Onkaparinga Council plan to sell community reserves to ease housing crisis sparks ratepayer fury

A southern suburbs council has come under fire from ratepayers over plans to sell off much-loved community reserves to make way for housing.

A southern suburbs council has come under fire over a proposal to sell off a number of beloved community reserves in an effort to raise funds and fix the state’s housing crisis.

Onkaparinga council has earmarked seven parcels of land for potential sale to developers, leaving homeowners devastated and vowing to fight for the green spaces they say drew them to the area in the first place.

Aberfoyle Park resident Tim Delvaux said he and his partner Lisa Thorley, both 30, specifically bought into the area for its proximity to a nearby reserve – which could be turned into more housing under the proposal.

Homeowner Tim Delvaux is leading the charge against council’s proposal. Picture: Supplied

Mr Delvaux's partner Lisa Thorley. Picture: Supplied

“We’ve actually thoroughly discussed selling,” Mr Delvaux said.

“What’s the point if you’re not going to live somewhere that’s close to the wildlife?

“We’ve already started looking at other places.

“We had saved up for eight years and, as first home buyers, we wanted to purchase somewhere where we would be close to nature. I absolutely love trees and Lisa has a massive love for birds, so this was just the perfect place.

“If this (the proposal) happens, it’s not going to be the same – you’re getting rid of all these gorgeous trees and removing the sound and the atmosphere of the birds.”

Council’s acting corporate director Jade Bird said the land had, in March, been declared as “potentially suitable for disposal”.

“This doesn’t mean the seven parcels of land will be sold, but it does kickstart a process to explore the possibility that the land could be sold,” Ms Bird said.

“To support the prudent management of community assets, the council regularly reviews its landholdings to ensure they align with the current and future needs of our community. The vacant and undeveloped parcels identified have been carefully assessed as surplus to the community needs, and our approach ensures land with significant community, environmental, or strategic value isn’t considered for revocation and possible disposal.

The community is rallying behind the move. Picture: Supplied

“The parcels of land identified don’t serve a broader community function and aren’t identified in the council’s strategic plans. This doesn’t necessarily mean the land in question isn’t appreciated or used by local residents, which is why we’re so keen to hear from them in our community engagement.

“Proceeds from any sales may be reinvested into projects that directly benefit the community, such as new footpaths, reserve upgrades and building renewals. They could also allow us to bring forward projects that are highly valued or sought by the community, and potentially enable more land for homes amid the housing crisis.”

Community consultation is open until May 12, with council assuring the public their feedback is “vital to the process”.

Originally published as Onkaparinga Council plan to sell community reserves to ease housing crisis sparks ratepayer fury