Andrew Baltensperger

2022 candidate for Rural City of Murray Bridge.
Heritage survey responses.

1. Do you think that Councils and community members need to have a greater voice in planning and development decisions affecting their local area?
   I believe that local input is essential and should be held in Very high regard, especially when it comes to irreplaceable heritage buildings and areas. Planning and development decisions must take into account the Local feedback for best results.

2. What role should Councils play in protecting local heritage places from demolition or inappropriate development?
   Councils need up to date registers with which to refer to when planning and heritage queries arise.

3. How would you seek to improve protections for heritage places in your area?
   I think it would be beneficial to highlight the local heritage buildings and areas to the greater public so that if and when planning queries are raised on these then an informed and timely discussion can be conducted.

4. We rarely see new places added to local heritage listings. Why do you think this is?
   I think anything that suits the local heritage criteria should be listed as a matter of course.

5. 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?
   More transparent to the average citizen would help.

6. What are the impacts of infill development in your area? What changes would you seek in the rules around infill development?
   Minimum Block sizes to be enlarged/controlled would be socially beneficial I feel

7. 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?
   Smoother and more efficient planning process would encourage more renovations

8. How should the community be informed and involved in decisions about new developments?
   Broader publicity and longer feedback periods could assist

9. Do you think there is adequate tree canopy across your local government area?
   No, and we are planting a lot more as we speak, the increase in bird life here is amazing to see already

10. How would you like to see significant and regulated trees in your area protected from removal?
    We have a significant tree register now, ensuring this covers all relevant trees is key

11. What involvement should Councils have in decisions about protecting or removing significant and regulated trees?
    Care and control should be fine.

12. What actions would you advocate to slow or mitigate the impacts of climate change in your local government area?
    More shade, more native vegetation and less fake grass for sure..

13. What issues are there with traffic and parking in your area?
    As our Rural City grows there is increased demand for car parks, we are now attracting shoppers from the Hills due to our more relaxed lifestyle and shops

14. How could transport options be improved in your area?
    Public buses could be greatly improved, costs a fortune to Adelaide from here when Victor harbor to Adelaide is apparently only $6.00>>

15. What would your top three priorities be for improving planning policy and outcomes in your local government area?
    Improved Community Consultation
    More/ Improved green Spaces
    Smoother Planning Processes.