Hahndorf Community Association Inc.

Minutes of Committee Meeting held at the Kaffehaus - 8th April 2009 at 9:30am

Present

Phil Houston (Chairman), Wendy Williams, David Haines, Rick Harcourt, Mike Hasler, Margaret Brook, Lita Los Angeles, Graham Woolford and Eric Aliffe.

Apologies

Louise Trinkle, Russell Grivell.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The previous minutes were approved subject to deleting Margaret Brook’s name and inserting Mike Hasler as the fourth member of the Heavy Traffic Sub-Committee – Item E.1 (moved by David Haines, seconded by Lita Los Angeles).

Business Arising

Lions BBQ:

David Haines advised that he would deal with this at the appropriate time when he would put an application into the Lions Board. To be brought up at the November Meeting.
Item for November Meeting - Action: DH

Photocopier:

Phil Houston advised that the photocopier had been delivered and the account would be paid following this meeting by Eric. A small further account for a USB cord that was needed to connect the photocopier with the laptop has yet to be received.
Action: PH

Walking Trail:

Margaret Brook reported that she had had discussions with Annie Luur Fox and Lyndall Davidge regarding the walking trail. In 2002 a Grant Application for funds to develop the trail with signage had initially gone well but eventually the money from the DCMB had been used for the “Encounter 2002” project.
Currently the Trail is marked from Verdun to the City and this needs rectifying so that the Trail commences from Hahndorf; however, the need for a bridge to be made available for pedestrians just prior to the roundabout leading onto the Freeway would now cost in the region of $400,000! Walking SA and the National Trust are endeavouring to raise funds to assist with this problem.
The matter was hotly debated and several suggestions were made as to how things could get started; it was eventually agreed that the Committee should give the matter much thought and it would be further discussed at the June HCA Meeting.
Action: Item for June Meeting

Correspondence In

  • DCMB – Balhannah/Main Street intersection traffic lights: The CEO advised that an independent traffic survey over a Thursday, Friday and Sunday in January had been undertaken to verify traffic movements on these busiest days; he understands this matter is going through the process of a ministerial, following which the Minister will contact the HCA direct advising the outcome.

  • Minister for Transport (Hon Patrick Conlon MP) - Balhannah/Main Street intersection traffic lights: advising that a further turning count survey on 2 February 09 had resulted in similar results to that taken in October 08 and that figures from the DCMT Survey undertaken in November 2005 supported these results. Although the Department appreciates the Association’s concerns, it does not support the replacement of the pedestrian actuated crossing with traffic signals at this time.

  • MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT OFFICE – re Heavy Transport – from the Office Manager advising of receipt of a copy of letter dated 31 March 2009 from Phil Houston re heavy transport in Hahndorf Main Street and stating that the correspondence will be brought to the attention of the Minister.

Moved by Rick Harcourt and seconded by Mike Hasler that the correspondence be received.

Correspondence Out

  • DCMB re Heavy Transport (Transport Sub-Committee): A letter (dated 31 March 2009) together with detailed attachments (HCA Report in 2003, HCA Review in 2007) was sent to Bill Chandler, General Manager, Strategy, Development and Communities, DCMB requesting that Council give serious consideration to solving the 15 year problem of heavy transports traversing Main Street (trucks and buses servicing local community excepted) and providing two proposals which could solve the problem:

    a) A bypass route be developed along River/Fairview/Von Doussa Roads for Onkaparinga Valley Road to Echunga Road Traffic – approximate distance 2 kilometers – which would reduce 80% of Main Street’s heavy transports.

    b) The Freeway Interchange at Verdun be made into a full interchange permitting heavy transports travelling to or from Mt Barker and beyond and to or from Mt Crawford, the Barossa, or further north or east to avoid Hahndorf Main Street.

    Added was the comment that recently (25th March Courier) Hahndorf had been ranked among the Top SA Australian Towns … “The historic Hills hamlet was the highest ranked SA town to make “Australian Traveller” magazines 100 Best Towns in Australia … Hahndorf was the best SA town ranked 16th overall”. The DCMB needs to value and do everything it can to maintain this ‘jewel in it’s crown’! The volume of heavy transport through the town undermines this statement. Copies of this correspondence were also forwarded to all local MPs, Cr Lindsay Campbell, Barry Wilkins (Consultant for Hahndorf Main Street Master Plan) and Jeff Goode, Dept of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.

  • Land Acquisition – Main Street Master Plan: Phil Houston has written to Mr Bill Chandler, DCMB, advising that HCA were aware of an allotment in the Main Street being offered for sale to provide yet another commercial property on Main Street with two adjoining units behind it, access being by way of Muggleton’s Carpark. The President of HCA suggested that this was an opportunity for council to act and acquire land for much needed public carparking, the reasons being:

    a) There is at present an over supply of commercial properties in Hahndorf;

    b) There is little open space in the Main Street and the eye-catching wagon, backed by Ophelia Cottage and Bamfurlong is one of the most photographed locations in the town; allow this to pass and the town loses ground as the State’s premier tourist town;

    c) The town’s Main Street Master Plan realizes the necessity to make available off-street parking for its residents and visitors.

