August 2017 Mitcham Community News

AUGUST 2017

Let us Build for Posterity

Strategic Management Plan 2017-2027 The Strategic Management Plan is a long term plan for what the City of Mitcham will look like. It is a high level document which sets a clear vision and desired objectives for the City and outlines how we will work towards achieving these.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 4-5 MITCHAM COMMUNITY NEWS AUGUST 2017 Also in this issue 2

New Signage for Colonel Light Gardens

3

How your Green Organics is turned into Compost

10 Community Calendar 11 Cooking for Senior Men The Annual Business Plan sets out the proposed services, projects and works for 2017/18 in working towards delivering against our long-term goals and objectives set out in Council’s Strategic Management Plan 2017-2027.

Page 6-9

Mitcham Reserve’s grand old River red gums recently received some much needed preventative health care.

Page 14

Have you visited our new playgrounds at Avenue Road Reserve, Barrans Reserve and Ossie Goldsworthy Reserve?

Page 14 and 15

11 School Holiday Fun with the Scouts 12 Your Elected Members 14 Looking after our Local Wildlife 16 Apply now for a Heritage Subsidy

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mitcham community news

August 2017

Australia Day Nominations are Now Open!

Remember to Register your Dog and Cat! Dog and cat registration is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.

All dogs and cats must be registered by 31 August.

If you have a dog or cat at home you should have received this year’s registration notice in July. We have made it easier to re-register dogs and cats and have included your dog’s registration disc with the renewal notice. Please note that your dog is not registered until payment is made. There are four payment options available: Pay online visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Pay by phone by calling 8372 8888 during office hours Pay by mail send your cheque to PO Box 21, Mitcham Shopping Centre, Torrens Park SA 5062 Pay in person 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm All income generated from registrations is dedicated to animal management and community safety, new initiatives to improve relationships between owners and other residents, and recreational opportunities for pets and their owners.

What do I do if I have a problem with a cat?

If you have a problem with your neighbour’s cat, start by discussing your concerns with the neighbour. Many people don’t realise that their cat is being a nuisance. Try to find a mutually

acceptable solution and be prepared to be patient; it can take a while for someone to retrain their animal.

If talking to your neighbour doesn’t work, there are a number of steps you can take to deter the cat from your property. There may not be an immediate solution, as it will take time to determine if the deterrents are working. If these methods are unsuccessful, try contacting your neighbour again. Inform them of the actions that you have taken and ask them once again if they are willing to help solve the problems caused by their cat. If the answer is still no, inform them of your intention to contact the Council.

What do I do if I find a dog?

If you find a dog wandering call Council on 8372 8888 (after hours emergency service available).

If the dog has a registration disc, give the number on the disc to the Officer who will attempt to contact the owner to have them collect their dog.

If the dog has no identification, Council will make arrangements to collect the dog and take it to an approved dog shelter.

Don’t forget, if you lose your dog contact Council as we might be able to reunite you with your lost pet!

New Signage for Colonel Light Gardens New signs will be introduced into parks and reserves in our State Heritage suburb Colonel Light Gardens.

New signs have recently been installed at Mortlock Park while signs throughout Colonel Light Gardens will be slowly updated as they need replacing.

The signs, designed to meet heritage guidelines, contain helpful information on local community facilities as well as local regulations.

We all know of someone who has given up countless hours to our local community, helped our environment or organised an amazing community event? So why not nominate that someone, group or event that has contributed significantly to the local community.

The City of Mitcham is currently seeking nominations from the community for Council’s Australia Day Awards and Awards for Excellence to acknowledge achievements by individuals and or groups who have made an outstanding contribution to our community. Nominations are accepted in the following categories:

Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awarded to persons over 30 years who have given outstanding service to the local community.

Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Awarded to persons under 30 years who have given outstanding service to the local community.

Australia Day Event of the Year Awarded to the community event which made a significant contribution to the local community.

City of Mitcham Awards for Excellence Awards for Excellence recognise groups who have given outstanding service to the Community (Community Service) or individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution through Design (innovations in building and renovation), Sport or Environmental Achievement.

Nomination forms and guidelines are available at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or from the City of Mitcham Civic Centre, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park.

The deadline for all nominations is 5pm Friday, 10 November.

For further information please call 8372 8805 or email mitcham@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.

New Rules for Dogs at Mortlock Park The new signs recently installed at Mortlock Park also herald changes to dog management controls at the Park.

If you are a dog owner make sure your dog is on a leash within 20 metres of the play equipment, the BMX track, organised sport and school activities.

While we phase in the new dog rules at Mortlock Park our friendly Community Safety Officers will visit the Park to provide information and assistance.

For further details regarding the changes to dog management controls at Mortlock Park please visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofmitcham or call 8372 8888.

mitcham community news

August 2017

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How your Green Organics is turned into Compost Ever wondered what happens to your green organics after your green bin is emptied?

What should you put in your green bin? lawn clippings weeds small branches and prunings leaves cut flowers all food scraps including bones and seafood paper towel and tissues tea leaves and tea bags coffee grounds pizza boxes and greasy paper bags pet waste (please place in a compostable bag or newspaper) saw dust hair even soggy newspapers (removed from its plastic bag).

Every fortnight Council collects bins full of green organics from the community. Last year we collected just over 8,600 tonnes of your green waste which is turned into compost.

Your green waste is taken to Jeffries composting facility and placed into large piles so the composting process can begin. Over ten weeks your green waste is broken down with the help of microbes while being maintained at just the right temperature and air flow.

Once the organic material has broken down it is screened to remove any contaminants such as plastic bags, irrigation pipe, glass and metal objects that may have been incorrectly placed in a green bin. Finally, the organic material is sorted as compost, soil or mulch and is ready to be used on South Australian gardens.

For more information contact Council’s Waste Management Officer on 8372 8809.

Buy One Get One Free Offer The City of Mitcham, East Waste and Jeffries are providing residents with a Buy One Get One Free offer on 30L and 50L bags of Jeffries compost, soil and mulch products.

The Buy One Get One Free vouchers can be collected from the Civic Centre and Libraries or downloaded from www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au. The voucher is redeemable until 30 September 2017 at: Hollards, 20 Grange Road, Hawthorn Hawthorn Sand and Metal, 96 Belair Road, Hawthorn Please see the voucher for terms and conditions.

Beyond the Kerb Waste Tours Mitcham residents recently discovered the secret life of waste on our popular Beyond the Kerb Waste Tours.

The day long tour, held in conjunction with East Waste and KESAB Environmental Solutions, gave residents an insight into what happens after their kerbside bins are emptied. The tours visit waste and recycling facilities including: material recovery facility commercial composting site

landfill transfer station e-waste recycling facility construction and demolition recycling facility This is a great way to learn what happens to our waste and how you can improve your waste practices at home.

Local resident David said “I didn’t realise that South Australia produced so much waste or processed it on such a scale, this tour has strengthened my belief in recycling, reducing and reusing.”

If you would like to register your interest for a future waste tour please contact the Waste Management Officer on 8372 8809.

