Upgrade of the former Christies Beach West Campus
"Beach Rd is a beautiful place. You've got the beach, shops, cafes, everything.
It is the way it should be, but look at this; it's the exact opposite, isn't it. I can't believe it has been left like
this" says Artie on the site of the abandoned Christies Beach High School campus.
After many concerns raised by the community about the eye sore of the Western Campus, which
was closed in 1998 and was seen as a shame, disgrace and embarrassment in the south, Artie fought to persuade the
state government to use the site to better serve the community.
There was extensive media coverage by Today Tonight and the local Messenger paper.
Artie is pleased to report that at last his community has been heard and the site is now well on its way
to becoming the pride of the south, helping our young people achieve their employment dreams with help from the Federal Government
in the form of the Southern Technical College.
Port Stanvac clean-up
Artie gets more calls about Port Stanvac from the community than anything else- people want to
know what's happening and he has to say "Your guess is as good as mine"
Artie stated strongly at a public meeting on 2nd August for better information flow between
local residents and ExxonMobil.
Local O'Sullivan Beach residents are concerned about the implications of possible contamination
from the Port Stanvac site.
People in the area are concerned at living next to the polluted site and need a more definite
decision on the "Mothballing" of the site.
The fight continues..............
Upgrade of Port Noarlunga Jetty
Port Noarlunga jetty was in a dangerous state and was in urgent need of repair.
"I'm thinking of the safety of everybody. If something or someone gets hurt,
then who will take responsibility" say Artie.
Artie has long been an advocate for the jetty upgrade after a diver was almost injured by a loose
post.
Artie is pleased to say that after much lobbying with the State Government, the jetty has been
stabilized and repaired with new handrails & seating, improved steps & decking, platforms for divers and better lighting.
Thanks to the partnerships of Local & State Governments.
Christie Creek & Environs
A new coastal waters study has found that Christie Creek sediment load caused by stormwater run-off
and extensive erosion is threatening ecosystems within the creek and in the Gulf.
"We're trying to promote Onkaparinga as a tourism place, but if we loose that reef,
you can forget your tourism" says Artie.
Over many years Patron Artie & Friends of Living Christie Creek group have been lobbying
to boost funding through the Catchment Management Subsidy Scheme.
Presently discussions continue with the GANRM, State, Federal & Local Governments to
find a sustainable outcome for the benefit of the local aquatic environment.
The watching & waiting continues...........
Transport for the South
Artie has been lobbying for better transport for the south for many years and is still cynical
about the State's transport plan for the next 15 years. He has had some wins, but still has work to do, especially with
the new development happening at Seaford Meadows and further down to the Sellicks Beach area.
"I've been around this place a long time and I've seen a lot of the same results
with transport - nil.
In 1977 the government was going to put the train down to Victor Harbour.
We as a local government have the responsibility to make sure we tell this government
to "Get off your butt and don't fob us off all the time" says Artie.
Artie is council rep on the Southern Adelaide Regional Transport Advisory Group and advocates
for better services for the southern community.
Clean Water for Southern Residents
One of Artie's proudest achievements was his effort to bring together the community to convince
the state government to bring forward 10 years; their filtration plans for the Happy Valley & Myponga reservoirs.
At a cost of $4,000,000.
Artie was the only person willing to stand up for the residents of the south and help bring
together all parties to accomplish positive outcomes for the southern community.
The dirty water was seen as the cause of many problems.
People's washing was brown. People suffered skin irritations and allergic reactions from
the chloraminated water.
People felt that they were not getting suitable drinking water.
"Why should they pay for water when they can't even use it, and we are not getting
suitable drinking water for another 10 years?" said Artie at the public meeting he called on behalf of the community.
Over 200 residents, media & politicians attended a public meeting.
The Southern Citizen's Water Clean-up Association was formed and lobbying began to pressure the
state government into action.
Eventually plans were brought forward and works were completed well in advance.
Southern residents worked together in one voice to benefit all citizens.
Job well done!
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Joint Facility Storage for Port Noarlunga, South Port & Christies Beach.
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$50,000 loan to Christies Beach Bowling Club.
