South Rd residents and business owners react to compulsory acquisition of property for tunnel construction

With 60 properties earmarked for demolition, the area around South Rd will become very different by 2023. These are the people it will affect the most.

Businesses operating out of South Road properties slated for demolition say they must be protected in the acquisition process.

Under state law, any owner who has their land acquired is entitled to compensation to the value of the property and any loss suffered.

Other people with an interest in the land, such as business tenants, are also entitled to compensation.

Steve Eckert, director of Eco Building Supplies, said he has been told he will need to vacate the property he leases within the next 10 months.

“That’s not a long time to find a place and, for us, it’s to find a place where you’ve got a showroom, offices and a warehouse,” he said.

“That’s going to be really, really hard.”

He and several other business owners approached by The Advertiser said they were not opposed to the project and understood acquisition was a necessary part of its progression.

But Mr Eckert said it was crucial that the government help affected businesses with associated costs, which, in his case, would include the fit-out of a new showroom and erection of signage.

Steve Eckert and Demi-Lee Cross of Eco Building Supplies in Clovelly Park. Picture: Tom Huntley

Tattoo artist Dylan Glacken, who has operated InkInSkin tattoo studio for nearly five years, said relocation would present logistical challenges for his business.

He said it was important that cash flow remain steady because himself and his employees rely on its profitability.

“We’ve all got kids to support, we can’t afford to be losing money off a move,” he said.

Mr Glacken said he had been aware the studio may be eventually be acquired, but said “a couple of years” would be a fair timeline to find a new premises, move equipment and organise other changes.

Dylan Glacken, owner of Ink in Skin Tattoo studio with his kids Chloe, 5 and Blake, 7. Picture: Tom Huntley

Several other business owners in the area said they were concerned about losing local customers if a suitable nearby site could not be located.

Dr Chris Hume-Phillips and his wife, Trudy, have operated their chiropractic clinic out of the same location for 30 years.

Dr Hume-Phillips said it was too early to say what they would do, and were awaiting further information from the government.

“We’re still looking at our options,” he said.

“I would like to think that there will be some goodwill shown under the circumstances.”

Dr Chris Hume-Phillips with children Mitchell, 13, Monique, 16, Tayla, 16, and wife Trudy in front of their family business Clovelly Park Chiropractic Clinic. Picture: Tom Huntley

Residents set to be uprooted to make way for the South Rd tunnels are devastated by the thought of losing their homes.

Homeowners said they had received letters from the government to say their properties would be affected, while some tenants said they had not yet been officially notified.

Stephen Monkhouse, who lives in a rental property at the northern end of the acquisition area, said he moved in five years ago and felt secure in his living situation.

“I’ve got a housemate here and we’ve sorted it out in a way that works for us,” he said.

“I’ve got a little business out the back too, an orchid business, so I’ve got to find somewhere where I can put all of that.”

Resident Stephen Monkhouse, 68, will need to move out of his rental property. Picture: Tom Huntley

Under South Australian law, tenants forced from their properties due to acquisition may be eligible for up to $10,000 in relocation costs.

Wassef Kabbara, 70, owns a home across the street and said he was devastated to learn his would be one of the properties acquired.

Mr Kabbara, who lives with his wife and four adult children, said he bought the house in 2000 and it held sentimental value because his children had grown up there.

“When we found out, it was the worst news we’ve ever heard in our life,” a tearful Mr Kabbara said.

“Where am I going to go? Where am I going to find a corner block with five bedrooms?

“My daughter has already been looking online but there’s nothing like it.”

Mr Kabbara said his children had all attended Flinders University, and he had spent years tending to fruit trees in the backyard.

“They took all of our hope, our future,” he told The Advertiser.

Another couple, Max and Sharon, said they moved into their rental property only two weeks ago and had not been warned of the acquisition.

“I’m really gutted … I couldn’t sleep last night,” Sharon said.