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mitcham community news

August 2017

Let us Build for Posterity Mitcham 2017-2027 Our Strategic Management Plan for Mitcham for 2017 to 2027 is a shared vision of the community and Council.

In 2016 we began a journey with our community to develop a long term plan for the future.

After listening to what was really important to our community, what is loved and valued and what

opportunities there are for change we developed a plan that sets a clear direction for our City and outlines what Council will do to ensure this plan is delivered.

The Strategic Plan will guide our decisions and enable us to plan services and projects that will deliver outcomes for our community.

To achieve our vision for our City we will focus our efforts on goals and objectives:

Vision We are a welcoming and inclusive community that values its heritage and natural environment.

Accessible and Connected Community We are an accessible, connected and engaged community.

1.1 Our community is connected to places through a people friendly transport, cycling and pedestrian network which offers accessible, integrated and efficient transport options.

Sustainable City We continually sustain and improve our natural and building environments for todays and future generations.

2.1 Our biodiversity within open spaces, waterways, reserves and streetscapes is protected and enhanced.

1.2 Our community has convenient access to a diverse range of information, services, activities and facilities.

2.2 Our greenhouse gas emissions are minimised and our uptake of clean and renewable energy technologies is maximised.

1.3 Our community has access to high quality, vibrant, well serviced places and space to meet, learn and recreate.

2.3 Water sensitive urban design, and the use of alternative water sources to keep our natural and built environment green, is maximised.

1.4 Our community is strong, healthy, resilient, and is supported in building connections amongst people, pursuing pathways to lifelong learning and personal growth.

2.4 Responsible consumption and conservation of natural resources and minimisation of waste through avoidance, reuse, recycling and composting is encouraged.

1.5 Our community has a choice of housing and lifestyle options in locations with easy access to public transport, parks, local shops, services and educational institutes.

2.5 Our community is resilient to climate change and the impacts of natural disasters.

2.6 Developments in our City are sustainable and complement the natural environment.

1.6 Our community is actively encouraged and supported to have a voice and to participate in a meaningful way in shaping our City.

The Mitcham 2017-2027 Let us Build for Posterity Strategic Management Plan is available at www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/strategicplan or for viewing at the City of Mitcham Civic Centre, Mitcham Library and Blackwood Library.

mitcham community news

August 2017

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Strategic Initiatives

Dynamic and Prosperous Economy Our community is economically strong and competitive.

3.1 We have attractive and vibrant precincts, places and spaces, supported by a variety of quality community facilities and retail, commercial and residential development.

3.2 We support and promote education and training pathways that link people to local jobs and attract employment opportunities to our City.

3.3 We work collaboratively with neighbouring Councils, State Government and private sector partnerships.

3.4 We are a destination well regarded by residents and visitors for our heritage, natural environment, events, educational and medical facilities.

3.5 We foster and support emerging and established businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators to grow and prosper.

3.6 We are recognised as a smart City with internationally renowned educational, research and medical institutions attracting and retaining people from all over the world and contributing to our community.

Vibrant and Rich Culture

Setting this Strategic Plan apart from previous Plans is the inclusion of strategic initiatives that Council will strive to deliver to achieve our goals and objectives for the community:

4.1 We have special places, spaces and stories that create a strong sense of place and great experiences for our community.

Improvements to existing community facilities, including the Hewett Sports Grounds (Blackwood)*, St Marys Sports Association Facility (St Marys)* and Mitcham Library (Hawthorn) and surrounds, and development of new community facilities, including a Community Hub at Waite Street Reserve (Blackwood)

4.2 We recognise, embrace and celebrate social and cultural diversity in our vibrant community.

Construction of new footpaths to increase the accessibility of a pedestrian friendly network*

4.3 We are a City that encourages creativity and innovation in all its forms.

Transition to LED street lighting and explore opportunities to reduce our City’s energy consumption and reduce overall carbon footprint*

We share a vibrant and rich culture and have a strong sense of identity.

4.4 We have neighbourhoods that are well designed, sustainable, liveable and complement their local character.

4.5 The strong characteristics of the City, including the natural and rural landscape character of the Mitcham Hills, the leafy streetscapes of the plains, and the heritage values of the City, are protected and enhanced.

Continually improve the customer experience when dealing with the City of Mitcham Construction of new stormwater infrastructure to reduce the incidence and risk of flooding to the community, including implementation of the Brown Hill Creek Stormwater Management Plan to reduce risk of flooding to the community* and the Upper Sturt Stormwater Management Plan Preserve the existing tree stock on Council land by increasing tree planting Improve the standard and amenity of Open Space and Playgrounds, including those at Mitcham Reserve (Mitcham), Waite Street Reserve (Blackwood), Soldiers Memorial Gardens (Hawthorn) and dog facilities Develop a Southern Innovation Precinct around the Flinders University Improve traffic accessibility across the Council area, including the Daws/ Goodwood/Springbank Roads intersection, the Grange/Newark/Belair Roads intersection, Blackwood roundabout and freight rail by-pass.

Improve planning outcomes across the Council area by way of providing residential development opportunities while protecting sensitive planning areas, activating centres (eg Mitcham, Blackwood and Flinders), generating economic opportunities and improving customers’ experiences. * Already funded in Year 1 of the Strategic Management Plan (2017/2018)

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August 2017

City of Mitcham Annual Business Plan 2017/2018 The Annual Business Plan sets out the proposed services, projects and works for 2017/18 in achieving our long-term goals and objectives captured in Council’s Strategic Management Plan 2017-2027.

Key outcomes of our Plan are the ongoing commitment to growing our footpaths network across the City, ongoing innovation in our management of stormwater and greater investment in our community buildings.

We are also renewing our focus on delivering the highest possible levels of service to our customers.

In 2017/18 Council is budgeting for $59.3 million in expenditure on delivering services as well as investing $36.9 million on capital works. This plan continues to drive efficiencies and financial savings with a proposed underlying operating surplus of $1.3 million.

mitcham community news

mitcham community news

August 2017

New and Improved Services for the Community The new and improved services with a one-off $9.7 million capital investment cost and an ongoing expenditure of $864,000 include: Mitcham Memorial Library Redevelopment (686m2) Stormwater Upgrades New/Infrastructure*

Increased Annual Community Grants Public Toilets (Mortlock Park and Windy Point) Minno Creek Works – Retaining Wall City – Belair Bike Route

Investing in Community Assets, Service Enhancements and Projects

Watahuna Avenue Pedestrian Crossing

Council will be spending a total of $36.9 million on assets being $21.5 million on renewing existing assets and reducing backlog and a further $15.4 million will be spent on constructing or acquiring new assets and enhancing services.

