Aidan Greenshields

2022 candidate for City of Mitcham.
Heritage survey responses.

Do you think that Councils and community members need to have a greater voice in planning and development decisions affecting their local area?
My platform for election is community consultation, I have knocked on approximately one half of the Wards doors. Something that is raised time and again is the lack of proper consultation with regards to planning and development, in particular, urban infill. I will advocate strongly for proper consultation with the community in regards to planning and development in both the council environment and for the Council to regain ability to make its own decisions from the state government.
What role should Councils play in protecting local heritage places from demolition or inappropriate development?
Councils should take the lead in protecting local heritage and preventing inappropriate development and demolition. They are the locals and represented by local residents.
How would you seek to improve protections for heritage places in your area?
I will talk to the people who have local knowledge and passion for heritage places, I will listen to the people who come and talk to me and use relationships I build within the council to appropriately put in measures for protection
We rarely see new places added to local heritage listings. Why do you think this is?
Heritage is an evolving process and so should be reviewed constantly. Places that did not meet heritage requirements in the past may now meet heritage requirements and should be preserved.
How has the Planning and Design Code impacted on the heritage, amenity, and environment of your area? What changes would you seek to the Code?
I am not an expert on the planning and design code. I promise to listen to the people with expertise but most importantly the people in the community with passion and knowledge.
What are the impacts of infill development in your area? What changes would you seek in the rules around infill development?
This is an area that is raised constantly with me whilst door knocking. There needs to be new homes and some reduced size is not unreasonable, however the extent to which infill is occurring and the issues regarding quality and sustainability of building must be addressed. There are also significant issues with parking, increased street traffic and amenity that should be looked at. I will use the relationships I form to advocate for improvements, and will listen to those with detailed knowledge of this area.
Construction of new housing typically uses 30% labour and 70% materials. Renovation of existing housing stock typically uses 70% labour and 30% materials. What policy changes would you like to see made to encourage people to renovate, rather than demolish and build anew?
Easier application, streamlined processes, possible financial incentive.
How should the community be informed and involved in decisions about new developments?
Proper community consultation rather than notification disguised as consultation
Do you think there is adequate tree canopy across your local government area?
Tree canopy has been reducing across Mitcham Council, and that should be worked on.
How would you like to see significant and regulated trees in your area protected from removal?
Tree laws are a mess in SA and should be written anew with help from experts and the community.
What involvement should Councils have in decisions about protecting or removing significant and regulated trees?
Council should be heavily involved in decision making around trees of significance.
What actions would you advocate to slow or mitigate the impacts of climate change in your local government area?
increased access to cycle routes, continued enabling of residents access to renewable energy programs and climate positive actions.
What issues are there with traffic and parking in your area?
Significant, parking in Bedford Park in relation to University and FMC workers parking, rat racing through St Marys and the back streets of Panorama, Clapham, Lynton and Panorama. Parking in and around Pasadena Green shopping centre. Please call me on 0448150003 to discuss if you have further problems
How could transport options be improved in your area?
increased access to safe cycle paths and facilitating greater access to public transport
What would your top three priorities be for improving planning policy and outcomes in your local government area?
Proper community consultation, not notification disguised and consultation
Responsible and sustainable new housing taking into account a greater community needs
Protection of tree canopy in new development