Jason Voigt

2022 candidate for City of Salisbury.
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?
Yes. We are elected to represent our local community for this reason. We are there to act on behalf of the community and their needs and fight for what effects them in their day to day life. Community Members have the right to have their voice heard when it comes to development that will change their community as they are the ones using it every single day.
What role should Councils play in protecting local heritage places from demolition or inappropriate development?
Councils should be consulted regularly regarding any demolition or development. Councils should at least play the role of intermediary on these matters to advise how any changes impact the community they are representing. This will allow any developers or government planning departments to be consulted on these matters before proceeding.
How would you seek to improve protections for heritage places in your area?
Firstly a strong set of council by laws regarding any home or property within a 100 year old age bracket to ensure that any history or significance is kept. Whether this be a facade or the original structure being maintained to a certain degree. Secondly a local representative could be appointed to council on matters concerning heritage listed properties.
We rarely see new places added to local heritage listings. Why do you think this is?
I believe we don't see many heritage listed properties in the local suburbs anymore because the state and federal governments focus so heavily on the high tourist population areas and allow the suburban properties to be taken away as they believe no-one visits them. When we know for a fact that local small town community in rural Australia rely on these for tourism. The benefit of adding local properties to the heritage listing will allow us to retain history within the community. It also provides a teaching moment for the younger generation for school excursions or assignments. Not to mention the added benefit of localised tourism.
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?
Within South Ward there is next to zero heritage listed properties so it has clearly impacted the area. The change I would seek if we could appropriate the change would be to firstly ensure any properties that reach a certain age would need to have a specific set of rules put in place to ensure they are in keeping that is enforceable by the council by laws. The code should also be cross working allowing multiple councils to act on bordering properties in between councils that meet certain requirements.
What are the impacts of infill development in your area? What changes would you seek in the rules around infill development?
In my local ward of South Ward; which includes Ingle Farm, Valley View, Para Vista and Walkley Heights; infill development is growing rapidly. A lot of the older homes are being knocked down and 2 or 3 and sometimes even 4 homes are being built back on the block which is creating issues with parking, traffic control and overflow of maintenance to verges as a result of building companies damaging the footpaths/concrete guttering. I would seek to change the rules that if someone does plan to infill develop that only a maximum of 2 properties be rebuilt on the block of land and that can only occur if the individual split blocks meet a certain square meter; I.E 340sqm and beyond. This will ensure the homes are large enough for growing families to move into and have more parking in their own drive rather than damaging verges and parking in the street.
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?
If a home Owner can show over a year that they continue to renovate and improve the existing property by spending a minimum $5000 a year, their rates should be lowered.
How should the community be informed and involved in decisions about new developments?
Community flyers, notice boards. Letters to residents in the immediate area where the new development will occur. There should also be a consultation period of 60 days to allow residents to raise concerns at a minimum.
Do you think there is adequate tree canopy across your local government area?
Luckily in South Ward there is lots of tree canopy but there is also lots of open space especially opposite Ingle Farm Shopping Center next to Montaque road, over at Baloo Reserve and the reserve next to Mozart Avenue. These areas are in serious need of some TLC. Tree canopy in these areas would greatly improve the wildlife in the area, community beautification and better for the environment in all aspects. These areas are also well away from homes and would not pose a risk to property.
How would you like to see significant and regulated trees in your area protected from removal?
I believe the whole ward requires a review on trees that currently meet the significant and regulated rules. As I am sure a number of trees get missed.
What involvement should Councils have in decisions about protecting or removing significant and regulated trees?
Councils should always play a role as is their community being effected. Although council should have a stronger hand regarding trees and again have an advisor to the council for these matters.
What actions would you advocate to slow or mitigate the impacts of climate change in your local government area?
Bus interchange at Ingle Farm. People will be more willing to take the bus meaning less cars on the road. There should also be incentives for larger businesses who operate within the City of Salisbury to receive cheaper council rates/bills if they can lower there impact on climate change or reduce emissions.
What issues are there with traffic and parking in your area?
Infill development is causing major issues as a property that might have been one home with two cars maximum becomes two or three homes with a minimum of two cars. So one block we have gone from two cars to six.
How could transport options be improved in your area?
Ingle Farm requires a bus interchange. We are right in the center of the Northern Suburbs. In between Tea Tree Plaza, Salisbury & Paradise interchanges. A bus interchange would greatly improve transport availability in the area.
What would your top three priorities be for improving planning policy and outcomes in your local government area?
Review of environmental areas and improvements on parks, vacant land
Review of parks and local community parks
Review of all policies regarding planning