Kingston park reserve & masterplan

Updates for the Kingston Park Masterplan

June 2020 updates 
Kingston Park Masterplan
Meetings have occurred with Council and Kaurna to progress the Kingston Park Masterplan.  SA Water and NRM Board have been engaged to assist in the rehabilitation of Tjilbruke Spring. It is hoped that there will be consultation events soon as the plan unfolds. Rest assured it will be a less is more approach.
 
Brighton Caravan Park
Council approved an extension of the existing management agreement for four months.  This was to allow for an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be advertised for a provider to manage the Caravan Park in the longer term.  The EOI will be advertised within the next few weeks, and will include provision for the Stage 2 Redevelopment and the possible excising of the leased area for the construction of a permanent kiosk.

Permanent Kiosk Cafe 
As part of the Draft 2020-2021 Annual Business Plan, $300,000 has been allocated (Year 1 of 2 and subject to a business case) for the project which includes the design and construction of a new kiosk. The design of the new facility will be sensitive to its location and the construction materials will be suitable for coastal locations. Dominic Stefanson from Strategic Solutions has been engaged to undertake the feasibility study and has met with both Elected Members and members of 5049 Coastal Community.
              
March 2020 updates
​There has been much activity by the 5049 Task Group since the Repatriation ceremony. They have been liaising with  Council on progressing several aspects of the Masterplan for this special precinct.

The permanent Cafe at Kingston Park
​The association has been very active on this matter in conjunction with our local Holdfast Bay Ward Councilors ( Annette Bradshaw, Clare Lindop & Susan Lonnie), In particular Annette has lead the charge with spirit and determination. The promise of a quality permanent facility has become a saga and a legend, where we are not sure if it is true or a fairy tale.

From our latest newsletter - Annette Bradshaw writes: 
Whilst a service by way of a temporary pop up van has continued in the area, it hasn’t met the community’s expectations. At the time, Council Minutes indicate that works were expected to commence on a new cafe from the 2014/2015 budget. Numerous issues have caused delay since that time, including the high importance of the site to the Kaurna people and the SA Government requirement that Kaurna Elders be consulted on any works carried out in the area. I am pleased to see a proposal to include an initial $450,000 in the forthcoming budget towards a cafe at Kingston Park. However there’s no guarantee this project will make it to the final 2020/21 Draft as the outcome is determined by all Councilors who will vote on a variety of proposals. If funding is included in the final Draft Annual Business Plan & Budget on April 14th, it would be subject to a business case confirming the viability of the project. Personally, I have every confidence a new cafe at Kingston Park would be well patronised and successful, however when dealing with public money Council are required to cover all the bases. If a new cafe at Kingston Park is high on your “wish list” I suggest you make it known to Councillors and your Association.

​We have prepared a series of recommendations by way of a briefing to each elected councilor and the administration here
In essence we are presenting a well know case based on our understanding from many forums surveys, petitions and deputations over the last 5- 10 years. We recognise the desperate  need  for a facility that will serve both locals and  visitors alike,  supporting the economy and tourism growth and development of this " jewel in the crown" of Holdfast Bay and the State.

Lets hope the budget for the business plan gets supported at Council on April 14th , with community consultation on the overall draft budget for 20/21 in Late April. We will keep you posted.

Caravan Park Masterplan part 2
This is currently progressing and we hope to be able to share information on this very soon

Kingston Park Reserve Masterplan 
The long awaited review and remaking of the 2015 Masterplan is still in progress and we hope to be able to share information on this very soon.

From the Office of Pamela Jackson - General Manager Strategy & Business Services – City of Holdfast Bay

There are many projects underway in both Kingston Park and Seacliff.

• Sensors will be installed in March/April at the Kingston Park car park. These sensors will be connected to two (2) displays leading to the carpark notifying drivers of the number of available spaces.
• Safety concerns have also been raised regarding the speed of cyclists along the Coast Path around the Seacliff Beach Access Point to Kingston Park. I can confirm that the City of Holdfast Bay will commence a trial of sensors at Minda Coast Park to monitor speeds which should be installed by the end of March 2020. If this trial is successful and achieves the desired outcomes, it will be looked to extend to other areas, including Kingston Park.
• We have received five (5) draft designs from the architect for the Seacliff Change Room/WC. These have been discussed and proposed amendments sent back to the architect for final concepts to be drawn up. When finalised they will be sent out for public consultation.
• Council is currently undertaking its Annual Business Planning process. This will be out for consultation with the community from late April with a public hearing to be held soon after.
• Due to an unplayable surface, the nets and poles at Kingston Park tennis courts have been removed. Anyone that wishes to play tennis can use the courts at Kingston House. A corflute sign is currently being made redirecting residents and visitors to alternative courts.

