This is the second April 2026 newsletter for the St Peters Residents Association, representing the Residents of St Peters, College Park, Hackney, Stepney, Maylands, Evandale & Joslin.

Contents

Items that we hope you will find of interest include: -

• ANZAC Day at Dawn - St Peters Heroes Memorial
• SPRA 2026 AGM Report
• Town Hall Candidate Forum
• Council Budget 2026-27
• Stronger Tree Protection Legislation
• Unley Tree Strategy
• Quartzite Laid Too Close to Tree Trunks
• NPSP Tree Canopy Action Group
• Update - St Peters Billabong Access and Encroachments
• NPSP Ward Changes for Elections
• Facebook Page

THE BILLABONG is part of the St Peters River Park and its purpose, as stated in the NPSP Community Land Management Plan (2021) is to, inter alia

1. Provide public open space for the use enjoyment and benefit of the community;
2. Protect and enhance the lifestyle, amenity and sense of place in the city;
3. Protect and enhance the natural environment, including areas of remnant vegetation.

Council’s closure the track at the top of the Billabong prevents not only the wider community from accessing a beautiful part of the Billabong, but also the Friends’ volunteers from accessing the area to continue their important work. They have spent hundreds of hours over the years planting locally native plants and weeding.

This is a special newsletter focused on the fence recently erected at the St Peters Billabong by the council. SPRA do not approve of this action and support the motion raised by Cr Moorehouse. Included is a letter from the Co-convenor of the Friends of the Billabong.

We urge readers to contact councillors to express their concern.

South Australia’s tree protection legislation has recently been further strengthened, closing an important loophole.

Following sustained community pressure, South Australia’s Planning & Design Code was amended in May 2024. New tree protection policies meant that most native tree species were protected provided

1. They had a circumference larger than 1 (previously 2m) for a Regulated Tree and 2m (previously 3m) for a Significant Tree; and
2. They were more than 3m (previously 10m) from a dwelling or in-ground swimming pool

However, there was a loop hole.

SPRA AGM 2026 - Committee Report

The past year has been busy and involved both successes and disappointments.

Since our last AGM, In the St Peters Ward councillor Claire Clutterham was been elected to Federal Parliament in the seat of Sturt. Councillor Rita Excell was elected to replace her. We thank her for assistance as returning officer tonight. Councillor Sandy Wilkinson has also been elected to fill a vacancy in the Kent Town ward.

NPSP have decided to block access to the top of the billabong and have begun erecting a fence. SPRA do not support this action and believe that residents and visitors should be able to take in some of the best views of the billabong.

• Fence to block access to billabong
• ICAC investigation into encroachment
• Letters from Dunstan candidates: Cressida O'Hanlon, Anna Finizio & Ian McBryde

The Integrity State Corruption prevention recommendations report authored by the Hon. Ann Vanstone KC, Commissioner and published in September 2023 on page 20 has a section titled Risks associated with enforcement powers which focused on failures at the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters.

Mistakes of this nature raise suspicion.

Local artist Travis Cox has installed 'Reflection' which captures a quiet moment of local natural beauty. A gentle reminder of the wildlife that enriches our daily walks and the unique character of our riverside environment. It’s a wonderful example of how Stobie pole art can transform infrastructure into something that sparks joy, pride and conversation.

This is the February 2026 newsletter. Topics include:

• Dunstan Candidates Forum - 4 March 2026 at 7pm
• SPRA Annual General Meeting - 4 March 2026 at 6:15pm
• Blue Heritage Plaques Program
• Adelaide Caravan Park Redevelopment - Rejected
• Seventh Avenue and Eighth Avenue St Peters – Extension of the Existing St Peters Historic Area Overlay
• ESCOSA Report on Council Financial Sustainability
• Suggestions for Council Budget 2026-27
• Facebook Page

Membership subscriptions for 2026 were due for renewal by 31st December.

On 21st of March 2026, a state election will be held. For the residents of Dunstan, it's about the future of our community and our place!
The St Peters Residents Association in co-ordination with other residents groups has organised a meet the candidates forum on Wednesday 4th of March at the St Peters Banquet Hall, St Peters Street, St Peters. Each candidate will have to address issues of concern such as loss of amenity, high rise development and urban infill.

Please share the Facebook event.