House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-07-04 Daily Xml

Contents

RIVERBANK PRECINCT

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee) (14:43): My question is to the Minister for Housing and Urban Development. Can the minister inform the house about how the people of South Australia can have their say about the draft Greater Riverbank Precinct Implementation Plan?

The SPEAKER: You are able to assist with that?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Housing and Urban Development) (14:43): Yes, sir, I am. I thank the member for this important question and his keen interest in the riverbank, because he is a keen runner along the riverbank. On Sunday, Renewal SA held a community open day at the Adelaide Convention Centre to launch the month-long public consultation period for the draft Greater Riverbank Precinct Implementation Plan released last week.

The Greater Riverbank Precinct Implementation Plan will be the road map to guiding investment and development along the riverbank from Gilberton through Bonython Park to Bowden. The Greater Riverbank Precinct vision encompasses areas that include the Botanic Gardens, the Adelaide Zoo, the Adelaide Oval, the Convention Centre and the Festival Centre, and all of that lies along the River Torrens, with supporting fields, universities, cafes, restaurants, walking, running and cycling trails.

The Greater Riverbank Precinct Implementation Plan is a long-term visionary piece of work. Renewal SA has been charged with guiding, coordinating and facilitating the future renewal of these areas to leverage off the significant investments made in the Adelaide Oval redevelopment, the SAHMRI construction, the new RAH construction and the Adelaide Convention Centre redevelopment. The development of this precinct is something that all South Australians have a stake in, and the community will be able to further shape the future of this precinct through the second stage of public engagement, which was launched at this community open day held between 10am and 4pm.

The open day provided South Australians with the opportunity to see and comment on the vision for the Greater Riverbank Precinct. Wall and floor panels were on display which explained the vision—and I noted that the Deputy Leader of the Opposition came along to have a look and was very good in giving her points of view—with future opportunities for renewal and how past community feedback has shaped the proposed direction.

To add to the atmosphere and vibrancy of the day, there was an array of activities and entertainment, all indicative of the type of experience that visitors can expect when venturing to the precinct. There were musicians, roving performing artists, yoga demonstrations, BMI testings which I did—I got a 24 and I am very happy with that—live artist paintings, kids' activities (including minigolf and the Adelaide Crows handball program), a gondola photo booth and food and wine tasting. About 1,500 people attended the event, with almost 500 Post-it note suggestions stuck to the display area and 170 completed feedback forms submitted. In the days following the event—

Mr Marshall interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: That is the type of attitude you get from the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Speaker. He is all complaints and no vision.

Members interjecting:

Mr Pisoni: Point of order.

The CHAIR: Member for Unley.

Mr Pisoni: It is disorderly to respond to interjections.

The CHAIR: Yes, it is disorderly to interject, also. The minister will not respond to the heckling of the Leader of the Opposition.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Sure, sir. In the days following the event, a further 120 surveys have been submitted online, and the initial analysis has indicated overwhelming positive support for the vision to develop the precinct. The engagement process will continue through July with an interactive website at riverbank.sa.gov.au, online discussion forums and a roving community display to be located at the Adelaide University Hub Central until 11 July and the Adelaide Convention Centre atrium foyer from 15 to 26 July.

The government wants to create a place for everyone, whether you are watching a football game, seeing a show at the Festival Centre or visiting the new world-class Casino, all linked by pop-up cafes, playgrounds and tree-lined paths. We want to improve the way in which the city moves and the way people move through it. Overall investment in the precinct has the potential to generate thousands of new jobs in both the construction and operational stages and increase visitor and tourist numbers.

Renewal SA is working in partnership with the Adelaide City Council and other state government agencies to prepare a road map for renewal of the greater Riverbank precinct over the next 20 years. Following community and stakeholder consultation, a final Greater Riverbank Precinct Implementation Plan will be prepared that includes an implementation schedule and identifying options. Mr Speaker, I commend that process to the house and encourage all members to get involved.