This was one of forty questions we asked. Transport issues were raised. We resisted the idea of replacing Henley Beach Library with a boutique library elsewhere, positioning ourselves against this faddish concept with evidence that it was unlikely to work. Basically, we wanted to highlight that libraries bring people together and offer huge benefits socially, emotionally and intellectually in local residents’ lives. We had a huge groundswell of community backing this campaign to not change the current Henley Beach Library. Council then extended the time period as it was clear more people wanted to add their voice against the proposed change. Over the next few months, it became obvious that the elected members were listening to their residents and this campaign’s message. They overturned the proposed policy of moving and downsizing the library. It was a good news story for our community; we retained the Henley Beach Library in its current location, but we have to continue to keep a watching brief to ensure this rich community resource is retained for its many valuable community-building purposes in the future.
Supporters of the Save Our Library campaign
Paid parking meters in Henley Square Jim Douglas
It was springtime 2017 when the community received word that the Charles Sturt Council had decided, without community consultation, to install paid parking meters in the north and south car parks at Henley Square. All hell broke loose, with strong opposition from the community and traders. A petition of over 10,000 signatures calling for their removal was presented to council and the media was hot on the story when the first meter was fixed to the ground. A community rally of over 500 gathered on the beach to hear from a number of speakers calling on council to 'pull out the meters'. The media ran the story in The Advertiser, local Weekly Times Messenger newspaper, most TV stations and on social media. Within days of
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