Yesterday, the Adelaide Advertiser published an official update on the Ovingham Bridge (https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/north-northeast/sports-facilities-nature-walk-and-indigenous-art-feature-in-finalised-ovingham-project/news-story/6f73f6c271248a970cf9dd42da388d69) stating that the final designs had been submitted to the Council of City of Charles Sturt on Monday 24 May 2021.
As I stated in my last update (https://www.change.org/p/city-of-charles-sturt-central-all-weather-all-year-steel-vert-skate-halfpipe-at-ovingham-level-crossing-bridge/u/28998888), I was told on 30 April 2021, words to the effect that: “the final design had been completed and submitted to City of Charles Sturt Council for sign-off.”
Clearly that was a slight stretch of reality.
Now there is a public document reflecting this (i.e printed in the paper of record).
But there wasn’t anything before yesterday.
It is also reflected in the Council minutes (https://www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0040/899950/cl21-05-24a.pdf) starting at page 12.
NOTE: The Council believes that this design will "enhance diversity of open spaces to create innovative, accessible and flexible community spaces" and "ensure a united and unique place for future generations.
There is nothing diverse, innovative or unique about basketball and futsal courts or parkour - there is a massive oversupply in the area (https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?hl=en&mid=1y1oVjHCzUaYpzVSUNwJivPdxtCvbPwZL&ll=-34.88901678819951%2C138.58238975&z=13)
Also nothing was mentioned in those minutes about our feedback under the "Community Engagement/Consultation (including with community, Council members and staff)" header - I'll let you draw your own conclusions as to why that is the case - I have mine.
Nor was this petition passed on to Council as reflected as "Nil" under "5. PETITIONS" on page 12 (https://www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0040/899950/cl21-05-24a.pdf despite me sending copies to:
- Council employees on 12/2/2021;
- Both Councilors Paul Alexandrides and Alice Campbell on 12/2/2021;
- Councilor Alice Campbell again on 22/2/2021 and 4/3/2021;
- Public Transport Projects Alliance on 18/2/2021, 22/2/2021, 4/3/2021, and 16/4/2021; and
- In-person to representatives of Public Transport Projects Alliance and the same Council employees on 30/4/2021.
Why did none of them passed it on?
Again, I'll let you draw your own conclusions as to why that is the case - I have mine.
So, the Ovingham Bridge location is out for this halfpipe.
Strongly consider that next time you vote in Council and State elections.
I certainly will be and will be encouraging people to vote out these decision makers.
Nonetheless, there are other tall bridges in South Australia that have nothing but paving under them - for example at South Road and Regency Road.
These could be perfect alternative locations for this halfpipe.
ACTION:
Can you contact me (http://orrenprunckun.com/contact/) with other tall bridges locations in South Australia that have nothing but paving under them?
I will compile a list and start approaching the Councils where they are located to see if they are willing to meet this large demand and reap the economic and community benefits of having such a unique open space!
Yours faithfully,
Orren Prunckun
26 May 2021