Alberton Oval

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL (14:35): Thank you; it was worth waiting for. Mr President, I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Treasurer, representing the Minister for Planning and Local Government, about the proposed redevelopment of Alberton Oval.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL: Plans for a $20 million upgrade of Port Adelaide Football Club's home ground in Alberton have left many local residents angry that this public parkland, with old trees and community green space, is being traded for a new private soccer pitch and basketball gymnasium. While Port Adelaide Enfield council has already voted unanimously to support the development, many residents are angry that only those living within 60 metres of the proposed redevelopment are allowed to make submissions.

Whilst the development is within the Port Adelaide Enfield council area, most of the residents affected by the development live in the adjoining Charles Sturt council area, and they are unhappy at not being included in decision-making. Port Adelaide Football Club has indicated that they want 90 junior teams to play there after hours each week, in addition to an unknown number of soccer teams. The local community is worried about local impacts, including an increase in traffic, and they note that only 12 additional parking spaces are proposed. They are nervous about seeing parking congestion and, ultimately, parking restrictions in the residential areas. My questions to the minister are:

1. Does the government agree that limiting consultation to only immediate neighbours is appropriate for such a large development that is alienating public land enjoyed by the whole community?

2. What will the minister do to ensure that residents do not lose access to public green spaces?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:37): It's very dangerous to ask me a question about anything to do with the Port Adelaide Football Club, so I shall suppress my innermost feelings in relation to that particular institution and I will dutifully indicate I will take the question up with the minister and, if the member is still around, make sure that a letter is sent to him to provide that response.