In this togetherWe’re here for you during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This edition of the Gully Grapevine covers what Tea Tree Gully Council is doing – and has done – to support you, our wider community and our local economy to get through these very challenging times.

Visit our website for updates on Council services and programs that may be required during COVID-19.

Stay safe everyone – by staying your distance.

cttg.sa.gov.au/covid

GRAPEVINEGULLY

WINTER 2020 | EDITION 91

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Infrastructure & jobs boostCouncil-run construction projects are helping keep people in much-needed work, as well as providing long-term benefits for our community.

This is just a snapshot of works currently underway or proposed for the 2020–2021 financial year. It’s expected they will also have a positive impact on local businesses, such as food and retail outlets.

Council’s 2020–2021 Annual Business Plan and Budget was out for feedback at the time of going to print, but details are now available on our website.

cttg.sa.gov.au/abp

COVID-19 has changed our daily lives, but it has not altered our community spirit, with people quick to volunteer to help our more vulnerable and lonely residents.

Thank you for your patience during the closure of some Council services, community buildings and playgrounds.

Your safety was our primary concern. Fortunately, we were able to offer online library services during the closure and Enviro Care events have now resumed in a revised format.

The next 12 months will be important for Council as we play our role in the economic and social recovery process, while maintaining our essential services.

We have designed our services to hopefully avoid further disruptions if additional outbreaks occur.

Council is committed to boosting our local economy as much as possible, while protecting the wellbeing of our residents in line with Council’s Strategic Plan 2025.

Finally, my thoughts are also with those residents, who like my wife and I, have immediate family living overseas or interstate. The closure of our international and state borders, restricting the ability to travel and visit particularly where a family crisis has occurred, can be extremely stressful.

Let us hope and pray that a vaccine can be developed quickly so we can resume life as we would all wish it to be.

Mayor’s message

Kevin Knight0414 723 009 kevin.knight@cttg.sa.gov.au

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Richardson ReserveJobs for about 100 people will be created with construction of a three-level community building at Richardson Reserve, Wynn Vale. Work is underway and is expected to be completed by March 2021. Finalisation of the building will complete a staged $6.5 million upgrade of the reserve, which has also included installation of multi-purpose synthetic playing fields. The project included $500,000 in Federal Government grant funding.

Banksia Park Sports AreaA $1.26 million upgrade of the Banksia Park Sports Area, currently underway, will generate about 20 jobs during the construction of six new multi-purpose courts and car park improvements. Works are due for completion by September 2020. Council will fund 72% ($910,000) of the project, with 28% ($350,000) funding from the State Government.

Streetscape upgrade About 10 jobs have been created during a $1 million streetscape upgrade of North East Road, between Reservoir and Smart roads, Modbury. The project will result in new tree-lined footpaths and median strip. Work is expected to be completed by August 2020. The works are part of Council long-term multi-million dollar plans to revitalise Modbury.

Playspace fundingPlans to build an all-inclusive playspace at Modbury’s Edinburgh Reserve received a boost with recent news of a $850,000 State Government grant. If the $1.7 million project receives final approval in Council’s 2020–2021 budget, up to 10 new jobs could be created. This would be the first stage of an overall long-term plan to improve a 3.2 km corridor of Dry Creek, between Kelly and Milne roads, in Modbury.

Inclusive precinct A $1.5 million project to improve footpath accessibility to Modbury Hospital, Tea Tree Plaza and the O-Bahn could generate up to 10 new jobs in 2020–2021, if this project receives final Council approval. The State Government has provided a $750,000 grant towards this project.

Cover photo: Ann watches on as her daughter Charlotte returns a book via a Tea Tree Gully Library outdoor return chute. Above: Streetscape works underway on a Modbury section of North East Road.

Support for your small businessHelp grow your business by registering for a professional advice session or small group workshop with Polaris Business and Innovation Centre.

Support, available from expert business advisors, is free or low-cost, thanks to City of Tea Tree Gully funding.

cttg.sa.gov.au/business

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The year that wasAnother financial year has just ended. Here’s a snapshot of some of the services and projects we delivered for our community in 2019–2020.

1. Footpaths and roads: 5.5 km of new footpaths were laid and improvements made to 10.5 km of road surface to make our community safer and more accessible – $6 million. Picture: Roadworks (Vista).

2. Playgrounds: Six playgrounds were upgraded for families to enjoy, including construction of two new nature playgrounds – $625,000. Picture: John Eichner Memorial Reserve (Greenwith).

3. Buildings and facilities: A number of key Council buildings and facilities were upgraded – $6.5 million. Picture: New synthetic playing surface Richardson Reserve (Wynn Vale).

