IN response to the Letter to the Editor by Gawler Mayor Karen Redman (The Bunyip, March 1), there is no dispute that Concordia has been identified as a growth area; it has in fact been part of Barossa Council’s strategic planning for over two decades.
The assertion that Concordia will be part of Gawler, in a functional or community context, is false and misleading.
Concordia sits in the Barossa GI (geographical indicator) and the Character Preservation District (Barossa Valley).
It should reflect the unique heritage, character and amenity for which the Barossa is known internationally, supported by appropriate buffers as indicated in our preliminary concept plans and the natural buffer of the North Para River as a clear separation.
I am unsure how the Gawler Council can align to that vision, community spirit and world brand as a single town, in contrast to our many unique towns and villages that contribute to the unique character of the Barossa Region.
Mayor Redman infers her council is best equipped to provide the necessary infrastructure to service Concordia.
In fact Barossa Council is exploring integrated planning opportunities to provide a level of infrastructure that Gawler has previously demonstrated it is unable to deliver.
A case in point is the outfall of stormwater from the Springwood development in Gawler East resulting from a planning failure by Gawler, which was rectified by Barossa Council with no support from Gawler.
It’s unfortunate Mayor Redman feels it appropriate to have this debate through the media and to publicly champion the misplaced notion of bringing Concordia into Gawler.
Her own correspondence articulates 74 per cent of Barossa respondents opposed the proposal, while Gawler’s own community survey had a very low return rate and a flawed submission process.
This is not a viable proposal and I respectfully ask Gawler to stop wasting time and money, and driving conflict between communities.
As community leaders I would like to see our neighbouring regional councils engaging in a broader, more mature conversation about the future of local government within the region, and will continue to advocate for this approach, which will better serve our communities.
Bim Lange, Barossa Mayor
