Hilltop Hub @ McConnell
McConnell Ave Reserve Marino
McConnell Ave Reserve Marino
“Beyond the local”
WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH OUR CAMPAIGN…..Again!!
Yes it is coming up for a decision again!! Council will meet in 6 months ( February 2023) to potentially sell off the western side for residential development, 4th time lucky? Let's make this the last time and ensure this unique level green space - our own hilltop hub is preserved for all our futures.
The Hilltop Hub @ McConnell Group, (formerly Friends of McConnell) are still meeting regularly to plan for the next phase of lobbying the Marion Council to retain the Western Portion of this Reserve for all. With Council elections coming up in Nov it is time to get together on this important matter .An important public family friendly meeting will be held at Marino Community Hall on Sunday October the 23rd 2-3.30pm to discuss options and seek community input. The local Council Candidates will be invited. Please SAVE THE DATE!
The group would like some help with social media in particular and are looking for volunteers. If you can help please email them on hilltophubatmcconnell@gmail.com
Read on for more details and please go and check it out. The Eastern side has been upgraded successfully by council based on previous campaigns and together with council, we need to finish the job.
McConnell Reserve is a unique, elevated, level reserve in the coastal suburb of Marino. Its location at one of the highest points after the lighthouse, gives it unparalleled views over the ocean and the city of Adelaide.
For many years Council have toyed with the idea of selling off ½ the reserve for private development. 4 times to be exact. Each time the community has rallied, campaigned to stop this and advocate for an integrated destination reserve for all our community. Hiitop Hub @ McConnell - beyond the local
Council will yet again debate this notion in February 2023 at a full council meeting.
The Association and the “Hiltop Hub @ McConnell Group” will continue to campaign on behalf of the broader community to retain and integrate the whole reserve for all.
So what will we do differently to persuade Council, beyond the reiteration of previous evidence.
How will the council provide a full evaluation of the reserve improvements and potential for the integrated whole to serve the community into the future based on a full demand and projection for the growth of our area.
We will naturally re-state all of the previous arguments and seek support from our community and our leaders. But there will be a new approach. Watch this space!!
Background
McConnell Reserve is a unique, elevated, level council reserve in the City of Marion in the coastal suburb of Marino. Its location at one of the highest points in Marino, after the lighthouse, gives it unparalleled views over the ocean and the city of Adelaide.
The reserve is split into an eastern and western section by a local minor street with little traffic. One side, the east has been recently improved by council and is proving very popular. The western side, long considered redundant by council, is still forlorn and neglected. In fact it is so configured to appear private and not part of a public reserve.
Over the years Marion Council have repeatedly refused to upgrade the whole . of the reserve ie East and West . They have undertaken only minor maintenance up until 2021 when they completed a major upgrade to the Eastern side following community campaigns and consultation. The Council have on 3-4 occasions over the last 10 years actively campaigned to sell off the western portion due to its redundancy under their open space policy and criteria.
The local Friends of McConnell and the Residents Association have been campaigning for improvement of the whole reserve, East and West, as custodians of this unique council reserve, for over 30 years. The local Friends have actively maintained and improved the reserve with endorsement from Council. They have successfully negotiated for in kind support from Boral, the owners of the adjoining quarry(mine). Once the whole reserve was a thriving netball/tennis hub with toilets and change rooms with its green space and adjoining basketball court. Over time the maintenance of the reserve declined other than by local residents and Council’s policy changed to centralise club facilities. The changing rooms and toilets were removed.
Over the last 5 years there have been 3 attempts by Council to sell off the Western portion. Each time based on community campaigns those attempts were deferred by Council in light of the high level of community backlash and interest in an integration of the two sides.
At the last review in 2021 the resolution was to defer a decision on the sale of the Western portion pending the successful upgrade of the Eastern side by Xmas 2021 and its full evaluation before a Council meeting in February 2022. It was clear to the Friends and the Association that this was too soon to assess the impact on visitations and the potential for the western side to be retained and enhanced as part of an integrated whole. The council agreed and deferred the decision until a council meeting in February 2023.
A couple of sensors have been placed on the site to monitor activity via picking up mobile phones. Beyond that we are unaware of the evaluation methodology Council have put in place to assess the impact of the improvements? Anecdotally the visitations have increased according to local residents.
