Events

 Community consultation re former CFS site

 The MT&DCA survey in 2013  revealed strong community support for a visitors' park at the former CFS site on Townsend Street. We have followed this up with two draft concept plans for the area and have sought  community comment so that we could take to the Adelaide Hills Council a proposal that reflects community views. 

As part of our community consultation we  hosted, with Adelaide Hills Council, an Open Day  at the Old Coach House, Sunday 30 March. This was an opportunity to comment on the draft concept plan which included the former CFS shed and an alternative plan without the shed. It was also an opportunity to  comment on the proposal to host a sculpture that will form part of the Adelaide Hills Sculpture Trail and on any other issue related to the site developments. Thirty-six residents completed the survey regarding the future of the former CFS shed. Opinion was divided, although a small majority supported its retention. What was not evident was any clear or consistent view on what the shed might be used for.  Those favouring removal of the shed felt that this would enhance the appearance of the park.

A summary of the survey results is available from MT&DCA committee members or from AHC.  

The next stage of consultation will be 6.30 pm Wed 30 September 2015 at the Institute hall.

History forum

Two presentations on Wednesday 25 June 2014 reflected the significance of George Dunn, one of the first settlers at Mt Torrens:

Simon Holdback (formerly of The Wiggles)  performed the George Dunn soliloquy, originally created for the 150th anniversary of Mt Torrens and which received rapturous reviews.

Peter Dunn,  great, great grandson of George and himself a wonderful raconteur,  reflected on the colourful lives of George and his brothers  James (after whom Dunnfield is named), Charles (after whom Charleston is named).and John (flour miller and businessman at Mt Barker and State parliamentarian). 

Former CFS site becoming a park

 The most obvious recent ‘happening’ in Mt Torrens has been the removal of the former CFS shed. The original contract required that CFS remove the shed when they vacated the site, however a number of people questioned ‘why remove a perfectly good shed?’

Following extensive community consultation AHC decided that removal was indeed the most appropriate action.
The debate over the shed has been healthy with each side willing to listen to and respect the other. Most people now seem struck by how much space is now available for the park, prompting a lot of interest in the possibilities for this space.

The MT&DCA’s suggestion is that the park should be named Mount Torrens Heritage Park which we will put to AHC. Landscape designer Viesturs Cielens kindly prepared a concept plan for the park and this will be presented again in the May newsletter. As usual, we will appreciate feedback on this and further suggestions. 

A significant feature will of course be the sculpture that was completed last year for the Adelaide Hills International Sculpture Symposium.  Funding for this sculpture was raised entirely from private donations. The footings for the sculpture were poured a few days ago.