Large block of land next to Warriparinga Wetlands may be used to create homes and shops

A LARGE block of land next to the Warriparinga Wetlands might be carved up to make way for homes for 500 people, shops, and potentially a petrol station.

A LARGE block of land next to the Warriparinga Wetlands might be carved up to make way for homes for 500 people, shops, and potentially a petrol station.

The Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) wants to build a complex for up to 50 elders in the northeastern corner of its 5.8ha lot on Marion Rd, just north of the Southern Expressway.

In a submission to the State Government’s planning department, it says about 460 residents could also live in new private homes in the area, which would feature multistorey buildings overlooking the wetlands, along with aged care and student accommodation.

The commission has asked for the area’s zoning to be changed to also allow for a small shopping centre with a supermarket and specialty shops, and potentially a service station in the future.

An elders village would also overlook the wetlands and Sturt River.

The ILC’s submission is in response to the State Government’s Southern Innovation Area rezoning plan.

This rezoning plan paves the way for high density development around Tonsley and the Flinders University and medical precinct.

Friends of Warriparinga chairman Bruce Wilson said his group supported the village but did not want a shopping centre, petrol station or multistorey housing near the wetlands.

“The problem is as soon as you start talking about that sort of development you start talking about carparking, and where does the water run off? It runs to the lowest point — and that’s the Sturt River,” Mr Wilson said.

“We’re 100 per cent behind having an elders village there … but as for the rest of it, it’s just commercial development for the sake of money.”

Friends of Warriparinga chairman Bruce Wilson. Picture: Tom Huntley

A report from Jones Lang LaSalle’s David Snoswell, commissioned on behalf of the ILC to investigate retail options for the land, said a service station would meet local demand.

Under the government’s proposed zoning for the area, petrol stations would not be allowed, and only small shops, up to 250sq m could be built.

The ILC wants that changed so it can attract a supermarket to the precinct.

“A small but high-quality retail offer at the subject site is expected to be a major drawcard for future residents,” Mr Snoswell’s report said.

The ILC last week would not comment further on its plans.

The Transport Department has asked Marion Council to comment on the ILC’s plans, before Planning Minister John Rau decides on zoning changes.

Marion Mayor Kris Hanna said councillors did not want a petrol station because of concerns about its bulk and potential to create traffic problems. He supported plans for a village and aged care.

The council is expected to consider the ILC’s plans at its meeting on Tuesday.