Michael Hewitson: 2025 Autumn News

Dear Friends and Owners of Unley,

Parking Changes

Yesterday at a Birthday Party a Forestville resident asked, “We are about to be done in with Parking changes in March. What’s going on?” I had already done the newsletter, so I have attached the changes. Bottom line, those with on-street residential parking permits pay $22.50 each year will now be able to pay $30.00 a year for a parking overstay permit. Why? Parking is limited, and, some streets are half empty all day. We can’t park there. We need to ensure that our parks are able to be used and not empty. The unanimous new policy was recommended by our community shaping committee, hundreds were involved in consultations over 18 months. Thank you to all who participated.

Wrong trees in the wrong spots

45 years ago, Unley Council planted street trees, some have proved to be the wrong trees in the wrong spot. One problem for some is tree roots… Increasingly we are now putting in tree wells that draw the roots down over 1.2 meters. But that only works for new plantings. Council had a briefing on some problem cases and we are now working on innovative solutions. With houses on the Bay of Biscay soil and no, or inadequate foundations, cracks occur without trees. The street tree is a natural suspect.

On Monday's Council meeting, Deputy Mayor Jack Gaffey is moving a motion for staff to explore opportunities for the Council to assist residents to retain and manage existing trees. We already cover up to 50% of the cost for residents with regulated or significant trees to safely maintain these trees. One idea to be explored, including the legals, is expanding our conservation grants to also pay 50% of the cost of putting in root barriers to protect buildings from possible root damage from existing trees.

Australia Day 2025

This Autumn news is a bit early…. However, 72% of the 842 responding to our Australia Day wanted the Council to hold an Australia Day event. It’s a new event and it’s on this Sunday, Jan 26th, The details are in the attached 2025 Autumn News.

Topics once again include your feedback and more…