Integrated Traffic Plan Implementation

Car Parks Buildings and Land Footpaths

$49,000 $341,000 $10,263,000 $3,583,000

IT Equipment

$688,000

Office Furniture and Equipment

$111,000

Parks, Gardens and Open Space

$942,000

Plant and Equipment (incl Fleet)

$2,602,000

Playgrounds

$458,000

Retaining Walls

$219,000

Roads

$8,982,000

Sports Facilities

$501,000

Sports Lighting

$445,000

Stormwater and Drainage (incl Brownhill and Keswick Creeks) $4,911,000 TOTAL

$36,915,000

Street BBQ program introduced across Council

Community Wellbeing Personal Transport Fleet expanded

Brighton Parade Traffic Control Devices

Bus Shelters

School holiday program of activities introduced in our Community Centres

Implement Brownhill Keswick Creek*

Event Security Measures

$2,820,000

Public Art Policy and a Community Gardens Policy adopted by Council

Visitors to our five Community Centres increased by 51% to 162,965

Community/Public Art Grant

Bridges

Key Achievements from 2016/17

New Footpath Construction (Additional Footpaths)*

St Marys Sporting Association Clubrooms Upgrade*

Expenditure on community assets is summarised below:

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Reserve Signs Improvements Stormwater – John Fisher Drive Water Sensitive Urban Design Street Features Sturt Linear Park Trail Waite Road Pedestrian Crossing Winston Avenue Black Spot Improvements Pole Road Black Spot Improvements

Hawthorn Lawn Tennis Club Toilet Annual Art Prize Way2Go Program Serpentine Road Traffic Improvements Cumberland Park Community Centre Access Westbourne Park Memorial Hall Kitchen air conditioning * Subject to Grant Funding Includes estimated ongoing operating expenses in the form of maintenance and average cost of capital (interest and debt repayment over defined timeframe).

Participation in the Way to Go School Safety Program Hewett Reserve Club Rooms improvements State Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program grant of $1 million toward Mitcham Memorial Library and surrounds redevelopment 95% Capital Infrastructure projects completed under budget Approximately 30,000 metres of footpaths reconstructed and upgraded with over 50% using permeable paving to improve verge health and water quality Tree Planting Program expanded with the planting of 1,065 trees New stormwater infrastructure constructed at Dennings Street, Crystal Avenue, Gum Grove and Station Avenue Frank Smith Dam reconstructed and stabilised Installation of over 100 treenet inlets to capture and reuse stormwater to irrigate our street trees Smart Water Design Initiatives constructed in Harvey Hayes Reserve and Norman Reserve to improve water quality and increase green space Stormwater Management Plan approved by the Stormwater Management Authority and the State Government announced its commitment to fund 50% of the cost of the project in partnership with the five catchment councils Substantial repair of flood damage to a number of major creek lines completed Successfully worked with the community and DPTI in developing the design for the Springbank Road upgrade Further development of the Sturt River Trail Strategic Management Plan 2017-2027 adopted by Council

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mitcham community news

August 2017

Legend

City of Mitcham Annual Business Plan 2017/2018

Footpaths

Capital Works Program

Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces

Quarry fencing

Daw Park

Pole Road

Stirling Road

Aver Avenue

Poplar Avenue

Waite Street

Day Avenue

Sherwood Drive Reserve

Winns Road

Grantley Avenue

Sturt Avenue Vehicle Bridge

Sport and Recreation Facilities

Woodleigh Road

Perry Avenue

Stormwater

Clapham

Rockville Avenue

Maud Street

Roseberry Street

Sycamore Crescent Turners Avenue / Main Road Pedestrian Bridge Walkway (Forest / Sycamore)

Buildings

Playgrounds Roads

Retaining Walls

Moody Street

Willmott Avenue

Bridges

Myers Avenue

Winston Avenue

Traffic Control

Sturt Avenue

Eden Hills

Toronto Avenue

Arunta Avenue

Clarence Gardens

Eden Hills Scout Hall

AA Bailey Reserve

Eurilpa Street

Ackland Avenue

Karinya Reserve

Avenue Road

Para Street

Bedford Park

Clovelly Avenue

Pekina Street

Riverside Drive

Dinwoodie Avenue

Willowie Street

Belair

Goodale Reserve

Wonoka Street

Belair Community Centre

Grigg Court

Yalpara Street

Downer Avenue Reserve

Nieass Reserve

Glenalta

Gloucester Avenue

South Road

Arizona Terrace

Hannaford Barn

Colonel Light Gardens

Belair Guides

Randell Park

Lowan Avenue

Sheoak Road

Colonel Light Gardens Institute Colonel Light Gardens Scout Hall East Parkway

Windy Point Toilets*

Hillview Reserve

Rosella Avenue

Belair and Blackwood

Kandahar Crescent

Trails Network Bus Shelters Car Parks

Serpentine Road

Lynton, Blackwood Hill and Pony Ridge Reserve Bellevue Heights

Kent Road Mortlock Oval Bore

Minnow Drive Monalta Drive Reserve

Hawthorn Belair Road Denning Street Hampton Street Hawthorn Law Tennis Club Toilet, Price Memorial Oval Kent Street Memorial entrance gates; Price Memorial Oval Mitcham Memorial Library Redevelopment Mitcham Railway Station House

Adam Avenue

Mortlock Park

Ashmore Road

Mortlock Park Guide Hall

Bushland Drive

Mortlock Park Toilets*

Eve Road

Oxford Circuit

Federation Court

Pembroke Place Reserve

Gothic Road

Piccadilly Circuit

Manson Reserve

Reade Park

Mountbatten Road

Suffolk Place

Blackwood

Coromandel Valley

Bailey Reserve

Coromandel Parade / Sturt River

Price Memorial Oval RAAF Association (Old Bowling Club) Soldiers Memorial Garden

Belair Scouts

Ewers Avenue

St Georges House (Kindergarten)

Blackwood Bowling Club

Main Road

Wuriba Street

Blackwood Community Centre

Sturt River Linear Park

Hawthorn to Crafers West

Blackwood Hill Oval

Craigburn Farm

Brown Hill Creek

Blackwood Library

Creswell Avenue Screen Reserve

Hawthorndene

Blackwood Oval

Cumberland Park

Adjacent Apex Carpark

Blackwood Recreation Centre

Apex Park

Hewett Reserve

Avenue Road Reserve Cumberland Park Community Centre Hill Avenue

Coromandel Parade

Mathias Avenue

Garnet Avenue

Somerset Avenue

Hannaford Road

Westbourne Park Memorial Hall

Cassia Street

Keith Road Murray Street

Watahuna Avenue

Kingswood Ashbourne Avenue Balham Reserve City-Belair Bike Route Cross Road Hillview Avenue Kingswood Oval Rugby Street Tutt Avenue (inc Seafield / Kyre) Vernon Avenue Walkway (Balham Reserve)

Lower Mitcham 1, 3 & 5 Grange Road City-Belair Bike Route Denman Reserve Denman Terrace Mitcham Avenue Price Avenue View / Murray Street Walkway (Frazer Street / Wattlebury Road)

Lynton Lynton Depot Seaview Road

Melrose Park Alexander Ross Reserve Allan Street Bennet Avenue Cudmore Court Jordan Road Jose Street Lowe Street Margaret Court Winston Avenue

Mitcham Birdwood Street

Archibald Park

Lochness Avenue Mitcham Cultural Village Institute Mitcham Reserve

Cypress Avenue

Mitcham Village Kindergarten

Gorse Avenue

Norman Reserve

Hawthorndene Drive

Princes Road

Hawthorndene Oval Hawthorndene Sports Ground Tennis Courts Myrtle Road

Taylors Road Welbourne Street

mitcham community news

August 2017

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Netherby Kitchener Street Pulleine Avenue Urrbrae Wetland Waite Road

Panorama Alma Street Bonview Avenue Morshead Street O’Neil Street Springbank Road

Operating Projects

Budget and Rates

Operating projects are one-off expenditures over one to two years maximum. They do not generate ongoing expenditure or the creation or replacement of assets and can include things such as feasibility studies, plans or one-off events.

