The Advertiser Editorial, September 20, 2018: Flinders train link creates opportunity
ADELAIDE’S rail network, which was neglected for too long, has started to be hauled into a more modern era in recent times.
ADELAIDE’S rail network, which was neglected for too long, has started to be hauled into a more modern era in recent times.
The most significant advance, thus far, has been the electrification of the southern line and its 5.7km extension to Seaford, a $291.2 million project that opened in February, 2014.
This followed the renaissance of light rail in Adelaide, with extensions of the Glenelg tram line to City West and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre opening in 2007 and 2010 respectively.
Plans have now been unveiled for an extension of the Tonsley rail line, which opened in 1966 to service the-then new Chrysler plant at Clovelly Park, which later became the Mitsubishi site.
This line terminates at Tonsley, north of Sturt Rd, but designs have been prepared to extend it 650m to Bedford Park, linking with Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre.
If the $85 million Flinders Link project wins development approval, work would be complete by early 2020.
There are powerful arguments in favour of this project. It links the Flinders and Tonsley innovation precincts, the latter on the site of the former Chrysler/Mitsubishi plant.
Public transport access to the Flinders precinct would be dramatically improved, aiding workers, students and visitors to the university and hospital.
Adding to the case for the rail link is Flinders University’s plan for a $2 billion “urban village” at its Bedford Park campus. This involves a hotel, shops, cafes and accommodation for an extra 1500 students in buildings of up to six storeys.
The Flinders Link rail extension is the catalyst. Like in many interstate and overseas precincts, housing and commercial development is centred on an effective transport hub. This can be a model for other parts of the metropolitan area.
This is the type of development that Adelaide and the south need. It improves the education, innovation and health precincts, while also creating opportunity for future major projects.
Positive signs
CHANGING the culture of a workplace is a slow and difficult task, not least in a field where sexist jokes, harassment and predatory behaviour are rife.
This was the challenge facing SA Police leaders two years ago when the Equal Opportunity Commissioner revealed the extent of sexism in the force. But today, we see early signs of positive change.
More SA Police employees have felt confident coming forward with complaints, there are new processes to ensure they are listened to and more staff to properly investigate allegations.
Management has set targets to recruit female officers and more women are applying to join the ranks or ascend to leadership roles.
It is a blueprint many industries and workplaces across SA could follow.
But our police force is still heavily male dominated, particularly in frontline and senior positions, and men remain more reluctant to take up work flexible options.
South Australians look to police officers as standard bearers in our community.
They may have a way to go still but they are setting an encouraging example in attempting to change.