Campaign Approach July 2022
We are 6-7 month away from the Council making a decision on the future of the Western portion on McConnell Reserve. This will be the 4th time this proposal has been brought to Council. As far as locals and the community at large are concerned, is it a case of deja vu or worse still groundhog day!!
What new evidence will come to light via Council's “ rigorous and comprehensive review”. To date we have not seen any framework for this review which will take into account not just the local activation of the eastern portion but the potential integration of the western portion, taking into account the Marino Coastal Ward’ s needs and future demands in this growth area. All this will feed into a report which will be made for the new elected Council to review in February 2023.
All of the previous evidence and argument are still valid. Extract from the February 2022 submission follows:
The council is well aware we continue to advocate and campaign for the retention and integration of both sides of McConnell Reserve as a unique, level accessible public open space. This approach and recognition of its intrinsic value is based on
- An overall lack of accessible and useable level open space in Marino
- Recognition of the potential for McConnell to be a destination reserve
- Its potential contribution to the future open space/green space requirements brought on by the increased residential density in Marino facilitated by Council’s planned application for a Planning Code Amendment.
- The impacts of the new Seacliff Park development ( 600 homes) and pressures on existing open space requirements, notwithstanding the need for that development to provide its own minimum open space. That will not meet the current shortfall and as we know there are no boundaries to the community accessing open space in other parts of the suburb if it has specific qualities e.g. McConnell.
Option 1 - Sell off the western part - vehemently opposed to this option ( all reasons referenced in the attachments to Council’s report future of McConnell Reserve )
Option 2 - Retain the western part -Wholehearted support this option ( all reasons referenced in the attachments to Council’s report and above). We would add that opportunity exists to seek support from State and Federal Governments to support the integration and enhancement of McConnell for the wider community, given its potential and its capacity to support mental wellbeing, environmental education, passive and active activities.
Option 3 - Defer the decision whilst a longer evaluation is conducted - Whilst option 2 was always our preferred outcome we did support Option 3 on the basis that:
- No evaluation criteria have been made available to the community.
- The original motion from Jan 2021 stated :
February 2022 outcomes
- The works were completed just prior to Christmas. So approx. 12 weeks have passed and the Christmas period whilst a good opportunity for access to the Reserve, is also a key holiday period and many take the opportunity to go away. There has been insufficient time to evaluate the impact and activation of the Eastern side even if the Eastern side was the only part being reviewed. As per the Jan 2021 motion the evaluation is to look at the future of the whole reserve, which clearly involves a broader evaluation and needs analysis. We have been on record several times seeking a) Council reclassify the Reserve as a “Neighbourhood Reserve”- finally denied in a letter from the Mayor in late Dec 2021 and b) email March 2021 seeking details on the evaluation process appropriate a proportionate to the Jan 2021 motion - No response to date!
- Any evaluation should be undertaken over a full 12 months to truly assess the impacts and increased activation brought about by the improvements so all seasons can be assessed. Even if the Eastern portion were a stand alone reserve.
- Because of the issue of potential integration of the Western Portion which would require given the community context, a considered arms length and rigorous evaluation and that would require a minimum of 12 months.
So clearly whilst we respect the council's right to consider option 1 when appropriate. This is clearly not the case here. Option 2 or 3 are the only supportable options. Given the above it is clear that more time and effort needs to be given to conduct a proper evaluation of Option 2’s merits in light of the Eastern side improvements and the community’s very clear and considered wishes.
We continue to support this important issue of retention for our community and with the Friends of McConnell we are keen to collaborate with the Council and be part of the solution, both strategically and practically. The friends have clearly demonstrated a passion for the reserve in their ongoing maintenance of the spaces and their advocacy for sharing this Marion gem with the wider community. Please help us achieve that.
McConnell Reserve got your support back in 2021
Thankyou
- To all who signed the petitions, we have nearly 1000 online and 900 paper signatures from our whole 5049 area ( see map of Marino only petitioners)
- To all those 70 who went on line or made a submission on both east and west by close of consultation ( some examples are on our website and full details are in the Councils report see below)
- To all those that made time to attend the zoom information sessions.