31 July - 2 August 2019
​Kaurna Nation in partnership with the City of Holdfast Bay three day Repatriation Ceremony at the Kingston Park Coastal Reserve to lay to rest several Old Peoples remains which have been returned for reburial to country from the Natural History Museum, United Kingdom and the South Australian Museum.  Parts of this event are open to the whole community. This is a great opportunity to join together on this significant event More information here.

18 July  Joint public forum -6.30 pm 

A very successful Holdfast Bay Council/5049 Coastal Community Forum , Brighton Sailing Club, Thursday 18th July.

Attended by approximately 90 local residents, we witnessed a short but emotional and entertaining presentation by Kaurna Elder Jeffery Newchurch , followed by an articulate presentation by Pamela Jackson, acting General Manager,Business Services Holdfast Bay Council, advising the Kingston Park Masterplan is to be reviewed, possible Cafe sites are being evaluated, the reason the overflow carpark has been closed and the associated parking problems. She also announced on behalf of the Kaurna people and the Holdfast Bay Council, that Kaurna remains have been repatriated from the British Museum and have received Govt permission to be re interred in a selected area , close to the Tjilbruke Spring . Further details will be forthcoming, with the Kaurna representatives extending invitations to the local community to attend the ceremony which is expected to be held on Thursday 1 August.
An interesting Q & A session followed Pam’s presentation, with a variety of questions & comments from the audience.

​Both the Community & the Council gained from the event, the community receiving first hand information, & the Council representatives delighted that the community demonstrated it wish to be engaged with their Council.

 5 June 2019 update - New temporary Café for Kingston Park Reserve
After 5 years dedicated to serving our community, Coffee N Cookies the current temporary café  at Kingston Park Reserve is moving on.
 
Following the recent tender process for a temporary  catering service at Kingston Park, Council received four submissions. Council selected an operator Ocean Food Truck, who they believe will deliver all required outcomes for the community. The selection was based on:

•       Extensive industry experience;
•    is already set up for mobile business operations for an immediate commencement;
•          proposed wide opening hours, comparable to the existing lessee;
•          predominantly self-sufficient in their operations, (furniture, storage and power);
•          has service offerings that are extensive, including coffee and hot food;
•          offers a modern and attractive presentation;
•          has the potential to cater to the broad community throughout the entire year
•          Overall, demonstrated the best quality and value for money.

 
It is anticipated that Ocean Food Truck will commence on site in early to mid July 2019 for an initial period of twelve months. 
In making the selection Council acknowledged the relationship that many residents have with the current operator Coffee n Cookies (Dave Easson) and Council took into consideration the feedback received from the 5049 Coastal Community and the needs of the local community in making this decision.

Council have assured us that this will not be a drive in drive out service and will be permanently located on the current café site. Please make them welcome.

A Huge thankyou to Dave Easson and his team for their dedicated service to our community providing a yearlong haven for many of the locals and visitors. Please drop in and thank them and wish them well.

​We hope that a decision on a permanent solution will be forthcoming in the next 12 months as Council review options during the master plan review process.


May 2019 update
Our  regular City of Holdfast Bay Liaison Group that meets regularly 6 times a year has been refreshed, with a new structure and terms of reference to enable more productive collaboration on matters of local interest. The Group comprises Association Committee members, Seacliff Ward Councillors and senior Council Managers. At these meetings local hot topics and longer term strategies are discussed, positions made clear and actions agreed upon.

The main focus of discussions centred on:

• Car Parking and Access strategies following the closure of the overflow parking area click here & here
• Temporary & permanent Cafe tender arrangements  click here & here
• Master Plan Review Process see reports below

A report did  go to full Council in early May 2019. .Here is a brief bulletin provided by the Council on recent matters click here We will be following up with council on these matters ASAP
​
For updates on the Coast Path click here
 
January 2019 update
At a meeting in January of the City of Holdfast Bay, the Council agreed to undertake a review of the endorsed master plan following feedback from the community (our May 2018 forum in particular) and further liaison with the local Kaurna Elders. This is a significant event for those who have been following this long saga, and one that we can feel proud of in terms of our persistence and respectful challenge of some critical aspects of the previous Master Plan. We will keep you posted as the details unfold.
December 2018 update
A legal challenge to the original approval for the coast path has delayed further works on the plan since the May forum.  Read more here.
May 2018 Completion of the Path
We were all pleased to see the completion of the Coastal path at the end of May 2018.  Read our article here.
May 2018 Public Forum
After more than 3 years the City of Holdfast Bay has agreed to present the plan and their delivery program to a public forum on Tuesday 15 May 2018.  The forum was well attended.  Read the full report