Kingston Park Reserve PUBLIC FORUM May 2018

Thanks to all who attended our meeting at the Brighton and Seacliff Yacht Club. It was a great night with high energy, participation and support. It was wonderful to see so many people coming along to have their say on local issues.

Nicolle Flint Federal member for Boothby, Cl Amanda Wilson Acting Mayor  and Cl Annette Bradshaw Acting Deputy Mayor for City of Holdfast Bay Council were in attendance. We were also pleased to have Council staff ;Pamela Jackson and Rajiv Mouveri to present the update on the Masterplan.

We learnt a lot more about the sensitive and complex issues around the successful delivery of the Kingston Park Foreshore Masterplan. Council have been generous with their time and heard from the community about what their priorities are.  We will continue to liaise with Council and advocate for a sensitive and respectful less is more approach. We are hopeful that, given the time lapse since the master plan was approved and the potential changes that will come as a result of the current review of the cultural framework, the community will have an opportunity to comment further on any changes before they are implemented.

Some of the major highlights:

• The turn out on the night was fabulous (150+) and shows how strongly the local community feel about the Kingston Park foreshore and our community activities.
  
• The Association was pleased to be able to bring together local residents and council representatives to have a long overdue discussion on the Kingston Park foreshore reserve.
• We hope that City of Holdfast Bay will take the residents’ concerns and comments on board.
• Locals want this foreshore to remain a quiet space, and don't think it needs much development or change.
• Locals want to see a permanent kiosk (café) on the site, that is in keeping with the coastal environment.
• Locals want to see the natural environment enhanced and protected. It is already a great place for kids to play and explore in a natural setting and don’t feel there is a need for a large, formal, regional playground.
• Locals respect the need of the Kaurna community and recognise the cultural significance of the siteand are keen to see the process resolved.

We were particularly interested to hear about:

• Recognition that the traffic and transport in the area needs to be addressed. There is only limited parking in the area and the loss of the overflow parking space has only amplified this problem.
  
• The Masterplan may be reviewed following Councils negotiations with the Kaurna people about how development can be achieved in harmony with the site as a space for healing and contemplation. This seems consistent with local views of keeping it natural and simple.
• The use of the term "play space" in Councils presentation rather than "regional adventure playground" implies a smaller formalised play area with less impact.
• The fact that the area is recognised as a high value biodiversity area
• Given the delay in implementation that Council have an interim plan to rejuvenate the reserve and improve parking.

We are still keen to know more about:

• Details on the interim plan for remediation and parking enhancements.
  
• The expected time frames or implementation programs.
• The detailed budget information or surety of funding.
• What will trigger further community consultation on potential changes to the design.
• That details of the proposals will be shared with the community when they are known.
• Proposed management of the existing toilet facilities to prevent unsavoury activities.

Next Steps for the Association:

• Write to the Council thanking them and summarising the outcomes from the forum - see letter here.
• Meet with Council Admin team to review the outcomes of the forum.  Read  Councils response here.
  
• Communicate the outcomes of our meetings to the stakeholders and media

Next Step for the Community:

• Keep in touch via our website, Facebook, email bulletins and the local media.
  
• Be ready to act in terms of lobbying and reinforcing the need for action.