  • DCMB (Mr Bill Chandler) – re off-street parking and Main Street Master Plan: Phil had sent a further letter to Bill Chandler, DCMB – with copies to Barry Wilkins and Cr Lindsay Campbell - regarding land acquisition, suggesting that possible off-street car-parking developments could be:

    • Vacant Allotment to the rear and adjacent to Ophelia Cottage(34 Main Street)… [1].

    • Land at the rear of various commercial properties, (Nos 54 – 48), adjoining Public Park adjacent to Johnston Park… [2].

    • Land at the rear of “The Olive Grove “(94 Main Street) – adjacent to the Old Mill… [3]

    and requesting that the HCA has the opportunity to talk with members of Council about the importance of tackling this problem in order to ensure that Hahndorf retains its high profile as a tourist destination and a functional town for residents alike.

Action: For May/June Agenda

  • Precinct Meetings: Wendy sent a letter to Russell Grivell confirming that he is the official representative for HCA at the Precinct Meetings. Wendy to ask Russell if HCA could have a report of the Precinct Meetings or perhaps a copy of their minutes. - Action: WW

Reports

President’s Report:

Phil Houston advised that he had nothing further to add at this point

Treasurer’s Report:

HCA Funds $5,908.10

Walking Trail Account $2,094.69

Total Funds $8,002.79

  • The HCA Funds still include the $3572.00 Photocopier Grant, which can now be paid.

    General Business

    Heavy Transport:

    already discussed at Item D) 1.

    Report on Hahndorf Toilets:

    Lita Los Angeles had prepared a computer presentation but decided that she and Eric Ayliffe would give a verbal update on what had been undertaken. They were both extremely concerned that the town’s toilets are a real disgrace and this matter should take priority. Basic hygiene is absolutely essential. The toilets need cleaning and thoroughly checking 3 and possibly 4 times a day. The toilets are NOT clean, the water is cold, there is no soap and no drying facilities. Upgrading is essential for Hahndorf, being the top tourist town in SA. Pioneer Park toilets are tidy but lacking basic items, eg soap, toilet paper, etc.

    Lita had undertaken careful checks of all the toilets and had photographed many of the situations. She had contacted John Carringis at DCMB and had given him as much information as possible. Rick suggested that HCA should advise Council that we require spotless toilets and Council should have them cleaned appropriately; it was felt that the contract cleaners were not doing a thorough job.

    Moved by Eric Ayliffe, seconded by David Haines that John Carringis, Council’s Health Officer, be asked to attend a meeting to inspect the toilets together with Eric, Lita, David and Wendy in order to improve this situation.

    Action: EA, LLA, DH, WW

      Johnston Park:

      Brian Clancy, DCMB, advised per email that 2008/9 budget was $65,000, comprising:
      footbridge replacement, $55,000, which has now been delivered and stored. Current footbridge to be removed and footings constructed after Anzac Day;
      Landscaping scheduled for prior to Anzac Day:
      Hardwood bollards to be installed after Anzac Day;
      Interpretive signage – beyond remaining budget capability – revised design being investigated;
      Lighting of paved path – meeting between Council and Contractor – 16.04.09;
      Two more litter bin surrounds ordered.

      Main Street Paving:

      Email from Brian Clancy of DCMB advising 08/09 budget includes $35,000 for construction of a new footpath from Auricht Road to just beyond Otto’s Bakery. Scheduled for May ‘09
      Wendy was instructed to liaise with Norm Key re new footpath paving to cover necessary area in front of the Indian/Asian restaurant (No. 17) adjacent to Waratah and further advise DCMB of footpath problem outside new shops where BP Service Station used to be.

      Action: WW

        Pedestrian safety at Pine Avenue/Main Street:

        To be discussed at subsequent meeting. For June Agenda

        Report from Louise Trinkle:

        Louise reported she had attended a meeting of the Hahndorf Primary Governing Council which strongly supports HCA issues, particularly traffic. She requested copies of all correspondence relating to the Balhannah/Main Street Traffic problem and this was forwarded to her by Wendy.
        Louise further noted items of interest to the HCA, being:
        Building applications for February – none listed;
        Council Planning Policy Projects for 2009, including review of rural lands;
        Semaphore residents – solar hot water/electricity systems – discounts on installations.
        The report was received; Louse to be advised that the School Governing Council has HCA’s support re the continuing Balhannah/Main Street situation.

        Action: WW

          Horse and Carriage travelling the Main Street:

          Phil suggested that the horses should wear bags to alleviate the problem of manure on Main Street. Wendy to follow up with the owners.
          Action: WW

          Phil Houston advised that he would be absent for the following 6 weeks and Wendy was asked to advise Council to forward any correspondence directly to her during this time.
          Action: WW

          Closure and Next Meeting

          Mike Hasler will chair the May Meeting.
          Phil Houston then declared the meeting closed.

          The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 13th May 2009 at 0930hrs in the Kaffehaus.

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