All about the Adelaide Park Lands

This is an introductory work prefacing another extensive body of online research exploring the Adelaide park lands administrative and political history since 1998. The globally renowned public land estate surrounding Australia's small southern capital, the city of Adelaide, is subject to enduring debate. Created in 1837 by the city's first Surveyor-General Colonel William Light, it is widely acknowledged as an exemplar feature of the city's design.In this work, John Bridgland discusses...
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This is an introductory work prefacing another extensive body of online research exploring the Adelaide park lands administrative and political history since 1998. The globally renowned public land estate surrounding Australia's small southern capital, the city of Adelaide, is subject to enduring debate. Created in 1837 by the city's first Surveyor-General Colonel William Light, it is widely acknowledged as an exemplar feature of the city's design.In this work, John Bridgland discusses some of the reasons why the Adelaide community has struggled to understand the park lands management complexities. Readers can also explore how and why efforts to better protect the open spaces from exploitative development have not lived up to expectations.In a few short years, in 2036, Adelaide will celebrate its 200th anniversary of settlement, surrounded by this historic belt of pasture and woodland. That event could prompt a pivotal moment of reflection among South Australia's 1.8m inhabitants. This book helps to identify the issues ahead of that time, and presents some ideas to ensure that the period leading up to that anniversary might see a more transparent and accountable management culture adopted for Adelaide's unique 'jewel in the crown'.Topics: Adelaide park lands management 1998 to 2018; the Adelaide Park Lands Act 2005 and interacting legislation and policy instruments; Adelaide Park Lands Plan; Colonel William Light, Surveyor General 1837; Corporation of the City of Adelaide; South Australian planning legislation, policy and procedures; custodianship of community land; Adelaide park lands operational administration, funding and management, and related state political history, 1998 to 2022.