The article below is a response to an article published in May 2024.
Car parking in Blackwood is a complex issue. Given the number of suggestions raised in the article, we thought it was important to provide a realistic response to them.
Our planning system is controlled by the State Government. The rules that regulate development activity in South Australia emanate from the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act that was implemented in 2021 to replace the old Development Act of 1993.
When the State Government took total control of the planning system in 2021, the move to a one-size-fits all approach resulted in a significant amount of local planning nuances being lost. The new planning code does not take into consideration wider planning issues or a more holistic view. Some general comments in relation to points raised in the article:
All new retail developments in Blackwood meet the code’s carparking requirements.
Most of the car parking issues in and around Drakes are more to do with the layout than the number.
Council’s upgrade of Young Street will see 28 new carparks created to offset any loss with the construction of the new walkway from Tiwu through to Drakes. This pedestrian linkage is critical as it will significantly improve the walkability of central Blackwood.
Underground car parking is financially unfeasible. The area sits along the ridgeline and has a substantial amount of rock.
Council’s development of Tiwu Kumangka and Edward Street Carpark was approved by the Council Assessment Panel, the independent assessment body and followed the same process any private development would for planning approval.
Most of the parking associated with retail and service provision in the area is provided on private land. Discussion around parking issues in Blackwood always raises the question: “Is it Council’s role to solve parking issues for private business on private land?” This is especially important given that there are four Councillors representing the ‘hills’ areas of Mitcham compared with eight down the hill where both major shopping centres (Mitcham & Pasadena) receive no support from Council.
To be clear though, this does not mean that Council cannot assist in being part of a solution but we can’t do it alone. There are some 23 different landowners in and around the Drakes shopping precinct.
Council is currently progressing the scoping of the Blackwood Movement Strategy, which aims to comprehensively assess various aspects related to traffic, pedestrian flow, parking, and overall accessibility within the area. A key focus of the study is evaluating the adequacy and suitability of car parking facilities, including their locations, capacity and accessibility. Hopefully this strategy will have enough support in the chamber to be funded as it allows for future negotiations to occur and for Council to try and facilitate better outcomes for everyone.
Finally, it is fantastic to see the new private investment in Blackwood recently, showing that there is appetite for improvements and future growth in the area which Council will continue to support.
You can read the printed version of this letter in the June 2024 Edition of the Blackwood Times. The letter was co-signed by Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross, Cr Hockley, Cr Kruse and Cr McCarthy.
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