Residents fear they are too late to voice concerns about Springbank Rd dog-leg intersection upgrade

Early work have started on the controversial Springbank Rd upgrade project even before consultation sessions are held with locals — who fear it’s too late to have their worries heard.

• Residents fear their houses in line for demolition for Springbank Rd
• Six houses and two businesses to go for upgrade

Preliminary roadworks have started on a major intersection upgrade in Adelaide’s south but residents say they remain in the dark about the project.

The Transport Department entered the early design stage of the Springbank, Daws and Goodwood roads intersection alignment project at Daw Park on Monday, closing off a lane of traffic and restricting speeds to 40km/h between 9am and 4pm.

Residents fear it is now “too late” to voice their concerns or have any say in the project, given community consultation sessions on Wednesday (today) and Saturday come after works have already started.

Panorama, Clapham Community Group spokesman Neil Baron told The Advertiser the Transport Department had not been transparent with residents, or offered them an opportunity to voice their opinions about the project yet.

“We don’t have the picture because no-one's telling us anything … when it’s finished it will be too late.”

Artist impressions of the proposed upgrade to the Goodwood / Daws / Springbank road intersection — this is Goodwood Rd, southbound.

Mr Baron said a meeting held with the community in March was inadequate as it just involved Transport Minister Stephan Knoll “standing up telling us ‘this is what we’re going to do’.”

Another meeting was held in April, when the local member did not turn up, and another in June where community questions were not answered, Mr Baron said.

“Everyone’s being kept in the dark for this … basically, (the department) is treating people in the community with contempt,” he said.

“It’s a secret society with DPTI.”

Peter Van the Party Man owner Mark Van, who runs the prominent business at the intersection, announced earlier this year the property would be compulsory acquired for the project.

Mark Van in front of his business Peter Van the Party Man on Goodwood road. has received his official letter of acquisition notice from the transport department. Picture: Matt Turner

Mr Van said he was scrambling to find a location with reasonable rent prices to relocate his business when forced to move in February.

“Of course it’s a bit of stress trying to find a spot … especially finding somewhere with reasonable rent,” Mr Van said.

A Transport Department spokesman said community opinions would still be considered, despite preliminary works starting.

“All feedback and concerns will be considered as the project team continues through the design process to identify a solution that balances the needs of the project’s various stakeholders,” he said.

Tonight, the department will offer a consultation to community members to find out more about the project, view the early concept design, meet the project team and “have a say”.

Mr Baron said that will be too late.

“The Minister can (move on) … but we live with the end product,” he said.

“Are we going to get an answer (on Wednesday night) … probably not. They will talk around in circles.”