of the mentally ill and the impact that the Glenside Hospital sale will have on mental health patients.
4.Work to erect flood mitigation measures that end periodic flooding of First Creek.
Many of my constituents would remember the catastrophic flooding of First Creek in 2005, which washed out hundreds of homes and damaged local roads. A long term strategy to stop the periodic 50 year and 100 year floods is needed.
The previous Liberal Government awarded the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters $280,000 for First Creek flood mitigation works. This was in addition to the $70,000 which was granted to the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board to commence a flood mitigation study for First Creek. This year I wrote to Minister for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, Patrick Conlon regarding flood mitigation plans in the Torrens Catchment area. Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill responded advising that the matter is the City of Burnside’s responsibility.
5.Increase access to broadband in the north-eastern suburbs.
Broadband access continues to be an important issue to my constituents. The previous Liberal Government introduced the Australian Broadband Guarantee (ABG) to help connect households to broadband if they lived in a broadband ‘blackspot’. This program has helped my constituents access a broadband service when they otherwise may not have been able to.
Households who are having difficulties in getting connected to broadband may be eligible for a subsidised broadband service under the ABG. For further information about the ABG contact the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy on 1800 883 488 or visit the Department’s website on www.dbcde.gov.au.
6.Improve road safety by fixing dangerous black spot areas on our local roads.
After many years of campaigning for improved pedestrian safety measures on Gorge Road, Athelstone, the State Government has finally come to the party. $100,000 has been allocated to construct a 75 metre footbridge on the southern side of Gorge Road near King George Avenue. Campbelltown City Council will be contributing $50,000 towards the project. The State Government also has plans to resurface Gorge Road and carry out long overdue road works worth almost $1 million.
I have also been actively trying to get a safer pedestrian crossing installed on Gorge Road, Athelstone near St Ignatius College. After tabling a petition in Parliament and lobbying the State Government I was recently advised that fencing will be installed on either side of the pedestrian refuge area. The Department of Transport will enter into discussions with St Ignatius College and the City of Campbelltown about the long term issues of traffic management around the school. These are positive steps towards making Gorge Road safer for pedestrians.
7.Assist the Campbelltown Sports and Social Club to build new facilities at the Newton sportsground.
After much lobbying and hard work, the Campbelltown City Soccer and Social Club was awarded $1 million in federal funding for the construction of a new multi purpose facility for the Club’s Junior Clubrooms. I was pleased to have been able to help the Club secure this much needed grant.
The Club became worried at the beginning of this year that their grant may be axed because the Rudd Government’s Razor Gang had announced it was planning cuts right across government. I called on the Government in Parliament to assure me and my constituents that the Campbelltown City Soccer and Social Club would still receive its grant. Shortly afterwards the Club received confirmation that it would receive its funding and I was fortunate to visit the Club earlier this year to see the unveiling of the plans for the Junior Building, made possible by this grant.