Callum Barrott-Walsh

2022 candidate for City of Onkaparinga.
Heritage survey responses.

Do you think that Councils and community members need to have a greater voice in planning and development decisions affecting their local area?
Absolutely! Although, many developments and planning decisions are determined by the Department for Planning, Development and Infrastructure councils can play a role in advocating on behalf of the community before decisions are being made. Many residents whom i have met around the Mid Coast Ward are concerned about the large number of developments occurring without any community consultation beforehand. I would like to see further, community consultation between the council, residents, businesses and the department for planning and development decisions are being made. I think it is also important developments fit the image of the area e.g. in an historic town having older styled developments and in a modern town having more modern developments.
What role should Councils play in protecting local heritage places from demolition or inappropriate development?
Councils should work with the community to protect these sites. As stated previously they should be a strong voice to the department on behalf of residents and if they can should make legislation to stop inappropriate developments and demolition occurring. After all, if we remove all our heritage places we loose all our history which means our next generations will no longer be learning about events and the significance of the past.
How would you seek to improve protections for heritage places in your area?
I would work with the community to demonstrate the significance of heritage places and regularly advocate and educate others about the importance of heritage places in my area.
We rarely see new places added to local heritage listings. Why do you think this is?
I think we rarely see new places added to local heritage listings as currently, many significant places are unknown. I t is important we educate people about historic sites, encouraging more discussion thus, influencing the council to support local heritage listings. I see many benefits in adding local heritage listings including: 1. Unpacking new history 2. Encouraging the community and young people to discover new things and learn 3. Attracting tourists and visitors to the sites thus, supporting the local economy and small businesses
How has the Planning and Design Code impacted on the heritage, amenity, and environment of your area? What changes would you seek to the Code?
I think the code has made it more difficult for the council to have a say on what and how planning developments go ahead. I would advocate for changes to the code enabling, council to have more say. After all, Councillors are representing the people they live around and would know what the area does and doesn't need more than the state government. I also think the code needs to greater recognise that when developments are undertaken the amenities surrounding the area are upgraded e.g car parking, street lights, shops, public transport etc.
What are the impacts of infill development in your area? What changes would you seek in the rules around infill development?
I think the major issue of infill development is the underutilised land that goes to waste. I think this is a great area for the community to look into to ensure the department knows that all land that can be used should be used.
Construction of new housing typically uses 30% labour and 70% materials. Renovation of existing housing stock typically uses 70% labour and 30% materials. What policy changes would you like to see made to encourage people to renovate, rather than demolish and build anew?
Having a government grant for residents who want to renovate rather than demolish and build. This would be a great way to ensure optimum use of materials and the environment.
How should the community be informed and involved in decisions about new developments?
The council should help facilitate regular community consultations that are well publicised so many residents know about them.
Do you think there is adequate tree canopy across your local government area?
I think the councils tree planting scheme was fantastic however, tree canopy across the area can be improved. This provides many benefits for wildlife, the environment and residents so just makes sense!
How would you like to see significant and regulated trees in your area protected from removal?
By advocating and making laws to protect these trees
What involvement should Councils have in decisions about protecting or removing significant and regulated trees?
They should have a big role and hear the views of the community as well.
What actions would you advocate to slow or mitigate the impacts of climate change in your local government area?
Encouraging more sustainability, investigating the use of solar powered street lights, planting more trees and investing in more electric vehicle charging stations.
What issues are there with traffic and parking in your area?
There are many issues including a lack of car parking on streets and because of the influx of new residents in the south roads need upgrading to cater for the increase in demand.
How could transport options be improved in your area?
Having more frequent public transport, investing in upgrading roads and extending the train line to Aldinga
What would your top three priorities be for improving planning policy and outcomes in your local government area?
Before developments occur holding community consultations
Advocating for laws to protect heritage listed sites and investigating the possibility of adding more
Investing in campaigns to protect the environment and encourage people to renovate rather than demolish and rebuild