4. Events: About 90,000 people attended large-scale events staged to build community connections – $345,000. Picture: Civic Park Carols (Modbury).

5. Waste: 3,000 Mini Muncher kitchen caddies were distributed to help divert food waste from landfill. And the contents of 3.5 million bins were collected and processed – annual cost of waste management: $8.6 million. Picture: Waste collection truck.

6. Modbury Precinct: Works to revitalise Modbury continued, resulting in more tree-lined median strips and footpaths – $975,000. Picture: Smart Road roadworks (Modbury).

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Footpaths and roads

Playgrounds

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Events

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Buildings and facilities

Modbury Precinct

Waste management

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Upsurge in popularity of Linear ParkVisit River Torrens Linear Park and you’ll most likely see a host of people walking, running and cycling there.

Council horticulturalist Mick Medic says the park used to have busy periods and days, such as early morning and late afternoon prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Now, whatever time of the day it is, you’ll probably see quite a few people,” said Mick, who oversees maintenance, such as mowing, paths and planting, in the City of Tea Tree Gully section of the park.

Local resident Katie Mere said her

family have been long-time visitors to the park, but visited more often since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

“We’ve been going on the bikes and taking the dog for walks. When we were home learning, we would start the day by going for a walk there to find something to learn about,” said Katie.

The park’s increase in popularity has coincided with the success of a long-term project by the eight councils who sit along the River Torrens, including the City of Tea Tree Gully, to improve the park’s biodiversity.

As a result, the park, which runs from Highbury to Henley Beach,

has once again become a haven for native wildlife and birds through weed eradication, replanting of native species and subsequent improvements in river flow, water quality and marine life.

“When we started the project in 2014, the river was choked with weeds, willows and ash trees. There was a lot of silt build up and exotic tree species roots, and weeds were diverting water from the river system and causing erosion,” said Brad Mann, Council’s pest management project officer.

The City of Tea Tree Gully has so far invested about $90,000 in the overall project, with contributions also by other councils involved, the River

Phillip and Katie Mere on a family outing to River Torrens Linear Park, with their children Jacob and Joshua.

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Trails to explore

Torrens and the Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, Adelaide Botanic Gardens, SA Water and the Department of Environment and Water. The project received an initial Federal grant of $1 million.

In the City of Tea Tree Gully section of the park, volunteers have assisted with various planting days and the construction of a now well-occupied native bee hotel at Highbury.

Men’s Shed participants also helped build a beautiful fairy garden.

For more details about the project, including a video, visit our website.

cttg.sa.gov.au/linearpark

We’ve created six maps to help you find a great place to walk, run or ride in our City. Here are details of three of the routes below and you can find all of them, plus maps, at cttg.sa.gov.au/trail

Anstey HillStart and end: Anstey Hill car park, accessed from North East Road, Tea Tree Gully. Distance: 8.5 km

Travel this picturesque boundary loop to enjoy beautiful vistas and an abundance of flora and fauna.

Heading clockwise, this track twists up the Quarry Track, along Range Road South Track, down Newmans Track, turning left at the Newman’s Nursery Ruins to a downhill path along Water Gully Track and veering off onto the Boundary Walk to return.

Open from sunrise to sunset. Closed on catastrophic fire danger days.

Cobbler CreekStart and end: Cobbler Creek West Reserve, Target Hill Road, Greenwith. Distance: 7.5 km

Cobbler Creek, a hidden gem in the north of the City, has walking and riding trails for all abilities.

The Porosa Hike route includes the best of Cobbler Creek with tree-lined paths, single tracks and big climbs.

Explore this trail using the creek-line path and then follow the Porosa Hike signs in an anti-clockwise direction.

Keep an eye out for the historic Teakle Ruins at the highest point.

Dry Creek & Wynn Vale DamStart and end: Edinburgh Reserve, Edinburgh Road, Modbury. Distance: 10 km

This trail follows the Dry Creek paths in a northerly direction around the Wynn Vale Dam and return. The route can be shortened for a milder activity.

With a gradual incline at the start and an overall decline on the return, it offers a good workout. Walk on the other side of the creek for a change of scenery on the return.

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Simple changes, such as taking your own bags and boxes when shopping, has led to a big reduction in rubbish for the Brock family, of Redwood Park.

Tips to get your waste sortedKnowing what goes in which bin is the first step towards reducing the amount of reusable and recyclable resources from going to waste in landfill.

It’s all about being aware of the waste you create and how to dispose of it correctly. After all, much of what we discard can be used as a resource to create new products.

