Tycoon Sam Shahin’s 10-point plan to enliven Adelaide

ONE of the state’s most private, yet powerful, tycoons is urging a River Torrens marina, 40km/h city speed limit and shark nets at beaches to spark a more vibrant Adelaide.

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ONE of the state’s most private, yet powerful, tycoons is urging a River Torrens marina, 40km/h city speed limit and shark nets at beaches to spark a more vibrant Adelaide.

Dr Sam Shahin, whose family empire includes the On the Run chain, has written exclusively for The Advertiser a top-10 list of measures aimed at making the city more bustling, attractive and convenient.

Dr Shahin, an executive director of the Kensington-based Peregrine Corporation founded by his late Palestinian refugee father, says Adelaide must have clear objectives about what the city should be and then debate the strategies to achieve them.

“Discussion and debate in our great city is often hijacked by an idea. Sometimes the idea is a good one and often it’s not. We need to be clear on our objectives,” he says.

In a passionate appeal to forge a prosperous future for today’s South Australian children by making Adelaide the “best place on the planet”, Dr Shahin urges people to support innovation rather than reflexively criticise ideas.

He stressed his personal ideas were designed to trigger constructive debate, rather than in any way dictate an agenda.

Sam Shahin at the SA motorsport park, that is under construction at Tailem Bend.

Dr Shahin’s top ten for what Adelaide needs includes:

CREATING a River Torrens marina, including cafes and bars, and riverside helipads to become a tourist attraction and create hustle and bustle.

CUTTING the CBD speed limit to 40km/h, which would enable adult cyclists, particularly tourists, to ride safely without helmets.

INSTALLING shark nets at selected Adelaide beaches to ensure swimmers’ safety and remove any perception of danger, particularly in the minds of overseas tourists.

STOP moves to reduce cars in the CBD, because public transport does not suit everyone.

Dr Shahin said people should not look to governments to do everything to regenerate the state, instead arguing people willing to test the boundaries of conservatism and safety should be backed.

SEE THE 10-POINT PLAN IN THE SATURDAY ADVERTISER

“It’s up to individuals, groups, companies to say: ‘How can I contribute to this great city?’,’’ he said.

“How am I going to make the case so compelling for my kids to see South Australia as the best place on the planet for their future?

“It needs everybody in the state to say: “How can I contribute in a positive manner?’, rather than complaining about what others aren’t doing or what government isn’t doing.”

The Peregrine Group is funding an $80 million Tailem Bend motorsport park, including a V8 Supercar-accredited track, on the site of a former Mitsubishi car testing site.

Premier Jay Weatherill said Dr Shahin was a passionate South Australian, who had always contributed ambitious ideas to advance the state.

“But he also takes action, putting his money where his mouth is - the motorsport park at Tailem Bend being one example,” the Premier said.

“Our state needs more dynamic young business people like Sam who want to get involved in shaping our state.”

Opposition Leader Steven Marshall said he was particularly keen on redeveloping Glenelg jetty, which he has already publicly backed.

“South Australia has a bright future and we need to take advantage of the opportunities we are presented with,” he said.

“People with ideas for economic growth need to be encouraged to give them a go rather than having governments putting up roadblocks through stifling regulations and red tape.”

Lord Mayor Martin Haese said: “A low-carbon city does not need to be a car-free city and this is definitely not on the council’s agenda.”

He said the Riverbank area was one of the city’s greatest assets that had been largely under-used in recent times.

A city helipad, previously mooted by fellow city councillor Houssam Abiad, had merit and might be better suited to Adelaide Casino’s planned $300 million expansion.

He said the city council’s Adelaide Free Bike scheme, in partnership with Bike SA, had been incredibly popular but talks with potential partners would be welcomed to improve the experience for visitors and locals.

SEE THE 10-POINT PLAN IN THE SATURDAY ADVERTISER