Rann Labor’s plan fails Mount Barker

On Thursday 10 June, the Rann Labor Government released a draft amendment to the Mount Barker Development plan causing significant concern in our local community.

This week I took the unusual step of writing to all residents in the District Council of Mount Barker because I am very concerned that the draft plan fails our area and I believe residents must ensure that they take the opportunity to voice their concern.

I believe this draft plan fails because it gives no consideration to the future sustainability of the Adelaide Hills region.

This amendment proposes to release some 1,310 hectares of land for development in Nairne and Mount Barker, resulting in an additional 7,000 houses. This comes on top of the sizeable increase in population that the region has seen over the past ten years.

The amendment sets expansion targets without considering key infrastructure needs including a second freeway interchange for Mount Barker, investment in wastewater management, black spots funding for local roads, investment in key services such as health, education and improved recreation facilities.

The announcement contains no money from the State Rann Labor Government to ensure that these key issues are planned for appropriately, and indeed the failure to even consider ‘catch up’ investment indicates a complete lack of foresight.

It is clear the Rann Labor Government has failed to consider effective methods of expansion to ensure our prime agricultural land is not needlessly lost due to over-development.

This draft amendment is based on the premise that additional houses must be built to satisfy the Labor Government’s proposed population growth targets. However, this step is undertaken without serious consideration being given to the sustainability of population increases in the Adelaide Hills.

Australia faces a serious challenge in the coming years to ensure we have a safe, secure and sufficient food supply. It is therefore important we do not allow the Rann Labor Government overdevelop our most productive land.

Building at least 7,000 additional houses will also put additional pressure on already stretched catchments.

The Rann State Labor Government is forced by law to consult for a period that ends on the fourth of August. It is very important that if people want the draft plan changed, they clearly submit this view.

This draft amendment should not proceed as drafted and it certainly should not be considered until the Rann State Labor Government has committed to funding key infrastructure and services in the district.

I have been overwhelmed by the response that my letter has generated and so must be the State Rann Labor Government.

The message is simple: go back to the drawing board.

Tell me what you think at jamie.briggs.mp@aph.gov.au.