SA election 2018 electorate profile: Port Adelaide in a time of significant change and development
EVEN for those who don’t live in Port Adelaide, the area holds a special place in the heart of many across the state.
SA 2018
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA 2018. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Labor plans to create new ports authority
- Pirate Life to open SA’s biggest craft brewery in Port Adelaide
- Public servants urged to embrace new Port Adelaide location
Other electorate profiles: Heysen, Hartley, Giles, Mt Gambier
EVEN for those who don’t live in Port Adelaide, the area holds a special place in the heart of many across the state.
Whether it’s the Power supporters who claim it as their spiritual home or others who just shake their heads at how so much spectacular state heritage architecture is being neglected, almost everyone has a view on what it needs to achieve its full potential.
Over the years, the seat has been a Labor stronghold, and former deputy premier Kevin Foley’s old stomping ground.
But, for a decade, residents have had billboards screaming “It’s happening”, while seeing limited change on the ground.
But the past couple of years have brought a decided shift. A new serviced apartment building has gone up for workers in industries such as shipbuilding.
A State Government public sector building is taking shape next to it, with hopes its 500 occupants will breathe life into boarded-up St Vincent St. Hart’s Mill has a new family playground and cafe.
But, perhaps most symbolically, the Port Admiral Hotel that sits in the shadow of the famous red lighthouse has been restored and is selling beers again at a healthy clip.
Publican Crispian Fielke says the front bar attracts an eclectic crowd. A community famous for being blue-collar has been infiltrated by a young demographic drawn by cheap rents and property prices.
There’s a strong progressive edge to the people he serves.
They support gay marriage and social inclusion, while also wanting to see the Port shake off old prejudices and get on with development that can push it into a new generation.
The hotel has an AFLW tipping competition as well as one for the AFL, and deliberately broadcasts the fact that it enthusiastically accepts “all shapes and sizes”.
“Our development was all about opportunity and timing,” Mr Fielke tells the Sunday Mail.
“There is a growing sense of courage. It becomes part of nearly every conversation you have. That’s exciting. I’ve met a lot of people in the last 12 to 18 months on this (restoration) project and the general sense is that we’re not going to wait any more. We’re just going to do it.”
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When the topic turns to politics, power issues get top billing. Mr Fielke says young families attracted to cheaper beachside living on the LeFevre Peninsula are feeling the pinch.
“Electricity for sure, and the general cost of everything (come up),” he says. “Transport down here, that’s a big thing. Port Adelaide definitely needs some fixes.”
Education and Child Development Minister Susan Close thinks she’s got both issues covered. After winning the seat in a tight 2012 by-election, she held it for Labor comfortably at the last statewide vote.
Labor is now in the process of delivering a rail spur to the heart of the Port, both to help locals get to town and bring others into the museum district.
Dr Close says she is encouraged by the area’s revitalisation.
“The Port Admiral is a really good example,” she says.
“Now having (craft brewer) Pirate Life Brewing come into the woolstore, where the new station will be when that rail spur comes – that’s another good example.
“Private investment is now being stimulated where, for a while, it was just government.”
Dr Close says Labor’s message on renewables also gets a good hearing from people who feel that technologies with free fuel, like wind and solar, will push prices down.
Port Adelaide Enfield mayor Gary Johanson has been in that job for 12 years, and has made repeated charges at State Parliament.
Beaten narrowly by Dr Close at the 2012 by-election, he backed up for another defeat in the neighbouring seat of Lee in the 2014 general.
Now, as the SA Best candidate, he’s hoping for third-time lucky. Mr Johanson says a port dredging and dumping project, plus frustration over slow development, have convinced many that real change will only come with a new MP.
“For generations, the area has been very, very loyal to Labor,” he says. “I think they have reached the point where they probably think that they have been disrespected.
“There’s been window dressings in the last few years but nothing serious. They could never bring themselves to vote Liberal but they want to teach Labor a lesson.”
Mr Johanson believes he offers that alternative.
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