Backlash forces Government to change plans for controversial O-Bahn extension project
RYMILL Park has been saved and Rundle Rd retained after the State Government backed down on controversial aspects of its $160 million O-Bahn extension. SEE HOW THE ROUTE WILL WORK
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RYMILL Park has been saved and Rundle Rd retained after the State Government backed down on the most controversial aspects of its $160 million O-Bahn extension.
Changes to the O-Bahn extension — as first revealed exclusively in The Advertiser today — include retaining Rundle Rd in its current form, extending the underground component of the bus tunnel so it surfaces 140m closer to Grenfell St, creating an extra 50 car parks on East Tce and Rundle Rd, and removing the barrier between the bus tunnels to reduce the footprint.
This follows yesterday’s confirmation that a new city school will be established around a UniSA building on Frome Rd, as first revealed by The Advertiser last month, instead of on the old Royal Adelaide Hospital site as promised.
Sources say the O-Bahn changes will be considered a win for residents, community and business leaders who campaigned strongly against a proposal they said would “butcher” the popular park.
Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan said the State Government made changes to the O-Bahn project to reduce its impact on Rymill Park and the East End.
“We have worked hard to address all of the issues raised during the consultation and while it
may not be possible to satisfy everyone, we believe we have struck a balance between all of
those interests,” he said.
“Under the revised plan the tunnel has been lengthened from about 510 metres to 650 metres,
shifting the tunnel portal closer to Grenfell Street and reducing the visual impact.
“Importantly though, the primary objectives of the project — to improve the reliability and travel
time for O-Bahn passengers and to reduce congestion on the Inner Ring Route — have not
changed.”
The previous plan included realigning Rundle Road to connect to Grenfell St and having the bus tunnel surface in Rymill Park.
But the plan attracted criticism from nearby residents, businesses and Adelaide City Council because of its potential impact on the East End and Parklands.
The Rymill Park Alliance — a collection of 12 community groups — was formed to lobby the State Government to scrap or amend the O-Bahn project.
“The key issue is exactly where the bus tunnel comes up,” Alliance spokesman Andrew Robertson said.
“But we are cautiously optimistic that this is a compromise that most people would find acceptable.”
The Advertiser understands Mr Mullighan met Adelaide city councillors at a confidential meeting last night to discuss the plan.
Since the Government in February unveiled revised plans for the $160 million project, which built on an election commitment, it has faced strident opposition from councils, business groups, residents and other political parties.
The proposal had included a tunnel for O-Bahn buses under Hackney Rd and surfacing in Rymill Park.
Rundle Rd was set to be closed and a new four-lane road put across Rymill Park, connecting Dequetteville Tce with Grenfell St.
When contacted last night, Mr Mullighan would not comment on this morning’s announcement. But he confirmed The Advertiser’s report on radio this morning.
Despite the new plan no longer returning the existing Rundle Rd to parklands, Mr Mullighan said there would be no net reduction in parklands.
“We think we have come up with a scheme that leaves the parklands better off than what we have today in terms of the overall area of open space,” he said.
He denied the O-Bahn rethink was an embarrassing backflip.
“The reason why we had such a long consultation process was to seek feedback ... and I think we have listened,” he said.
Last week, more than 1000 people met in Rymill Park to protest against the plans.
Mr Robertson said the campaign, started by residents, had clearly struck a chord in the community, bringing together business and parklands preservation groups and politicians from all sides.
“When the project was announced, people thought it was a tunnel under Rymill Park, but it was actually a road through it,” he said.
“The parklands should be preserved and protected as a tourism asset and Rymill Park is the jewel in the crown, so to decimate it is unthinkable.
“Closing Rundle Rd and losing the parking was going to have a major impact on businesses in the East End, as well as visitors to the city who come in to go to the movies, cafes, restaurants and shops.”
Independent Senator Nick Xenophon had called the planned road through Rymill Park “an act of butchery”.
Lord Mayor Martin Haese had called for Rundle Rd to remain in place and said the extension would have a “massive” effect on Grenfell and Currie streets, creating a congestion problem.
Business SA’s State Budget submission called for the whole project to be scrapped, stating the money would be better spent on the Northern Connector section of the north-south corridor.
— with Anthony Templeton
