Playford Electorate

Mr BROWN (Playford) (15:34): I rise today to discuss some important issues in my electorate of Playford. Firstly, there is the issue of the sale of the land immediately adjacent to the Mawson Lakes interchange. The state government, in cooperation with the City of Salisbury, has now invited developers to tender for this land.

My constituents and other residents of the northern suburbs have for some time been calling for improvements to the park-and-ride that currently exists on the site. This is a need that is recognised on this side of the house. However, instead of working to improve access to free car parking for residents of the northern suburbs, the state government is now leading a process to sell the site to developers.

We are told by Renewal SA that this land represents an opportunity to provide improvements for local residents and those across the north by delivering a new and exciting development. There is no doubt that we need more employment opportunities in the north, and I am of the view that this site is worthy of development. However, I caution the state government and the Treasurer, who is responsible for this project, that local residents and I will not accept any development that does not deliver additional free car parking at the park-and-ride.

We will also not accept, as has been rumoured, the sale of the site to a commercial car park operator. Labor is committed to improving car parking along the Gawler line, and I and my colleagues will have more to say about this issue in the months ahead. The residents of the northern suburbs have already been through an exercise where this state government sought to reduce their bus services, which has now been abandoned thanks to community pressure. They have also seen the government place our rail services in the hands of foreign companies, to be run for profit. I warn the state government that if they think they can simply sell this car park to help their budget, they are wrong.

Another issue I wish to raise today is that of the intersection of Salisbury Highway and Elder Smith Road. I have been contacted by a number of residents who have expressed concerns over the excessive noise and hoon driving witnessed along the intersection. I have written to the new Minister for Police to consider the installation of additional speed cameras at this location. I have also requested that there be increased levels of SAPOL monitoring at the intersection to better police dangerous activity.

Both Elder Smith Road and Salisbury Highway are major arterial roads that service not only my constituents but indeed residents across the greater northern suburbs. Both these roads require additional resources to ensure that the standard of safety is improved not only for drivers but for nearby residents. I look forward to the minister's response on this matter, as it is of great importance to my constituents.

I would also like to address the issue of heavy vehicles using the local streets of Mawson Lakes. A number of my constituents have contacted me regarding Mawson Lakes Boulevard, in particular, being used by heavy vehicles, even though the suburb has a state government-mandated restriction in place for heavy vehicles. There are numerous examples of heavy vehicles knocking over street signs, damaging roundabouts and even causing serious damage to outdoor dining facilities. Local residents have also been impacted by the noise of these vehicles.

As the regulation of heavy vehicles is a responsibility of the state government, I wrote to the previous Minister for Transport, asking him to investigate how this issue might be addressed. Unfortunately, the new minister has now responded, informing me that I should take this issue up with the local council. It is unfortunate that the minister does not believe that his role in the regulation of heavy vehicles extends to preventing large trucks from driving down suburban streets. I invite him to reconsider this decision on behalf of those local residents and business owners who have been impacted by these heavy vehicles.

Finally, I would like to thank the Minister for Education for his decision to essentially fund an additional fence at The Pines Primary School. Both I and the school community appreciate that he has listened to our request and now made funds available, even if it is not for the 1.8-metre fence that we requested. I must, however, express how disappointed I am that the minister's department and the Salisbury council have not yet been able to reach agreement on allowing access to the schools' facilities for the local community and sporting clubs.

These facilities should not be locked away from the community due to the irresponsible actions of some, and I am sure that a reasonable solution to any issues can be reached. On behalf of the residents of Parafield Gardens, I indicate that I am happy to work with the minister and the council to help achieve a positive outcome not just for the school but also for the local community. This is what the community expects of us.