The state government has appointed a steering committee to guide the regeneration of Port Adelaide, including local business, arts, Aboriginal and maritime representatives.
Premier Jay Weatherill says the steering committee has been established to ensure the local community has a strong say about plans for the historic Port area.
“We want to make the Port a place people want to be – and there’s nobody better to guide that than passionate locals who already live and work there,” Mr Weatherill said.
“There was tremendous interest in being a part of this, with about 50 people applying to be on the steering committee.
“We’ve established a committee with outstanding credentials – and importantly, local knowledge.”
The state government announced its fresh plans to revitalise the Port in October last year and indicated it would establish a steering committee.
Under its terms of reference, the committee will provide advice to the state government about the development of a master plan which will guide the future development of Port Adelaide.
The committee will report to the Deputy Chief Executive of the Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure Mr John Hanlon and Housing and Urban Development Minister Patrick Conlon.
The committee will be responsible for reviewing and providing guidance on the communications and community engagement plan, monitoring progress in the implementation of the community engagement strategy and providing feedback on draft plans.
The steering committee will be chaired by Peter Bicknell, who has an extensive policy development background including housing, community mental health, employment, children’s services, health, aged care, social inclusion and environment. He is involved with UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide and Portway Housing Association.
Tony Kearney is an industrial designer from Port Adelaide, who has had involvement with the National Trust Port Adelaide, Harts Mill Project, Port Adelaide Sailing Club and Port Artists Forum.
Cath Duncan is an Alberton resident and owner/operator of an organisational development business in Port Adelaide, who holds a Masters in Applied Science, Social Ecology.
Caren Siegfriedt is a Largs Bay resident who is working on her PhD thesis on sustainable housing for families and has been involved with Port Adelaide Residents Environmental Protection Group and a community choir.
Michael O’Brien is a consultant from Largs Bay who is an Aboriginal representative of the Aboriginal Advisory Panel and various committees related to Port Adelaide Enfield Council. He is an ambassador for foster care and member of Gateway Baptist Church.
John Ford is a professional maritime artist who has chaired the Port Community Arts Centre, where he teaches part-time. He is deputy chair of the Adelaide Brighton Cement liaison group.
Bruce McFarlane is a local businessman who is also involved with the Port Adelaide Magpies Football Club and North Western Business Development Centre.
Port Adelaide Enfield Council and Tourism also will have a representative and there will be input from the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and the Urban Renewal Authority.