Food waste, which should go in your green organics bin, makes up a high percentage of household waste, with research showing about one-in-five bags of food we buy is wasted.

Planning can help reduce the amount of food you waste and increase the amount of money in your pocket.

Make a shopping list and try to stick to it to avoid buying excess perishable grocery items. And take your own reusable shopping bags where possible.

Avoid buying items with excess plastic packaging, but remember you can drop off any soft plastics you can’t avoid buying to REDcycle drop-off points at Coles and Woolworths supermarkets.

Visit one of the websites below for information on how to reuse, recycle and dispose of everyday products and household items in a safe and responsible way.

cttg.sa.gov.au/waste or whichbin.sa.gov.au

Library servicesA big thank you to all Tea Tree Gully Library customers for your patience and good wishes during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with the temporary closure.

While we reopened our building doors in late May, some services and programs remain affected due to State Government requirements.

Visit our website for any updates.

cttg.sa.gov.au/library

Have your sayWe’re keen to hear your feedback on our draft Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2020–2024.

It’s all about making sure that, as far as practical, our community is accessible for all people. This includes vulnerable groups or those at risk of social isolation.

Share your feedback with us by 6 July 2020.

haveyoursay.cttg.sa.gov.au

Focus on futureOur Strategic Plan 2025 is now in place to guide Council decisions over the next five years, focusing on strengthening our economy, enhancing parks and open spaces and improving your lifestyle.

At the heart of the plan is the wellbeing of everyone who lives and works here or visits our City.

Visit our website to see the plan.

cttg.sa.gov.au/sp

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2020 has been a trying time for residents of Tea Tree Gully and around the world.

What started with a bushfire crisis swiftly transformed into a global pandemic and global economic crisis.

The Elected Members have seen first-hand the toll that COVID-19 has had on our community, and we are here to support you.

We are proud to have unanimously endorsed a proposed 0% rate rise, while simultaneously investing in our local economies.

As restrictions lift, we ask you to continue to stay safe, and ensure to invest in local Tea Tree Gully businesses.

A local coffee or takeaway pizza will make the world of difference to our small-business community at this time.

Balmoral WardCr Rob Unger0416 116 654 or rob.unger@cttg.sa.gov.au

Cr Olivia Savvas0437 767 523 or olivia.savvas@cttg.sa.gov.au

Ward suburbs Modbury, St Agnes, Valley View, Holden Hill, Hope Valley (part), Gilles Plains

Council is in the process of setting its 2020–2021 financial year budget. We know that many residents and businesses have been hit hard by fall out from the coronavirus. That’s why we voted to seek your feedback on freezing Council rates, as well as for hardship provisions for those in need.

In addition, previous hard work on our finances means that, thankfully, we don’t need to sacrifice any planned capital works. In fact, we’ll be doing our bit to support the economy by spending over $25 million on roads, footpaths, playgrounds, sporting upgrades and more.

Damian also served most of March and April as acting mayor – an extremely challenging time when Council’s own staff and services were first affected by COVID-19 restrictions. We thank staff for their professional response to changing conditions – and we thank you for your understanding as a local resident. If we can help with any issue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Drumminor WardCr Damian Wyld0402 751 889 or damian.wyld@cttg.sa.gov.au

Cr Lyn Petrie0401 877 700 or lyn.petrie@cttg.sa.gov.au

Ward suburbs Modbury North, Ridgehaven, Redwood Park

Your Elected MembersFor more information or to access the Council ward map, visit cttg.sa.gov.au/electedmembers

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Cr Robin Coleman Anyone having difficulty in paying rates should contact cttg.sa.gov.au/hardship to find out more information.

We’re pushing ahead with capital works to cushion the impact of COVID-19 to maintain jobs and provide business opportunities.

Support services, like Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (131 114) and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), are there for anyone with feelings of depression, anxiety or problems at home. We should all take care of each other and follow official government advice. Stay safe.

Cr Peter Field I have recently reported numerous cases of rubbish being dumped on verges.

Almost all of these cases could have been collected by Council’s hard-waste pick-up service that will pick up two cubic metres of hard-waste from your home twice a year. Hard-waste pick-ups can be booked online at cttg.sa.gov.au/hardwaste or by calling Solo Resource Recovery on 8159 5090.

You’re welcome to call your local ward councillor or myself if you have any feedback about this service.

Water Gully WardCr Robin Coleman0412 139 773 or robin.coleman@cttg.sa.gov.au

Cr Peter Field0430 515 032 or peter.field@cttg.sa.gov.au

Ward suburbs Hope Valley (part), Dernancourt, Highbury, Paracombe (part)

We hope you are keeping safe and well during this challenging time for our community.

