Port Adelaide Enfield Council to push forward with community consultation on Alberton Oval

Opponents of the proposed Alberton Oval redevelopment are ramping up the pressure picketing Port Adelaide Town Hall. Do you support the works? Have your say.

Protesters lined the entry to the Port Adelaide Enfield Council meeting on Tuesday night, where western residents gave impassioned speeches against the Alberton Oval redevelopment.

Council voted to push ahead with community engagement on the issue, despite an Environment, Resources and Development Court case, seeking an order to open the club’s planning application to wider public feedback, looming.

The $20m project includes a new soccer pitch and a basketball gymnasium – to both be used by other local sporting clubs – close to houses and replacing what is currently an open public park.

Two deputations were given to the council meeting, from Darren Hill and Mick Petrovski, both speaking out against the proposal.

Protesters expressing their views on the proposed Alberton Oval, redevelopment at Tuesday night's Port Adelaide Enfield Council meeting. Picture: Paula Thompson

Mr Hill said council had an open space strategy that was at odds with the planned development,

“It’s a very good strategy, giving access to natural areas that can assist in physical healing and help reduce stress,” he said.

“We don’t want to wake up on a Sunday morning to a 14m high structure and the whistle from a basketball game.”

Mr Petrovski questioned whether it was appropriate for council to undertake community consultation on the project while an ERD court case was still to be heard.

The case, if successful, could change the project from a Category 2 development, which restricted public feedback to residents living within 60m, to a Category 3 and broadens community consultation.

“I think it’s reasonable that until the ERD court case is decided that council defer going to consultation on this issue,” he said.

Heated debate followed the deputation, with two councillors voting not to proceed with the planned community consultation.

Steve Vines, a Port Adelaide ward councillor, was against the motion.

“The Port Adelaide Football Club should go back to the drawing board. Only then will we be presented with a locally supported plan,” he said.

Fellow Port Adelaide ward councillor Joost den Hartog spoke in favour of going to community consultation.

“We’re at the start of community consultation, not at the end of it,” he said.

Councillor Peter Jamieson wanted council to wait until the ERD Court heard the case.

The council resolved to undertake community consultation on proposed changes to the Community Land Management Plan that relates to Alberton Oval.

“A portion of this land is currently leased to Port Adelaide Football Club, and they are considering redevelopment of a section of this area,” Mayor Claire Boan said.

An image of Port Adelaide's proposed redevelopment of Alberton Oval. Pic: Supplied

“Under the Local Government Act, any land owned by council must be managed through a Community Land Management Plan that determines how the council uses and manages this community land for the betterment and enjoyment of the community.

“The decision made by council last night was to proceed with community consultation on a new Community Land Management Plan and also the proposal to grant a long-term lease to Port Adelaide Football Club.

“A thorough consultation will commence in May and we are preparing the materials to enable our community to provide feedback and we will include consultation with some residents of City of Charles Sturt, who live in the vicinity of Alberton Oval.”

Ms Boan said council will not make any decision until the consultation has been done, and submissions considered. ​

The Port Adelaide Football Club was contacted for comment.