Residents hit out against development site near Warriparinga Wetlands

Despite the sale being endorsed by the area’s elders, residents have hit out at a proposed development of a southern cultural site saying it should remain educational.

A significant southern cultural site could soon be turned into a hustle and bustle shopping hub after a Victorian company set their sights on the land.

In a 420-page document supplied to The Messenger, Troon Group Pty Ltd has entered negotiations with indigenous Land and Sea Corporation to purchase the southern portion of the 707 Lot along Marion Rd at Bedford Park.

The site would encompass a Bunnings, two fast food chains and hundreds of car parks.

The proposed site that could include a Bunnings and two fast food chains. Pic: Leffler Simes Architects

Local resident named Carolyn, who is one of the many residents pushing back against the shopping hub proposal, said the site’s cultural significance should be given first priority.

“Warriparinga is an important sacred site for the Kaurna people,” Carolyn said.

“The current proposal surrounds the Elders Village with businesses that operate until late at night, increasing noise and light pollution, and will not be the peaceful environment that was envisaged in the original plans.

“I am hoping the new government can do better and quickly provide the means for a better quality of life for the Elders at Warriparinga.”

In June 2021, the Marshall Government announced a $10 million village next to the Warriparinga Wetlands that would create a purpose-built village for Aboriginal Elders living in Adelaide.

Concept images of planned $10m Aboriginal Elders Village at Bedford Park, part of five-year South Australian Aboriginal Housing Strategy. Picture: Supplied

“Ultimately, we want to help deliver real change for Aboriginal South Australians and real outcomes for Aboriginal people,” former Premier and Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Minister Steven Marshall said at the announcement.

“Empowering Aboriginal South Australians by supporting them into home ownership, ensuring they have access to safe and secure housing and giving them a greater voice in determining their housing future is all crucial to helping them reach their housing aspirations.”

The 4.3ha vacant site next to the culturally significant Warriparinga Wetlands hit the market back in 2020.

In documents supplied to The Messenger, the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) have been working on a strategy for the land since 2013.

Bunnings regional operations manager Jessica Hitchin said the company were looking at the site.

“We regularly review opportunities to improve our existing store network, but have no firm plans in place at this stage,” she said.

The Troon group also said no decision had been made on the development.