Response from Greens Candidate for Cheltenham:
Subject: Re: Cheltenham Racecourse (email received 15th March 2006)
Hi Jas,
Thank you for your e-mail (included below). I have decided to reply to both yourself and the 'Save Cheltenham' Community Group as this e-mail outlines the official SA Greens stance on this issue, and others have requested this information.
With regards to your question: "Will you publicly oppose the sale of Cheltenham Park Racecourse for your elected term? Yes or No?" My answer is yes, I will oppose the sale.
However, as I understand the situation, the SA Jockey Club owns the land outright and can sell it whenever it wants, regardless of the opposition of local Council or State Government (or even residents). At present, the current zoning restricts the use of the land - and hence the number of potential buyers (and the price the land sale would achieve). What the State Government has, is control over the zoning of the land, and were this zoning to change and become residential then the number of potential buyers for the land would increase and hence the land value would also increase. So I would also oppose the re-zoning of the land which would facilitate the plans for medium to high density housing development that have been documented already. Greens policy strongly supports maintaining and expanding (if possible) green space in our communities.
If the SA Jockey Club decides to sell (bearing in mind that both Council and State Government have no control over this), I, as a representative of the SA Greens, will strongly support the use of the open space for stormwater management. My priority (in consultation with residents) would be to develop a wetland for stormwater catchment in conjunction with parks/community space. Use of part of the open space for horse agistment would also be a positive outcome, retaining the traditional community relationship with horses. This would also allow horses on ower Torrens to be relocated and a further wetland area developed along Breakout Creek (lower Torrens). I think the Cheltenham Racecourse presents a rare opportunity to plan properly with a large open space in the suburbs if the land does indeed get sold.
Phil and I are both keen to be involved in further resident's meetings if that is OK with everyone. I attended the Council meeting last night and was impressed with the number of residents that attended.
I hope that this answers your query and I am happy to discuss this further if you would like to.
Sincerely,
Margaret Davies
Greens Candidate for Cheltenham
Question from concerned Resident:
Hello Margaret
I recently heard your husband speak at a residents meeting at Cheltenham Community Centre.
I am going to take my local federal member's (Rod Sawford) advice, and put to you a simple yes or no question, which will assist me to decide on my first and second preference votes. If I like your response, I will forward it to many other residents, who like me, care about the fact that Cheltenham Racecourse be 'left alone'.
Ideally for me, I would like to see the racecourse continue as a racecourse, with the addition of some public useable space or perhaps a nice big wetland in the middle where storm water can be sent.
The basic plan seems at the moment to turn the whole place into housing if given the chance.
The yes or no question I would like to ask you is: Will you publicly oppose the sale of Cheltenham Park Racecourse for your elected term? Yes or No?
Please reply before Friday, if possible, as I am waiting to decide my vote.