As your local councillors for Steventon Ward, we’ve been trying to assist residents in any way we can.

Lucas, with the support of Jessica, successfully moved a motion to propose a freeze on Council rates for the 2020–2021 financial year.

We have also frozen all fees and charges set by Council for the next 12 months and have amended Council’s hardship policy to give residents, struggling to pay rates, extra time.

We’re also delighted that the Tea Tree Gully sports hub upgrade has been funded by the Council to ensure the project is completed.

The Council has funded 72% of the works while the State Government has chipped in with 28% of the funding.

The project will deliver six new multi-purpose courts, additional lighting and new car park.

If you need any assistance during this difficult time, including Justice of the Peace services, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Steventon WardCr Lucas Jones JP0425 411 618 or lucas.jones@cttg.sa.gov.au

Cr Jessica Lintvelt0432 170 364 or jessica.lintvelt@cttg.sa.gov.au

Ward suburbs Surrey Downs, Fairview Park, Banksia Park, Tea Tree Gully, Vista, Yatala Vale, Houghton, Upper Hermitage, Gould Creek and Golden Grove (part)

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Cr Brett RankineCOVID-19 saw our worlds change overnight, with many of us dealing with the loss of employment. I’m focused on ensuring Council does everything it can do to keep people employed.

That’s where Council’s capital works projects come in. For example, upgrading playgrounds, removing and replacing dead trees and repairing our footpaths. If we keep projects rolling, it means jobs, as well as improving our area.

Despite challenges, our community remains positive and united. Thanks to frontline workers who’ve kept us safe.

Cr Bernie KeaneThere are many developments and exciting projects happening in Pedare Ward.

The Golden Grove Road upgrade is moving forward and it’s great to see the cooperation between the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure project team and Council staff. There will be inconveniences and disruptions for a while, but the end result will be worth it.

Thanks must go to local resident Trent Steley for keeping a watchful eye and providing solutions to improve living conditions within the project area.

Pedare WardCr Brett Rankine0434 366 469 or brett.rankine@cttg.sa.gov.au

Cr Bernie Keane0407 560 215 or bernie.keane@cttg.sa.gov.au

Cr Alicia SchlueterIt has been fantastic to see residents being active and visiting the hidden gems in our city.

Wynn Vale Dam is one of those destinations that has been extremely popular of late. The footpaths around the dam were resurfaced earlier this year, making it easier to access the tranquil walking trail.

Stage 1 of the Richardson Reserve upgrades is complete, with the installation of two new synthetic pitches and floodlighting. Stage 2 has commenced on the multi-purpose community-use facility.

Cr Sandy KeaneAfter negotiating with Centre Management at The Grove Shopping Centre, it’s great to see a rear entrance and pedestrian crossing access from the northern car park. I thank our local residents for their patience over the years.

Projects will continue in Hillcott Ward, especially with tree-screen rectification.

Footpaths and road reconstructions will be completed along with new bus shelters.

Thanks to all the residents who have taken the time to contact me during this period.

Hillcott WardCr Alicia Schlueter8397 7444 or alicia.schlueter@cttg.sa.gov.au

Cr Sandy Keane0419 850 779 or sandy.keane@cttg.sa.gov.au

Ward suburbs Wynn Vale, Modbury Heights, Gulfview Heights (part), Golden Grove (part)

Ward suburbs Greenwith, Golden Grove (part)

GRAPEVINEGULLY

Hi NeighbourDo you need a hand? Times are tough so let’s band together and look out for each other.

I can help with...

☐ Collecting groceries ☐ Urgent supplies

☐ Mowing your lawn ☐ Bins day

☐ Walking the dog ☐ A friendly chat

☐ I’ve also got

Let me know how I can help.

Name

Address

Phone/email

Stay connected with your communityCheck our website for free or low-cost ways to have fun, learn new skills or pay it forward

• School holiday fun

• Online library – ebooks and audio books

• Volunteering

• Wellbeing activity ideas for all ages

cttg.sa.gov.au/wellbeing

Look out for your neighbourBetter yet, lend them a hand! If you’d like to assist someone in your community, use one of our special postcards. Cut this one out or download one from our website.

cttg.sa.gov.au/hi

Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure accuracy in this newsletter, no responsibility is accepted for any errors it contains.

For more information, please contact the City of Tea Tree Gully:571 Montague Road Modbury SA 5092

P: 8397 7444

cttg.sa.gov.au

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