In response to the current economic climate and to achieve our commitment to maintain and improve services to the community and maintain financial sustainability, homeowners will pay an average of 2.9% more in rates this financial year increasing the average residential rate by $47 from $1,608 to $1,655. A summary of costs contributing to the rate increase are provided below.

Pasadena

Council endorsed the following projects totalling $400,000:

Day Drive

Blackwood District Centre Project

Dobson Avenue

Building Asset Revaluation and Condition Audits

Sierra Nevada Reserve

Open Space and Playgrounds Strategy

Thistleton Crescent

Implementation of the Integrated Transport Plan

Springfield

Financial Savings

(1.01%)

Leases and Licenses Review

Carrick Hill Drive

(0.20%)

Rectory Walk

Planning and Development Historical Record Scanning

Centennial Park Cemetery Authority income

Multicultural Fair

Auricchio Avenue

Heritage Plans for Council Buildings

Ragless Reserve

Mitcham Historic Fair

Provision of existing services (including asset renewal backlog and funding debt repayment in approximately 26.1 years)

2.03%

St Marys

Maintaining Existing Services

0.82%

$15

Economic Development (Business) Event

New and Improved Services

1.75%

$27

$71,000 for allocation during the year from unfunded operating project priorities list

State Government cost shifting (eg Waste Levy)

0.33%

$5

* Subject to Grant Funding

TOTAL

2.90%

$47

Ragless Street St Marys Clubroom, St Marys Park St Marys Oval St Marys Park Stanlake Avenue The Crescent

Supporting costs for Local Government Association Council Services Awareness Campaign

Impact on Average Percentage Rate

Thurles Street Reserve

Torrens Park 1 Ayr Avenue 3 Ayr Avenue Ayr Avenue Balkissoch Road Pedestrian Bridge Belair Road (Service Road) Brook Street Civic Centre John Fisher Drive Lochness / Paisly Road Pedestrian Bridge Lochness Avenue Pages Road

Urrbrae Urrbrae Street Lighting Waite Road

Westbourne Park Batchelor Reserve Tennis Courts Goodwood Road Samson Avenue Walkway (Angas Road / Norseman Avenue) Westbourne Park Guide Hall

Sources of Income Rates income is the major source of funding for providing a range of essential everyday services to the community with $50.9 million (excluding NRM Levy) being raised from rates and $7 million from other sources as follows:

Where Income is Spent?

This year Council will have a net expenditure of $50.9 million delivering services, capital works and projects to the community as summarised below.

$50.9m Rates $1.8m

Statutory charges

$0.5m

User charges

$3.9m

Grants, subsidies, contributions

$0.1m

Investment income

$0.2m

Reimbursements

$0.6m

Other income

$ 3.9m Building Assets $ 0.1m Sports Facility Assets $ 1.5m Community Services $ 0.8m Customer Experience $ 2.3m Development Services $ 3.8m Environmental Management $ 0.7m Environmental Health Services $ 3.6m Governance Support $ 2.6m Library Services $11.6m Traffic and Transport $ 4.2m Parks, Gardens and Open Space $ 0.3m Regulatory Services $ 2.2m Stormwater Assets $ 9.1m Organisational Support $ 4.5m Waste Services $ 0.1m Headline Operating Surplus (excl Subs)

Visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au or call 8372 8888 for further information on Council’s Annual Business Plan and Rating and Financial Management Policies.

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mitcham community news

August 2017

community groups

events/social activities

community events

Mitcham Community Calendar Friends of the West Mitcham Primitive Methodist Cemetery If you are interested in preserving the history of early settlers in the Mitcham area become a volunteer and attend regular working bees to help maintain this historic cemetery. Call 0411 154 502.

Rotary Club of Mitcham The Rotary Club of Mitcham meets Wednesdays at the Edinburgh Hotel, High Street 6.30pm for a meal, fellowship and guest speaker. Email Mitcham.rotary@gmail.com or call 0418 788 401.

Speakers’ Corner Toastmasters Club If you want to develop your speaking and leadership skills, give a heartfelt speech at a wedding or a friend’s milestone birthday, or ace a job interview and ignite your career, come along to Speakers’ Corner! It’s free to visit as a guest. The Club meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the Mitcham Community Centre, 242 Belair Road, Hawthorn. Visit www.speakerscorner.toastmastersclubs.org Clarence Gardens Bowling Club

Sunday services are held at 9.15am (intergenerational), 11am (traditional) and 6pm (youth and young adults), all welcome. Visit www.wpuc.org.au or call 8271 7066.

Social bowls at the Clarence Gardens Bowling Club, Winona Avenue, Clarence Gardens every Wednesday and Saturday at 12.15pm. Mixed two bowl triples. $8 includes afternoon tea. Dress code is neat casual with flat soled shoes. Loan bowls available. New players most welcome.

Call 8293 2134.

Colonel Light Gardens Ladies Probus Club

Thursday Craft at Westbourne Park Uniting Church

Westbourne Park Uniting Church

Enjoy fellowship, guest speakers and morning tea on the first Friday of the month at 10am at the Colonel Light Gardens Uniting Church, 560 Goodwood Road, Daw Park. Call 0419 006 895.

Come and Try the Probus Club of Blackwood Retired men are invited to come along every month on the first Thursday at 9.30am to enjoy social outings, lunches and guest speakers in the rear hall of the Masonic Lodge, Main Road, Blackwood. Call 8178 1142.

Mitcham Kiwanis Needs new members! Help improve the community we live in by joining the Mitcham Kiwanis who meet on the second and fourth Monday each month at 7pm at the Marion Sports Centre, Sturt Road, Marion. Call 8374 3694.

Blackwood Lions Bargain Centre The Lions Bargain Centre is open every Saturday morning from 8.30am to 12.30pm at Colebrook Drive off Shepherds Hill Road, Eden Hills – look for the big yellow sign. We have a treasure trove of things for sale from pianos to pot plants, crockery to computers and doors to dog kennels. If you have any unwanted saleable goods, ring us on 8370 2144 and we will pick-up free of charge (if we think we can sell it!)

Mainly Music Introduce children aged 0-5 years to music at 9.45am on Thursdays during school term at St Michaels, Church Road, Mitcham. $5.

Call 0415 257 90.

Messy Church at Westbourne Park Uniting Church Enjoy a relaxed style of church on Saturday 19 August or 16 September from 5pm to 7.30pm at the Westbourne Park Uniting Church, 27 Sussex Terrace, Hawthorn. $7 per family. Call 8271 7066 or visit facebook.com/WestbourneParkMC

Classes are held during school terms each week from 9.30am to 12noon at 27 Sussex Terrace, Hawthorn. $5 per class, includes morning tea.

