Premier addresses Crows’ proposed new HQ as West Torrens residents vent their fury

The premier has commented on the messy circumstances surrounding the Adelaide Crow’s proposed move to Thebarton as local residents are denied further public consultation.

The Premier has weighed in on the Adelaide’s Crows proposed controversial move to Thebarton, saying a balance should be achieved between the interests of the football club and the needs of the community.

After previously advocating for the club’s new headquarters to be positioned in the seat of Croydon, Premier Peter Malinauskas told ABC Radio he hopes the West Torrens Council will show a “position of leadership” to ensure all parties are satisfied with the deal.

Premier Malinauskas joked he wasn’t the Crow’s biggest supporter (having publicly said he is a Port Adelaide fan), but believes the issue matters to the state.

“For everyone’s sake, I hope it works out,” he said.

“I just hope that the council shows a position of leadership to make sure that balance is achieved between the interests of the footy club which deserve a more permanent base … but at the same time the local community get an outcome of getting access to more green space.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas has addressed the controversy surrounding the Crow’s move to Thebarton. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

The Premier’s comments follow a disappointing outcome for West Torrens residents at a council meeting last night.

A motion for further community consultation on the Crows’ proposed move was lost despite pleas from the locals.

Paul Boylon, David Conroy and Dash Kartamerru Adams addressed the council in relation to concerns regarding the Thebarton Oval public consultation process.

10-year-old Dash said he would be 94-years-old when the lease ends.

“I am 10 and … kids my age would like a skatepark and different outdoor areas like grass and trees … I have no say in this process, but I will have to live with it,” Dash said.

Mr Conroy said residents treasured the open space that was there.

“This issue is not about the Crows or whether they are welcome at West Torrens. The issue our community’s repeatedly bringing to you is that we treasure the parkland that is Kind’s Reserve.”

Mr Boylon said the council had failed to properly consult the community on the move.

“Listing only vague possible benefits to a project without any drawbacks to weigh up is not adequate. Providing no visual information in the consultation documents is not good enough,” Mr Boylon said.

Mayor Michael Coxon said the consultation process would continue until a decision can be made in March, April or May 2023.

“The Adelaide Football Club have been very clear that if this matter gets to the masterplan stage they will seek to engage with the community and have community representation in the development of the masterplan,” Mayor Coxon said.

After the meeting, Mr Boylon said he and the community were “disappointed” that the motion had been lost.

“They are still not listening … we will be at the next meeting when the survey results come out and we will see what they say then,” he said.

An artist impression of the proposed new Adelaide Crows base at Thebarton Oval. Picture: City Collective

Crows chief executive Tim Silvers said they are determined to deliver more publicly accessible open space.

“I want to reassure everyone that we want to be a good neighbour too. We are going through this process, as set down by the council, in good faith and we look forward to future opportunities to not just listen but to further inform local residents and elected members,” Mr Silvers said.

The second deputation from local residents was prompted by comments made in the council agenda document prior to the meeting.

Chief executive Terry Buss recommended any further consultation process should only be considered following receipt of the consultation report — based off the Your Say survey.

“While the council may be of a mind to support (or otherwise) a further consultation process to supplement the current stage 1 consultation process … I recommend that this should only be contemplated following receipt of the consultation report and it is given due consideration by council at its meeting on November 1,” Mr Buss said.

The proposed move has raised many concerns for local residents who are seeking clarity from the West Torrens Council. Picture: City Collective

An open letter from the community deemed community engagement facilitated by the council regarding the Crows takeover “a mess”.

“The lack of information and inadequate community engagement facilitated by the West Torrens Council has created a mess,” the letter read.

“The lack of foresight, understanding of community, and enthusiasm to drink the Crows cool aide has damaged our community and its reputation.”

West Torrens residents want “concrete guarantees” before the local council signs any binding agreement regarding proposed move.

“As residents we are entitled to see a proper concept plan, and details about access provisions for the community, proposed landscaping (in particular Kings Reserve), a cost-benefit analysis, and draft terms related to governance including protections for the current and future needs of the community,” Mr Boylon said.

Mr Boylon believes the council is “stubbornly determined” on signing an agreement with the Crows during caretaker period.

Originally published as Premier addresses Crows’ proposed new HQ as West Torrens residents vent their fury