by Shane Sody

Federal Labor MP Steve Georganas has delivered a veiled criticism of recent State Government projects that have been chipping away at your Adelaide Park Lands.

An estimated 25 people joined Mr Georganas on Sunday 28 January, helping to clean up rubbish near the edge of the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari in Bonython Park / Tulya Wardli (Park 27).

The clean-up location was merely metres away from a State Government $3 billion construction site in the same Park, where, two days later, dozens of Park Lands trees were destroyed.

The Chair of the Australian Heritage Council, Ted Baillieu has said that National Heritage listing “provides NO heritage protection” for your Park Lands.

Speaking after the community clean-up, Mr Georganas (the Labor Party’s Federal member for Adelaide) was asked whether he would like to see greater legal protection for your Open, Green, Public Adelaide Park Lands. He said:

"The Park Lands are no doubt the lungs of our city, that they were designed to give us some fresh air and some space.

“Any encroachment on the Park Lands should not be allowed. I've always been of that view, but certainly, our Biodiversity Act should encompass protecting the parklands. There's no doubt. They're National Heritage Listed. They've been listed for a reason. That reason is it's a bit of protection for the environment in a major urban city.

“And as I said, they're the lungs of our city and we should protect them forever and a day."

Mr Georganas was asked how he felt about the tension of recent State Government moves to put new buildings on your Park Lands. He said:

"The tension should be resolved by what's best for the people of South Australia and Adelaide. And what is best for them is that our Park Lands remain an icon and remain open space to ensure that people have the right to use them in a recreational way.

“But also the most important thing is that they are the lungs of the city and that should always be in the forefront of every government's mind when they're making decisions about the Park Lands.

“Because if we encroach them and keep on encroaching, as we've seen over the last 25, 30 years soon we'll be left without any Park Lands.”

The volunteer group included members of the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Labor Environment Network, and APA members Shane Sody, Trish Russell, and David Andrewartha, among others.

After the clean-up event, Mr Georganas thanked the volunteers:

"Your presence and contributions mean a lot to me. I want to acknowledge that many of you are actively involved in environmental initiatives beyond today, and your consistent efforts do not go unnoticed.

"I am inspired by the impactful work you do, and I genuinely believe that by learning from each other and collaborating, we can continue making a positive difference for our environment. Your commitment is truly commendable, and I’m grateful to have such dedicated individuals working together."

Banner pic, at top shows State Government destruction of trees in Denise Norton Park / Pardipardinyilla (Park 2) on 13 November 2023: Pic: Eve J