Valdis Dunis

2022 candidate for Adelaide City Council.
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 very much do, and in fact it is my top priority in my description of myself and aims, as per www.valdisdunis.com: "Ensure more say in local Developments: We have lost most of our rights to have a say in what is demolished or built around us, as a result of very bad new legislation. Loved buildings have been lost, and many inappropriate developments are being built. I will fight to get our voices back: I set up “Friends & Residents of North Adelaide” (FARONA) and our active community of local citizens has already: * Stopped destruction of multiple heritage homes * Lobbied Government and won legislation changes I will have FARONA, Council, etc lobby hard for even more legislation improvements"

2. What role should Councils play in protecting local heritage places from demolition or inappropriate development?
   Council should stop being too neutral and actively participate and lobby for loved heritage buildings and gardens, taking on developers and state government.

3. How would you seek to improve protections for heritage places in your area?
   Most important is to have a reversal of the "Rau Rules" on catalyst sites, Large Institutions (North Adelaide specific), and other large site proposals where currently neighbours nor Council has any input or ability to halt or adjust proposed demolitions and new structures.

4. We rarely see new places added to local heritage listings. Why do you think this is?
   Councils need to publicise the ability to do this and help the community with the paperwork to get additional sites listed.

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?
   Most important is to have a reversal of the "Rau Rules" on catalyst sites, Large Institutions (North Adelaide specific), and other large site proposals where currently neighbours nor Council has any input or ability to halt or adjust proposed demolitions and new structures.

6. What are the impacts of infill development in your area? What changes would you seek in the rules around infill development?
   North Adelaide has some, mostly high-rises. More consideration of the gardens/green areas and their value to society and the planet. They are an asset too. Also, more community and council involvement is needed back - to give feedback on the designs, potential issues (parking, etc).

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?
   Education and incentives to update instead of destroy and rebuild.

8. How should the community be informed and involved in decisions about new developments?
   Back to the pre Rau Rule days is a good starting point.

9. Do you think there is adequate tree canopy across your local government area?
   No, parts of North Adelaide come out to be some of the hottest areas of central Adelaide.

10. How would you like to see significant and regulated trees in your area protected from removal?
    Treat trees and gardens as (heritage) assets - in the same way as buildings.

11. What involvement should Councils have in decisions about protecting or removing significant and regulated trees?
    Much more!

12. What actions would you advocate to slow or mitigate the impacts of climate change in your local government area?
    This is also a key focus for me as per www.valdisdunis.com. "Tackle Climate Change and Lower Living Costs too: Climate Change is an existential threat to our future, but we all can help: I have home solar, battery & e-scooter, but often walk and bike around Professionally I help organisations switch to renewables, electric cars, etc I lead a team to promote a faster transition to cleaner, safer, quieter & lower-cost electric transport – e-buses, e-cars, e-bikes, etc Lobby Council to provide more incentives and infrastructure to electrify our homes and businesses, improving emissions, health and cutting costs, such as chargers on stobie poles, more home batteries & electrifying appliances Improve lighting & parking space use, and rules for safe shared footpath use Enable more cycling and walking, the cleanest transport of all"

13. What issues are there with traffic and parking in your area?
    Too many cars still being used for work and shopping, and not enough places to park them in North Adelaide.

14. How could transport options be improved in your area?
    More public transport and more alternate modes (share ride/taxi, cycling, scooters, easier walking).

15. What would your top three priorities be for improving planning policy and outcomes in your local government area?
    Reverse Rau Rules
    Bring more inputs from neighbours and council on large projects
    Treat greenery as (heritage) assets, like buildings