Council Report - My First Year by Cr Steve White It has now been one year since I was elected to represent Mawson Lakes and parts of Pooraka and Parafield Gardens at the City of Salisbury.
Unfortunately an underpass under Dry Creek rail bridge was deemed unsafe as that route floods a number of days each year. Likewise a route across the tracks next to the Dry Creek bridge was regarded as unsafe as it would have had to cross six tracks. Finally an overpass next to that rail bridge would have had to be as high as Elder Smith Road bridge to clear interstate freight trains and would have required lifts for people with a disability and a very long bike access ramp.
This year has been one of learning my role and handling resident requests to prune trees, refurbish play grounds, add public rubbish bins and a park seat. I have had to learn what is within Council responsibilities and what are State and Federal matters. For example: a.
Main North Road, Salisbury Highway and Elder Smith Road are state routes and Mawson Lakes School grounds and the Mawson Lakes Interchange and its surrounding parking are also state responsibilities.
b.
The Parafield Airport and its grounds is a Federal responsibility.
Looking forward and subject to agreement, I hope the following developments will proceed next Financial Year: 1.
Bike Trail/Walking Connection from Shoalhaven and Cascades to Mawson Central and The Bridges. After 6 years wait Council and State Department of Transport have agreed on a plan to connect Mawson Lakes either side of the rail track. A causeway is planned across Dry Creek next to its rail bridge connecting to a ramp and steps up the Shoalhaven side of the Elder Smith Road bridge ramp. The steps and ramp will provide access to the station and bridge footpath which will be turned into a combined bike/ pedestrian route into Mawson Central and looping back underneath to The Bridges. When I take the train I see a number of Shoalhaven and Cascades residents clambering up the dirt tracks worn on the side of the Elder Smith Rd bridge, so hopefully this will be a thing of the past.
2.
Child-safe fence around Shearwater Playground. A safety fence to prevent young children wandering onto nearby roads or the lake has been requested.
3.
Exercise Area Near Pledger Wetlands. Exercise equipment for older residents has been requested near Pledger Wetlands. Funding for this and the following Street Gym will have to be split.
4.
Street Gym Equipment. Younger residents have requested Street Gym equipment.
On a disappointing note, Council has just been informed by the State Planning Department that the upgrade of Elder Smith Road bridge to four lanes is a low priority, and that a Council request to interrupt traffic turning onto Elder Smith Road to allow traffic from The Cascades to enter the road has been turned down. Also the recently announced Northern Connector between South Rd/Port River Expressway and the Northern Expressway to Gawler was to have been joined by an extension of Elder Smith Road but this has been omitted due to lack of funds. The Council is writing to both State and Federal members requesting a higher priority for duplication of the Elder Smith Road bridge both on economic and community traffic grounds. Cr Steve White Elected Member, Levels Ward M: 0498 490 346 E: SWhite@salisbury.sa.gov.au Please mention Mawson Lakes Living when responding to ads
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