Wright Electorate

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright) (15:10): I want to address a local issue that is causing some concern in my electorate, and I expect I will be making a number of contributions in relation to this as time goes by. Artwork that was much loved by families at a Golden Grove park has been destroyed—

Mr Pederick: Shame.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: Yes—with a severed horse's head being the only piece remaining.

Mr Pederick: Shame.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: It is terrible and I thank the member for—

Mr Pederick: Hammond.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: —Hammond for his support. You would expect that some vandal had performed this atrocity but, no, it appears to have been arranged by the local Tea Tree Gully councillor. To give this house some understanding of how horrific this is, the wonderful play sculptures—a horse, a whale, a mermaid and stepping stones—were all sculpted from felled trees from the area when it was developed. They were so very special. They were crafted by renowned South Australian artist Silvio Apponyi. For those who do not recognise his name, he was the artist who sculpted the wonderful bronze whale's tail at Victor Harbor.

They were much loved by children who had the opportunity to play in an environment that was adventurous. They could use their imaginations, be creative and be connected to the environment. Locals are ropeable. Over 100 people have contacted me. They are extremely angry that they were not consulted and that is despite the local councillor claiming that, in September and October last year, she was out doorknocking about the play sculptures' restoration.

Their restoration has amounted to literally giving them the chop. All that is left is the horse's head. It is as shocking as it sounds. The poor old horse looks very upset and kids coming to the park are equally distressed when they see what has occurred to their beloved pony. I have written to the Mayor of Tea Tree Gully twice, firstly, seeking information about how this could possibly happen and, secondly, stating very clearly that the community wants the sculptures replaced.

Councillor Paula Leuthen-Soper has been Facebooking in September and October last year that she was doorknocking, seeking people's thoughts on the 'restoration of the play/sculpture area, glorying in the lovely weather'. It all sounded very positive, but lo and behold, come December, she posts a photograph of herself sitting on a new iron bench under a tree claiming, 'Castle Eaton beautification.' There is no play area left, no sculptures: it is all replaced by two garden beds, a dolomite path and an iron bench.

It would seem that she is upset that residents are upset. She is upset that I am upset and that I am actually seeking residents' views. From the 800 letters sent out—and I am glad that the member for Chaffey raised surveys and their credibility—I have had over 100 responses with only two supporting their removal. Does Councillor Leuthen-Soper apologise? No. She claims she has been hard done by. Apparently, I showed little respect and understanding of council's due process. She says in this week's Messenger:

Council process was followed from the moment I forwarded local concerns regarding the restoration of the play sculptures to the council.

That is a different story to what she was putting on Facebook. Having concerns about the restoration is quite different to her post in November in which she said:

Maintenance has begun on Castle Eaton Reserve—we are looking to restore current the sculptures and update safety aspects of this small park in keeping with surrounds.

I reiterate—'looking to restore current wooden sculptures'. Restore them. Now she is saying she forwarded concerns about their restoration. Yet it has been confirmed her concerns notice was lodged in May last year—that is, concerns about their restoration. She met on site with staff and asked that work be delayed until she could speak to residents. How could she then be claiming to be restoring them in September, October and November when she had lodged a complaint about the restoration in May?

Play both ends against the middle and you are sure to get caught, and that is just what has happened. Councillor Leuthen-Soper can be put out all she likes; she has been caught out. As I said, I will have more to say about this saga in the near future as more information comes to hand about exactly what council processes were followed.