Crèche available. Email craft@wpuc.org.au, visit www.facebook.com/thursdaycraft or call 8271 7066.

Colonel Light West Tennis Club Come along to the Open Day on Sunday 20 August from 12pm to 3pm and help celebrate their 90th birthday! Face painting, balloon artist and free tennis tips as well as a sausage sizzle (gold coin donation) and canteen facilities available. Enjoy free use of our courts (nonmarking sports shoes required).

Hawthorn Pre-schoolers' Playgroup Offer educational toys and activities for children 0-4 to enjoy every Wednesdays and Fridays (during school terms) 10am to 12noon at 42 Angas Road, Hawthorn. Call 0433 770 840.

Coffee, Craft and Chat Enjoy a chat over a cuppa and bring your own craft project every Thursday (during term time) from 9.30am to 12noon at 42a Angas Road, Hawthorn. Cost $2. Call 0415 311 999.

Community Junction Join a monthly social group to enjoy walks, games nights, carpet bowls, table tennis, etc.

Visit Facebook/HawthornChurchOfChrist or www.hawthorncofc.com.au or call 8272 5564.

St Francis Community Centre Are you interested in yoga, line dancing, art and craft, karate, or the environment? Do you need to hire a space for your next function or a group that you run? The St Francis Community Centre, 835 South Road, Clarence Gardens offers a range of activities for all ages, a spacious hall, meeting room and a fully equipped kitchen. Call 0432 600 531.

Register for the Blackwood Christmas Tree Festival Help create a Christmas Tree wonderland! Register now to decorate a tree or a wreath for the Blackwood Christmas Tree Festival. The display will be held at the Blackwood Community Centre 1-3 December. A wreath making workshop will be held on 9 September. Visit www.blackwoodactiongroup.org.au for a registration form or call 8278 5229. Registrations are due in August.

Adelaide-Mitcham Prostate Cancer Support Group Join Guest speaker Chris Christensen from Cancer Voices SA on Thursday 24 August at the Colonel Light Gardens RSL Club, 4 Prince George Parade, Colonel Light Gardens from 7pm to 8.45pm.

Visit www.adelaide-mitchampcsg.org or call 0406 006 654.

Men’s Breakfast Come along and enjoy a continental breakfast followed by “Faith Through Adversity” on Saturday 26 August at 7.30am at the Blackwood Hills Baptist Church. An inspiring and uplifting faith journey of several men affected with various physical challenges. $8 or $5 concession. RSVP 0403 656 537 or email mjhouston7@gmail.com St Columba’s Church Fete Enjoy a church fete at 3 Rosevear Street, Hawthorn on Saturday 14 October from 8.30am to 2pm and Sunday 15 October from 10.30am to 1pm.

Books, clothes, cakes, jams, toys, plants, trash and treasure, BBQ, morning tea, much more! Saturday from 10am to 12noon come and hear ‘The Second Wind Ensemble’. Call 8272 3813.

Quarterly Folk Dance Enjoy the Australian Traditional and Bush Dance Society of SA’s Mitcham Village Folk Dance on Saturday 7 October from 8pm to 11pm at the Mitcham Village Institute, 103 Princes Road, Mitcham. Music by Telenn Tri. All dances are called, flat shoes recommended. No previous experience is needed and you don’t need to bring a partner. $15. Visit http://www.atbdsdancesa.com.au or call 0418 837 411.

Seniors in Harmony Enjoy the music of the Unley High School Choir on Tuesday 5 September at the Institute Hall, Mitcham Cultural Village, Princes Road, Mitcham, followed by afternoon tea. For group bookings email seniorsharmony@gmail.com.

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School Holiday fun at the Mitcham Community Shed Bring the kids to the Mitcham Community Shed during the October school holidays to enjoy fun woodworking sessions.

Discover the fun of building a toy puzzle including marble games and peg board puzzles, tangrams and motion-activated wooden toys or hinged lidded decorative boxes at the Mitcham Community Shed.

Children will work with an accredited shed volunteer (1:2 ratio) who will assist and guide each child through the hand and machine processes.

If you are aged between 9-14 register today to construct an interactive toy puzzle. If you are looking for a challenge register for two sessions on Thursday 5 and Monday 9 October to create a decorative hinged lidded box or a more intricate toy. Only children aged 12 and over can register for the advanced sessions.

Times:

Wednesday 4 October 9am - 12noon

Thursday 5 October 9am - 12noon

Monday 9 October 9am - 12noon

Thursday 12 October 12.30pm - 3.30pm

Venue:

Community Shed, Mitcham Cultural Village Community Centre, 103 Princes Road, Mitcham

Cost:

$10 per session

RSVP: Call 8372 8888 or email communitycentres@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au Places limited. Bookings essential.

School Holiday Fun with the Scouts Looking for something fun and affordable to do in the October school holidays?

Scouts SA have a range of full day and half day fun activities for 5 to 15 year olds.

The Scouts SA ENGAGE team is hosting a variety of fun interactive activities for 5 to 15 year olds that will build resilience, teamwork and leadership skills.

October School Holiday Program Date

Activity

Cost Time

Venue

Wednesday 4 October

Science and Cooking

$10 9am - 5pm

Cumberland Park Community Centre

Monday 9 October

Hiking and Outdoors

$5

9am - 12pm Mitcham Cultural Village

$5

1pm - 4pm

Wednesday 11 October Giant Games

To book call Scouts SA on 8130 6000 or email engage@sa.scouts.com.au

Cooking for Senior Men Join friendly qualified chef Murray George and learn how to cook at the Cumberland Park Community Centre in September.

Social group for men & women aged 65 or over, who live in the south/east metropolitan area of Adelaide.

Activities and 2 course hot lunch $18. Mon, Wed, Thurs and Fridays.

Come along, meet new friends and join in the fun.

Men are invited to register for our ‘Cooking for Senior Men’ course in our brand new kitchen at Cumberland Park Community Centre to learn some fantastic tasting recipes.

The course, which commences on Wednesday 6 September, will be held over six weeks.

Red Umbrella Markets Come along to the Red Umbrella Markets at its new home at Cumberland Park Community Centre on Sunday 27 August.

When:

Wednesdays 6 September to 4 October

Don’t miss the next market from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 27 August and discover the fantastic range of quality stalls Red Umbrella Markets offer.

Time:

9.30am to 12.30pm

When:

Sunday 27 August

Cumberland Park Community Centre, 388 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park

Time:

10am to 3pm

$60

Visit www.facebook.com/RedUmbrellaMarket for more information.

Where:

Cost:

RSVP: Call 8372 8888 or email communitycentres@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Location: Cumberland Park Community Centre, 388 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park

We are located at Colonel Light Gardens.

