by Shane Sody
Let us introduce you to Jocelyn, Miguel, Alexa, Martin, Fiona, Frank, Jordan, Rosie, Jane, Peter and Dorian.
We've given names to just a few of the trees that are destined for destruction within Helen Mayo Park on the banks of the River Torrens.
The State Government led by Steven Marshall is determined to chop down Jocelyn, Miguel, Alexa, Martin, Fiona, Frank, Jordan, Rosie, Jane, Peter and Dorian, along with many more trees within your Helen Mayo Park. Even though these trees are in a so-called "National Park City", they are standing in the way of the Premier's proposed $662 million 15-thousand seat stadium.
Planning Minister Josh Teague has re-zoned their home as an Ëntertainment Precinct which means that not only a stadium, but also future proposals such as nightclubs, restaurants, cinemas and other associated buildings will have planning priority over these trees, and the Open Green Public spaces of Helen Mayo Park.
Take a good look at these trees on death row. Unless the State Government has a change of heart (or unless it loses the State election in March) then these trees will be getting chopped down, and replaced with concrete, within months,
We've named the trees, because they deserve recognition before they die. You might want to give them a farewell message in the comments section below. Some of them (Miguel, Jordan, Fiona and Frank) would be over 100 years old,
Or, if you haven't done so already, please take these three actions:
sign the petition: “Save Helen Mayo Park”
contact the Premier, the Planning Minister and the Member for Adelaide to reverse the re-zoning that will facilitate the stadium, and
urge your friends to do the same.
These trees and Helen Mayo Park will be saved only if the State Government is persuaded that there are enough people who care about them.
Read more about the proposed stadium, and the more sensible alternatives.
Read more about the recent re-zoning.
