Mayor4Unley

  It seems that Unley Council has become a spring board into State politics. In the recent past we’ve had 2 mayors and now first-term Fullarton councillor Ms Jordan Dodd attempting to move to the SA Parliament. The election is a year away, yet so far I’ve found 2 glossy Liberal brochures about Jordan in my letterbox. Jordan is trying to win the seat of Badcoe and it will be a tough fight against the well entrenched Labor MP Jayne Stinson. I’m surprised that Jordan is running in Badcoe. It will be a tough fight. I would have preferred to see her running in the ultra safe Liberal seat of Unley, to replace David Pisoni MP. I think it’s time for a generational change in Unley and it would have been smarter for the Liberals to parachute Jordan into Unley. That’s my thoughts.

 It was sad to hear the news today that former Unley Mayor, Denis Sheridan has died, aged 76. Denis was Mayor back in the days when it was the done thing to do a 2 year term and then pass the baton. Not like today when being mayor is a career with political connections. Denis was a huge and prominent character known for his other life as a swing singer and a big band leader. Denis was commonly referred to as the singing Mayor. In fact, at the slightest opportunity, Denis would burst into song. A great way to defuse any situation. He was one of the best mayors at Unley Council. Certainly one who will be remembered, His passing saddens me. Memories of him continue to delight me. Some tales can not be told.

Clarice Becket If you haven’t been yet, then you must go to see the exhibition of works by Clarice Beckett. Her works and life story are incredible. She would have to be one of Australia’s greatest painters. It’s worth the price of a ticket. Here’s a tip: get there early and join a free guided tour. BTW due to popularity, the exhibition has been extended to 23 May 2021. https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/clarice-beckett-present-moment/?utm_medium=display&utm_source=solstice&utm_campaign=wm_claricebeckett_21

 Unley Council is proposing a reduction of the number of Wards from 6 to 5; and the reduction of the number of Councillors from 12 to 10. Consultation closes today so if you want to make a submission to Council then you must do it today (due 20 April). Here's a copy of my submission to Unley Council ... I don’t support reducing the number of Unley Council Wards from 6 to 5; and reducing the number of councillors from 12 to 10. It was proposed in the past (probably ~ 7 years ago) and was overwhelmingly rejected by council. My reasons are as follows. A reduction in the number of councillors will reduce the diversity of council. A diversity of sex, religion, ethnicity and age is important. It will be difficult to achieve more diversity with a reduced number. Council must have a priority to enhance its diversity and its connection with the community. Larger wards will make it difficult for candidates to campaign and represent the constituents. It needs to be remembered that most counci...

 Despite trees being marked to be saved, magnificent trees on the Mike Turtur Bikeway at Wayville were ‘accidentally’ cut down. Just total incompetence! Being told that the roots had been accidentally cut provides no relief. After all the consultation about the bikeway and trees to be saved; they’re gone! Shouldn’t there have been barriers placed around the trees just like Unley Council advises developers building near trees that are identified to be saved. Such a shame.

  Just what is Unley Council building on the road in front of Cherry Darlings Bakehouse, Forestville? No one in the community seems to know with many saying that they were not consulted. One councillor has said that it’s a zebra crossing (with flashing lights) from the tram station. I was also informed that consultation did happen a couple of years ago. Maybe that’s so, but no one seems to remember. Yes, it’s needed, but on a sharp bend in the road! That’s madness. Total madness! And 25m away at the intersection of East and Aroha Avenues, what is being constructed there? Looks like it will be a semi-roundabout. Whilst I’m concerned about the safety aspects of what’s being built, my main gripe with Unley is the total lack of consultation with the community re these 2 local projects. Maybe residents on the southern side of the tram line were fully engaged and it’s just us locals on the northern side who were forgotten. It’s not good enough Unley Council. Keep us informed of what’s ha...

  East Avenue What has happened to East Avenue in Black Forest?  😡😡 The section between the train line and tram line is breaking down terribly. It started breaking down 12 months ago. Strange given that the road was resurfaced about 3 years ago. Maybe it should have been rebuilt rather than just a fresh coat of bitumen. The same happened further down on Leah Street when a quick resurface had to be dug up and the road rebuilt; which should have been done in the first place. Unley Council needs to review the engineering of such infrastructure works. It’s blowing the budget to rebuild recently resurfaced roads. And don’t get me started on the laying of new gas pipes along East Avenue, Canterbury Terrace, Byron Road and throughout streets in Black Forest. Why do they dig trenches where the car wheels travel? Surely the trenches could have been placed away from the wheel line of cars. The resurfacing over the trenches is never a good job and results in a ‘lumpy’ ride for cars. It...