Call Janine today for further information and book a FREE guest trial day

8276 1144 www.trinityclg.org.au/care-and-share

Blackwood Community Centre

Follow us on Facebook @mitchamcommunitycentres

T +61 8 8372 8888 | www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/communitycentres | communitycentres@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

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mitcham community news

August 2017

Mayor Glenn Spear

The Park Ward Cr Jane Bange

Craigburn Ward Cr Karen Hockley

Telephone: 0438 221 762

Telephone: 0478 076 400

Telephone: 0423 919 080

gspear@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

jbange@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

khockley@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

I am pleased to announce another two major projects have been approved for re-development in the City of Mitcham. We learnt that the State Government will fund significant improvements to the Blackwood roundabout and secondly the total re-vamp of the Daws Road, Springbank Road, and Goodwood Road intersection.

Council presented an alternative treatment for the intersection nearly two years ago which incorporated straightening out the problematic junction. I have had several meetings with Minister Martin Hamilton Smith and highlighted the availability of land that the Bedford Group would be making available. It is very pleasing to have Government support to improve this major intersection and their recognition of the Blackwood roundabout as a black spot. I thank my co-councillors, the Chief Executive Officer, General Manager of Engineering and Horticulture and senior staff for their support. The Minister stated that Mitcham had presented a logical and well planned request that put us on the front foot in terms of funding.

This time last year I was still door knocking, with the hope of getting onto Council. Approaching my first year as your Elected Member, I love my role and, through it, feel more connected with my community.

In Local Government it’s easy to get bogged down in the detail of Council decisions and the everyday comings and goings. Every now and again I like to take a step back and think about the big picture.

There have been a lot of positive things happening on Council, such as planning for the Mitcham Memorial Library expansion and upgrade, adoption of a Public Art Policy, increased Community Grants Funding, an Award for our Water Sensitive Urban Design project, and finalisation of our Annual Business Plan with a rate increase kept under 3% and a healthier budget position overall.

A myriad of different inquiries, complaints and requests come to me through my email inbox, via social media and by phone and they’re all different. It could be a footpath that needs maintenance or a street that needs a new footpath. It could be a sporting field that needs a new building, such as Hewett Reserve or a very busy leisure hub, such as Apex Park, that needs safer pedestrian access. It could be about a whole new activity for the Council, such as investing in community art or supporting economic development locally.

We now approach a State Election with a total of five Government seats included in the City of Mitcham. It is my job to approach the various sitting members and candidates with our “wish list” for various capital works projects. Council at time of print is preparing a consolidated list of objectives for Council endorsement. There are possibly two or three seats that could be considered marginal seats in Mitcham and we may be able to secure funding for projects that have not previously been considered.

Last night I had the honour of acknowledging the Australia Day, and Queens Birthday award recipients at an official reception. The men and women have achieved community service recognition for their various fields of endeavour.

In Council we have all of the various awards member’s names embossed on an honour board.

We are progressing the development to improve pedestrian access and parking in the commercial precinct of Blackwood. Last week I met with the various parties involved and I am pleased to report that a positive outcome is achievable.

Council’s initiatives should encourage and stimulate further private investment in the area.

Certainly we have adopted a pro-active attitude and rather than commission a 39th report into the area we are trying to do something!

Council received State recognition for its water sensitive design work. Rather than sending our stormwater straight out into the gulf we are storing and injecting water back into the aquifer.

Mitcham leads the state in this work and even the design of our footpaths allows water seepage to water street trees. I commend the engineering staff who are implementing these award winning strategies.

I invite comment via my facebook page www.facebook.com/GlennWSpear

This comes against the background of a hotly contested State seat in the hills, with both major parties pledging to upgrade the Blackwood Roundabout, works commenced on improving Springbank Road, and now the announcement of a fix for the notorious dogleg at the Daws/Springbank Intersection. But, for me personally, the most exciting news concerns the discussions Councillors and staff have had in regard to improving the Blackwood Town Centre.

Instead of calling for yet another study - and we've now had thirty six over the years so I'm told - Council planners, together with a real estate specialist, have been speaking with Blackwood shop owners and are currently involved in negotiations which, if successful, will provide much needed investment for Blackwood's commercial district. Our overall aim is to improve pedestrian access and parking in our town centre and this should have a favourable impact for businesses and their customers. Action rather than yet another report.

What has been striking in these discussions about the future of the Blackwood Town Centre is that Elected Members have effectively sidelined the hills/plains divide and come together in a spirit of co-operation and goodwill to find practical solutions. Our town centre needs investment and revitalisation and, if it's not coming from individual shop owners, then I believe Council definitely has a leadership role to play.

I look to Prospect Council and the initiatives it took to increase commercial investment in its main street. What a transformation from a few years back, with the latest investor being the Palace Cinemas Complex. It’s my view that there are times when councils definitely have a role to play in kickstarting local commercial development in their towns, through good planning and by offering incentives to shop owners who maintain and improve the public facades of their properties. If we have a positive belief and vision for our area, we need to put our money where our mouth is. Yes, this does involve some risk but the alternative is to let our town centre continue to stagnate.

Of course, the jewel in the crown for Blackwood will be a new Library complex and this is definitely our longer term goal. But the building of the upgraded roundabout and the revitalisation of the Blackwood will keep our focus for a while yet before we can move onto this next stage.

Reflecting on these requests and inquiries helps me to understand what the community is looking for. It seems that there are two things, firstly to solve problems and make day to day life just a bit easier. Making it easier to walk and drive around, to use our open spaces and reserves and to interact with Council staff.

Secondly, there are the requests to provide services and facilities that will contribute to community cohesion and personal satisfaction.

Things like a rejuvenated shopping precinct, a new library, better sporting facilities and new public toilets.

It seems that we’re all looking for an easy and a happy life. I like the idea of an easy and a happy life as a vision for our local community and also as a bigger vision for the state. South Australia should be a place where it’s not too hard to get a job if you prepare well, it should be easy enough to buy a house if you save your pennies and good education should be available for all of our children.

South Australia should be a place where you can live a happy life, a life that is connected to a workplace, a community or an activity you love.

We should also be connected by excellent physical infrastructure, including public transport and cycle ways, and we should be connected via a shared sense of place and community.

The day to day rough and tumble of Local Government politics can be distracting and the media often focuses on peripheral issues and transgressions by a few in the sector. However, I am always pleasantly surprised when a community member tells me that I’ve made a difference for them or that they’ve seen the work I do and appreciate the effort that I make.

Knowing that I’ve made a positive difference is what energises me to continue to represent you fully and proactively and to continue to listen and speak out for you.

If there is anything I can do to help make your life a bit easier or a bit happier, please give me a call on 0423 919 080 or drop me an email at khockley@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au. I’d love to hear from you.

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Babbage Ward Cr David Munro

Overton Ward Cr John Sanderson

Gault Ward Cr Stephen Fisher

Telephone: 0403 161 462

Telephone: 0402 517 945

Telephone: 0407 973 321

dmunro@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

jsanderson@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

sfisher@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au

Social Media

I trust you are all keeping well in this very cold time of the year.

The new "No Rules set of Planning Rules" will start later this year. Every Councils’ Development Plan has been nullified, replaced by a single statewide one.

The latest disaster is an application to build on the old Ampol site on 429 Goodwood Road, (southeast corner of Angas Road), with a proposal for offices on the ground floor and 8 units above.

