Blogawler

With all the talk of urban expansion in our area, it has been disappointing that up to now, no detailed study of needs and impacts of development had been undertaken.

So it is pleasing to see that the State Government recently announced it would undertake a Regional Spatial (Land – use ) Framework study of the region.

The study is aimed at guiding future urban and rural development in the area and should be a great opportunity for the community members to be involved in the consultation process.

The study will cover the area governed by The Barossa Council, District Council of Mallala, Light Regional Council, and the Town of Gawler. It will also seek input from the Wakefield Regional Council and The City of Playford.

The study aims to provide clear direction for future land use. It will identify appropriate areas for urban expansion, and areas to be preserved for agricultural uses and areas for environmental needs.

With this type of study a number of key land issues are addressed. They include:

• Residential
• Retail
• industrial/ commercial
• Tourism
• Community services / facilities
• Transport
• Primary production
• Environment
• Natural resource management
• Recreation, Open space and sporting facilities.

At the moment there is a perception in the community that the current push for urban expansion is industry driven and is not taking community concerns into account.

Hopefully this study will address the many concerns raised by the community. In particular we hope the wider community can have a voice during the assessment and analysis stages of this study.

It is apparently planned the study will be completed within six months which seems optimistic. It is also hoped that any declaration of an expanded urban boundary will be made after the report is finished and has been thoroughly considered by all levels of Government and in particular the community.

Get more details and have your say…. contact your Council members.