September 2024 News Update
Sustainable and Affordable Housing Development at Aldinga
State government has announced that 800 new homes will be built as a net zero-carbon community, with at least 25 per cent to be affordable. The project will include a residents’ club including a pool, gym and café. Extensive open space, parks, reserves and chain-of-ponds corridors will be complemented by extensive green canopy. The developers, Villawood Properties plan an environmentally friendly development with:
16 per cent open space
tree canopy cover at least 25 per cent
net zero carbon community
all-electric development
energy efficient homes including light-coloured roofing, solar, heat pumps, batteries and a micro grid to reduce energy costs.
This focus on sustainability and affordability is very reassuring for the local community who took part in the consultation process, including Friends of Willunga Basin, Friends of Port Willunga and local residents of the Aldinga Eco Village. For more information about the announcement click Aldinga Development
FOWB appreciates the support we received from Council through the community consultation process and in particular the development of the prospectus, ‘Our Vision for a Sustainable Aldinga Development’, which drew attention to the importance of engagement with the community throughout the development. We will continue to call for community consultation to continue as the plan is implemented.
There has been some concern expressed in the community about whether the new plan will have any impact on the proposed Aldinga Aquatic Centre. For more information follow the facebook group Aquatic Centre Aldinga Bay
Onkaparinga Council Items of Interest
The following recent Council posts are related to the Willunga Basin. We intend to respond as Friends of Willunga Basin and encourage you to make your own responses.
Sellicks Beach Historic Motor Cycle Classic 2025
The City of Onkaparinga proposes to grant a short-term Licence to Motorcycling South Australia Inc. for the exclusive use of a portion of coastal land to host the Sellicks Beach Historic Motorcycle Classic during the term of the event including 3 lead-in days to set-up and 2 days post event to pack-up ie from 12 to 18 March 2025 inclusive.
Although Council Risk Management Plans are in place to manage community and environmental safety including prevention of access to the sand dunes and environmentally sensitive areas in or around the area, Friends of Willunga Basin are concerned that this might not be enough to protect the pebble bank, the nesting sites for plovers and other vulnerable shorebirds.
If you’d like to have your say click HYS Sellicks Beach Historic Motorcycle Classic 2025 before 9 September 2024
New Wetland, Onkaparinga River Recreation Park near Pringle Farm Track
We are pleased to hear that Council has announced a new wetland will be developed in the Onkaparinga River Recreation Park near Pringle Farm Track. Such a wetland will act as filtering systems, removing sediment, nutrients and pollutants from water for the new developments in the area. The wetland will be fully accessible to the public and will include walking paths, boardwalks, lookout points and seating.
If you want to have your say click New Wetland Onkaparinga River Recreation Parkuntil 22 September 2024
New Roundabout for Aldinga
Council has announced that they intend to install a dual lane roundabout at the intersection of How and Aldinga Beach Roads to:
improve safety by removing the right turn conflicts and reduce speeds through the intersection
reduce congestion
accommodate increased traffic flow.
The scope of works includes kerb realignment, upgraded lighting, improved geometry for heavy vehicles, central landscaping, traffic calming on approaches and improved pedestrian facilities. They are preparing to complete surveying and service relocation works, with major reconstruction commencing in October 2024. For more information HYS New Roundabout Aldinga
Economic Growth & Tourism Strategic Plan 2025-30
Council is developing an Economic Growth & Tourism Strategic Plan 2025-30 to address economic challenges to foster sustainable economic growth and prosperity. The new plan’s goals include:
drive opportunities to enable business success, resilience, and growth, and improving local employment options.
support an economic environment that fosters diversity and innovation, attracting businesses and investment to the region.
increase visitor spend with a focus on overnight stays.
increase local shopping and buying.
However, Friends of Willunga Basin are concerned that the environment and climate change have not been considered in the development of these goals. If you too are concerned about this then share your insights, ideas and local knowledge to the development of the strategic plan before 8 September 2024 at HYS Economic Growth Tourism Strategic Plan 2025-30
And finally don’t forget….
FOWB AGM
7.00pm Tuesday 24 September 2024
Willunga Hub, 1 St Peters Terrace,
Willunga 5172
Come and hear, Tom Gara, member of the Friends of Willunga Basin Committee,
Sellicks Beach pebble bank; its geological history & mining leases
Join or renew your membership to be eligible to stand for or vote for election of committee members. Membership of FOWB 2024/2025 is $20 for each member.
RSVP for catering by17 September 2024