These are little more than bedsits, with few windows and barely any setback from Goodwood Road. Presumably these will be labelled “student accommodation”. The application is Category 3, which allows community submissions. See https://www.planning.org.au/documents/ item/2139.

Applications for so-called “student accommodation” are being used to cram too many flats, (some would call them dogboxes) onto an allotment. They will likely become future slums, when their newness ages.

I urge all who do not wish to see their suburb downgraded by these types of proposals to make submissions against them.

Michael Lennon, the architect of the SA Government’s 2020 Vision, stated “Everyone seems to support (urban consolidation) except perhaps the vast majority of the Australian public.

As planners, we need to avoid the intellectual arrogance that assumes we know better than everyone else, that somehow life in the suburbs is dreadful”. “The notion that somehow people would actually prefer more compact urban form goes against every available piece of evidence.

We need to ask the people of Australia whether in fact they like the suburbs. The truth is we planned them because the standards of housing, the kinds of areas that we created were what people wanted. If we want to turn over 150 years of culture in Australia, we are facing up to a very big task and I am not confident that we will succeed.

But we are not going to contain the cities, and we are not going to turn upside down the legitimate aspirations of the Australian people."

The rules of planning for fully built suburbs could be so simply expressed: 1. Nothing should be approved unless it improves, and at least maintains, the amenity and streetscape of the vicinity.

2. Maintaining the existing front boundary setbacks to the dwelling frontage, the traditional 30% to 40% maximum site coverage, with driveway access to the rear yard, and private open space backyards of 200-300m2 is essential to the continued existence of childfriendly housing.

3. Every owner who buys in a fully built suburb, has the right to expect that the qualities of that suburban environment will be maintained, by the planning authority.

4. Every suburb has its own character, which is best maintained under the control of the local community through well-written rules, administered by their local council.

5. The existing owners'/neighbours' rights should be given a higher weighting than transient “blow-in, blow-out” developers, who are seeking only maximum profit.

6. These rules are to ensure that only complimentary development occurs within this precinct.

I am not a fan of social media, never have been and have always thought it best to keep in touch by phone, email or face to face. Seems the norm is becoming that social media is the preferred method of communications. Recently I have seen the effects of the keyboard ninjas that like to spruik their achievements without consideration to others. It allows the ninjas to put forward one side of a story and does not provide a right of reply. Full control is obtained by the ninjas and they control what is on there and what isn’t.

I am not on social media as I think it does more harm than good. Sure it means I can’t spruik what am I doing on a weekly basis and I can’t have my ugly mug appear on your phone or tablet having me attend something. I can’t show you what events I am going to and I can’t tell you all about each meeting and how you are getting value from your Elected Member. So I won’t win the competition of attending the most briefings, have the most likes but what I can do is support you through the issues you have with Council whether it be footpaths, rubbish, rates or developments that impact on you, I will follow through with.

My role is to represent the whole of Mitcham and look towards what is best for us as ratepayers. I am not out to blow my own trumpet and beat my own chest on what I have achieved. If you need help then just ask me and I will own it and follow it through. I will be honest with you and if I can’t do anything about it I will tell you but if I can do something I most certainly will.

Centennial Park Has sparked my interest again, I understand that the park needs to drive investment and advertise, but really do we need a bright green sign advertising vaults across the road from a retirement village? Surely the residents of the area don’t need to open their windows each morning to see that vaults are available. Can’t we have the appropriate and classy glass panels back that had Centennial Park on it?

Budget Another year has passed and another budget handed down. I asked some questions to administration in regard property valuations and how rates are calculated. Whilst the chamber voted for a 2.9% rate rise it doesn’t necessarily mean that your rates are going up by that amount.

You may be one of the lucky ones that your rates has decreased due to your valuation change but for the most of us it means we will cop another increase which I did not vote for.

Congratulations to Mavis Dutton who turned 100 on 10 July.

Mayor Glenn Spear presented Mavis with a beautiful floral arrangement at a surprise morning tea with members of the Colonel Light Gardens Ladies Probus Club.

Stormwater During the last few months the rainfall has been much lower than the same time in 2016 and therefore there has not been, to this time, the alarm of floodwater threat in and around our Ward.

Day Reserve stormwater detention basin is still proceeding well, and appears to be becoming close to completion. We are hoping this construction will reduce the flooding that has happened in Rockville and Day Avenues. This Reserve area will look quite attractive when the water plants and new trees are established.

Budget 2017/2018 Considerable staff and Elected Member time has been spent bringing the 2017/2018 budget to Council. Administration has once again been able to find further financial savings for this budget and this in turn reduces the rate applicable to rateable percentage increase for the next year.

With these financial savings this has reduced the rate increase this year to 2.90 percent. This rate has been approved by Council on 27 June. The rate increase is in keeping with Council's philosophy to keep rate increases as low as possible.

Daws/Goodwood/Springbank Roads Intersection The City of Mitcham has been fortunate to have had a recent State Government announcement that the above intersection will finally be funded to enable the construction to allow Daws Road to pass through portion of the Bedford Industries land direct to Springbank Road. This will also assist Goodwood Road traffic flow much smoother only having one stop of traffic lights instead of two.

We wait on the final funding outcome which will assist all motorists!

Repatriation General Hospital We still do not know the official outcome of the sale of this treasured Hospital site or how the site will be configured and for what purpose!

I have been on leave for a while, if you missed me on the phone, please don't hesitate to contact me so I can be of assistance on Council matters on 8277 1884 or 0402 517 945.

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mitcham community news

August 2017

Protecting Doncaster Avenue’s River Red Gums Council is using permeable paving and tree protection zones to protect the health of these magnificent trees during construction of a new footpath.

Looking after our local Wildlife

Protecting Mitcham Reserve’s Heritage River Red Gums

Taking care of the many species of wildlife found in our City is an important part of Council’s role when working on local trees.

During the planning stages of every Avenue Restoration Project Council conducts a survey to identify if any hollow-bearing trees provide homes to local wildlife.

Mitcham Reserve’s grand old River red gums recently received some much needed preventative health care.

To improve the health and prolong the life of Mitcham Reserve’s River red gums organic mulch was spread around the trees. Five River red gums on Mitcham Reserve were being impacted by the changing conditions of their environment, including loss of soil biodiversity, regular irrigation of the reserve and competition with grass. These trees are relatively young so it is important to care for them now so they can continue to grow for several more centuries.

The River red gums contain many hollows that are regularly used by possums and nesting birds. To preserve these important habitats two dead trees have been retained and mulch has also been placed around them in preparation for future tree planting.

New River red gums, native groundcovers and low shrubs will be planted in winter 2018 to improve the reserve’s appearance and support the local habitat for the future.

The River Red Gums in Doncaster Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens were planted along the driveway which led from Goodwood Road to the Grange Farm homestead. These trees are of great heritage value and also provide a home to many birds and possums.

To protect the future health of the trees Council used permeable paving and tree protection zones to avoid soil compaction in the root zones.

If possums are living in a tree that needs to be removed, they are often able to be contained in the lower trunk by blocking the hollow above them with fabric. The tree’s canopy can then be removed while the possums are kept safe.