- To all the volunteers who are working hard on the campaign...not over yet
- To Nicolle Flint and David Speirs for their continued support
See our submission on West here and East here
Go here to see FoMcC Key issues document
Go here to see messenger article
September 2017
A successful campaign by the Friends of McConnell Reserve (FoMcC ) was Led by Travis Smith, deputation to Marion , supported by the the Marino Residents Association (5049 CC ) submission following a public meeting. It is of note that at the time both David Speirs and Nicolle Flint were supportive of this position.
Here are some sample submissions shared here with permission:
Friends of McConnell
Barbara Wake
David Cruikshanks-Boyd
Andrew Cole
Jane Wesson
Here are the results from the petition as at 18 Dec:
paper petition
online petition
Online petition comments
ABC Radio Interview
Hear 5049 Coastal Community President, David Bagshaw on the ABC radio Friday 11 December. Listen to the interview with David Bevan radio here (interview commences at approx. 35'.23" and concludes at 46'00).
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/adelaide/programs/mornings/mornings/12953312
Making a Submission to Council post Consultation
It is of course up to the individual to make their own decision, however the Association and the Friends of McConnell along with many in the community are strongly opposed to the sale. In making your submission in your own words take the following into account and use the following resources below.
- This should be more than a local reserve and have facilities of a destination neighbourhood reserve
- Lack of easily accessible level open level space in Marino in comparison to other suburbs
- Reserve has been neglected by Council over the last 20 years no wonder it looks redundant
- Support the Friends of McConnell reserve proposal for renovation of whole of McConnell reserve ( East & West).
- Importance of open space for environmental sustainability
- Future population growth will lead to the need for more reserves’ not less
- Willingness to participate in the next stage of the design process for the whole reserve
- Share your personal experience and memories of the Reserve and your ideas
Go here to see FoMcC Key issues document
Go here to see messenger article
Go here to see printable flyer/poster
Here is the links to City of Marion -making Marion website for updates by Council
- Eastern portion - proposed upgrades
- Western Portion - sell off
Neighbour Day Success at McConnell Reserve – Sunday April 10th
A happy and successful day was enjoyed by families and friends at Marino, in celebration of Neighbour Day 2022. The great weather brought people out of their house to meet in a local shared community space at McConnell Reserve. Over 80 people attended the event which was planned and supported by the neighbouring community, ‘Friends of McConnell Reserve’ and the ‘5049 Coastal Community Association’.
Easy listening background music and singing was provided by Forte and djembe drumming contributed to the natural environs.
The newly renovated Eastern side where tennis, basketball and badminton could be played was appreciated by all ages, while face painting was a favourite for the littlies. Free drinks and nibbles were provided for the hard - working volunteers in our community, who work tirelessly towards community and environmental well - being.
The Neighbour Day Raffle raised over $500 to be used to support our volunteers. Winners won a selection of prizes, from the famous Boral Eagle through to bottles of wine.
Events like this encourage connection and belonging in our neighbourhoods, strengthening the community spirit needed to preserve our local spaces for future generations. Let’s make it happen!
View the latest Neighbour Day newsletter in the link here
A happy and successful day was enjoyed by families and friends at Marino, in celebration of Neighbour Day 2022. The great weather brought people out of their house to meet in a local shared community space at McConnell Reserve. Over 80 people attended the event which was planned and supported by the neighbouring community, ‘Friends of McConnell Reserve’ and the ‘5049 Coastal Community Association’.
Easy listening background music and singing was provided by Forte and djembe drumming contributed to the natural environs.
The newly renovated Eastern side where tennis, basketball and badminton could be played was appreciated by all ages, while face painting was a favourite for the littlies. Free drinks and nibbles were provided for the hard - working volunteers in our community, who work tirelessly towards community and environmental well - being.
The Neighbour Day Raffle raised over $500 to be used to support our volunteers. Winners won a selection of prizes, from the famous Boral Eagle through to bottles of wine.
Events like this encourage connection and belonging in our neighbourhoods, strengthening the community spirit needed to preserve our local spaces for future generations. Let’s make it happen!
View the latest Neighbour Day newsletter in the link here
Integrated Reserve Concept
