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Mintaro Policy and Strategic Directions Review

This project was initiated by a range of government and community stakeholders to find ways to build on the heritage values of the town and achieve investment in development that provides for the economic vitality and social vibrancy needed for Mintaro's survival and growth.

Fundamental to the project was a three day 'Initiation and Immersion' experience resulting in site analysis and preliminary consultation with the community to identify their issues and ideas. During this time, the consultant team stayed in the township, participated in the life of the community and met the locals in the street and at the hotel and restaurants.

Community views expressed during the immersion experience revealed a range of different opinions regarding the desired future directions for Mintaro. There was, however, strong agreement on the need to:

  • protect the built heritage and township qualities of the core of the historic township
  • support the maintenance of a viable living township to ensure the sustainability of community services
  • improve township services and amenity
  • foster community cohesion
  • encourage tourism

Further research, policy examination and data analysis was undertaken before conducting a three day 'Planning and Design for Real' session. This process led to the development of draft directions for planning policy and concepts, and strategies to enhance the physical, social and economic potential of the town.

The project culminated in the preparation of a Strategic Directions Report which included preliminary design concepts for streetscape and community spaces. This report also provided the basis for a Plan Amendment Report which changed planning policy in order to protect the fundamental heritage character of the town and its surrounds, while also fostering economic growth and the ongoing vitality of Mintaro.

Innovation is important to us at URPS. We like to 'push boundaries’ where appropriate. It keeps us on our toes and delivers the best possible outcomes for our clients who have to adapt to constant change. This is why we take such pride in winning PIA Awards – they provide evidence of our success in striving for innovation.

We were delighted to receive a commendation at the PIA SA 2011 Awards for Planning Excellence for the Mount Barker Town Centre Community Engagement Project – our 15th PIA Award/Commendation over the past 9 years.

A genuinely collaborative project, staff from Mount Barker Council worked closely with the URPS team to deliver a range of engagement techniques carefully targeted to the various audiences. According to the awards publication, "the judges were impressed by the extent of the community engagement process and the use of a wide variety of consultation mediums, including social media, a youth ‘walk out and talk out’ session and a series of 'speak out’ sessions".

We were also delighted to celebrate Marcus Rolfe's elevation to the position of Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia at the Awards evening. The elevation recognises Marcus' ongoing contribution to the planning profession.

URPS Director Nicole Halsey has recently been appointed as a member of the Premier's Climate Change Council and the Board of Renewables SA.

The primary function of the Climate Change Council is to provide independent advice to the Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change about matters related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. The Council also takes a leading role in consulting with business, the environment / conservation sector and the wider community on climate change issues.

Key elements of the charter of Renewables SA include:

We look forward to supporting Nicole in these significant roles.

URPS and Natalie Fuller and Associates, together with a team of dedicated staff and volunteers at the City of Salisbury, recently held a "Street Talk" event outside the Len Beadell library for the Salisbury Town Centre Renewal Project.

Over 500 people participated, providing their views on what they like about the Town Centre, what can be improved and how they would like to see it develop in the future.

The Manager Urban Development at the City of Salisbury, Harry Pitrans, described this as a "very successful day for the City of Salisbury", also praising "the opportunity we provided to support the team of engagement volunteers" and our "professionalism and fun during the day".

We would also like to extend our thanks to the engagement team of Brian Pledger, Janine Harding, Jo Lasham, Julie Fyfe, Kate Naumann, Michelle Tucker, Tammie Hamilton and Hiroe Terao.

This type of successful community engagement will have a significant positive impact on the development and delivery of the Town Centre Renewal Project.