Possums are released after dark if there are other suitable hollows and habitat in the area or Council installs possum boxes in trees nearby.

Permeable paving looks similar to traditional concrete block paving but has small gaps to allow water to flow through them into the soil. The pavers are laid on uncompacted earth on a bed of gravel. This provides a better environment for tree root growth, with roots growing deeper in the soil. Permeable paving is also less likely to be damaged by tree roots, so footpath maintenance costs are reduced.

Last year Council laid over 10,000 square metres of permeable paving to help our natural environment while also reducing stormwater runoff.

New Playground at Avenue Road Reserve Now with a fantastic new playground Avenue Road Reserve, located at Avenue Road in Cumberland Park, offers something for every member of the family!

Avenue Road Reserve is popular with families who visit to enjoy the skate park, basketball pad, fitness equipment, cricket pitch, BBQ’s drinking fountains, large lawn areas, fencing, seating and picnic sets.

The new playground features a fabulous four metre high tower with tunnel slide and junior slide, double swing, nest swing, see saw, kangaroo rocker, stepper bridge, monkey bar, climbing wall, spider net climber, small nature play area and shade sails.

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August 2017

15

Trees Don’t Live Forever The City of Mitcham, as part of its Avenue Restoration Program, is replacing some decaying White cedar trees in Kingswood, Mitcham and Colonel Light Gardens during winter.

Street trees make our suburbs more attractive; they shade us and improve our comfort by keeping us cooler in summer. They reduce wind speed, purify the air we breathe and provide habitat for birds and other fauna.

Many of our White cedar trees are now ageing and deteriorating. Their spreading canopies and gnarly trunks add to the beauty of our streetscapes and birds and possums live and breed in their hollows. However as much as we love our trees, no tree lasts forever.

Wood decay weakens tree trunks and branches which can fall and put the community at risk or cause damage to property. Council sometimes has to remove these trees to manage public safety.

Have you discovered our Nature Playground in Blackwood?

Mitcham’s first Nature Playground is located in a small natural reserve under the shade of the tall gum trees at Ossie Goldsworthy Reserve, between Trevor Terrace and Johnson Parade in Blackwood.

The play space has been designed to challenge children to explore and discover the natural world through play.

The playground includes traditional timber equipment, nest swing, double swing, climbing equipment, slide and see saw. Custom made play pieces encourage children to discover the outdoors with a large sand pit and jumbo log water play feature, red gum log seat, carved

totem pole, large gumnuts, lazy kangaroo, balancing logs and rocks, junior log picnic set and a toddler sized recycled metal spider. Visual aids for children with Autism are being installed on all the equipment.

The reserve also provides a large new shelter, picnic set, access paths and a drinking fountain for a fun afternoon out.

Barrans Reserve has a new Junior Playground If you have a young family you are going to love our new playground at Barrans Reserve on the corner of Wattlebury Road and Wesley Street in Lower Mitcham.

This fully fenced playground has been designed for toddlers with jungle theme play equipment shaded by two sails.

The new playground includes Sidney the snake springer, funny face explorer panel, roundabout, dual springer, pod swing, adventure jeep, a multi playstation with slides, climbing ropes and panels, bridges and fun panels.

There are also some timber stepping logs, balance beams and monkey bars.

By replacing small numbers of trees over many years we are able to keep our avenues of street trees safe and looking good. Habitat for our local wildlife is also protected by retaining as many trees as possible, ensuring that parrots and possums can continue to thrive in our suburbs.

To preserve our White cedar avenues for future generations Council will plant over 90 new trees during the winter, to replace the 68 trees that had to be removed. A total of 1,100 new trees will be planted to replace trees that have been removed during the last year and to fill spaces in streets and reserves.

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mitcham community news

August 2017

New Floor for Old Farmhouse Ruin at Blackwood Hill Reserve The City of Mitcham and the Blackwood Action Group recently completed paving the floor of the historic farmhouse ruin and a pathway from Trevor Terrace to the cottage entrance at Blackwood Hill Reserve.

The former farmhouse site on Trevor Terrace in Blackwood Hill Reserve was home to many important families who contributed to our City’s rich history.

The original cottage was built in 1852 by Philip and Elizabeth Webber and became the home of local farmers Thomas and Esther Elsegood until 1880. Two generations of butchers, the Jones’ family lived in the cottage and ran stock on the land until 1950. The cottage was finally used as a retirement house by Mr and Mrs Stedman Stidston until 1965.

In 1959 the City of Mitcham established Blackwood Hill Reserve and later the cottage, which had been condemned, was demolished in the early 1970s.

To complete the mock ruin cottage the Blackwood Action Group and Mitcham Council recently laid the floor with pavers generously donated by local residents from Craigburn Farm.

To mark the site of the old farm house at Blackwood Hill Reserve a commemorative table, surrounded by a mock ruin of the cottage, was constructed by Council’s former Local Community Historian Maggy Ragless (1952-2012) and Local History volunteers.

Keep an eye out for details of the official opening of this historic farmhouse site later this year.

Blackwood Hill Reserve is located on Trevor Terrace and Craigburn Road in Blackwood.

Apply Now for Council’s Heritage Subsidy Scheme Are you planning to restore a heritage listed building within the City of Mitcham?

The City of Mitcham’s Heritage Subsidy Scheme provides financial assistance to help homeowners conserve privately owned heritage listed buildings.

To be eligible to apply for a grant you must own or lease:

Over the past 15 years Council has provided thousands of dollars to assist in the conservation and restoration of privately owned heritage listed buildings across the Mitcham Council area.

a recognised Local Heritage Place

The scheme, funded solely by the City of Mitcham, may grant up to 25% of the total cost of the conservation works, to a maximum of $3,000.

a recognised State Heritage Place properties located within the State Heritage Area of Colonel Light Gardens a Contributory Item within Historic (Conservation) Zones / Policy Areas

For more information and a copy of the Heritage Subsidy Policy visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/heritagesubsidyscheme.

For further information contact Council's Development and Heritage Support Officer on 8372 8824.

Sponsor Mitcham’s History 2017 Remembrance Event in November Mitcham Council is seeking sponsors for the History 2017 Remembrance Event to commemorate the history of Mitcham on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 November at Mortlock Oval.

The Remembrance Event will commemorate Remembrance Day and share stories of the Mitcham Army Camp in Colonel Light Gardens which was home to 33,000 soldiers as they trained for World War I.

sleeping in tents overnight, just as the soldiers would have done so many years ago.

This moving commemoration will honour and bring to life the experiences of South Australian men and women as they trained and prepared for the European battlefields at the Mitcham Camp.

There are various sponsorships available and Council is also encouraging in-kind sponsorship for printing of marketing collateral, audio visual, sound, light, stage, electrical and other services.

Hundreds of visitors will join us for a special Remembrance Day ceremony and then take part in activities and explore amazing displays.

School children from across the City will also have an opportunity to learn about the camp by If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Mitcham’s History 2017 Remembrance Event please contact Kylie Fergusen on 8372 8888 or email kfergusen@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au.