In March 2008 our  Council candidates were asked the question,

Planning; What is your position on maintaining the integrity of zoning and lot sizes in the rural area? (Their answers are re-published below)

If members now wish to contact elected Aldermen about  AZRI re-zoning, they can be found HERE.

JANE CLARK -- I have previously been a rural resident, living on Isotoma Rd (chateau hornsby area) and my then partner stood for council with the rural residents bloc many years ago (unsuccessfully). I value the size of blocks in the area and believe that reduction in size will adversely affect residents, reduce the value of properties and erode the very reason people moved there in the first place. ASTC does not have much say over planning but we do have a voice and I will always support conservation of the rural area as it currently stands.

MELANIE van HAAREN -- I support the maintenance of the integrity of zoning and lot sizes in the rural area. I can appreciate how random subdivision could create all sorts of problems in areas where it was never intended including noise pollution, water usage, traffic management and the safety aspects (e.g. fire safety).

BRENDAN HEENAN -- Residents reside in the rural area because they like the wide open space. I would not like the zoning to change without consultation with the rural assoc members.

DAMIEN RYAN -- It is my position that the current position of division and zoning of lots should remain and that precedent should be the benchmark guide for any review or application for consideration by DCA of any proposal for change of zone or purpose or for subdivision.

I am also very firm in my stance that Alice Springs does not need to get involved in a one off ASRC Planning Department when the current legislation provides for a whole of Territory standard of planning, local submissions are heard and recommended by representatives of the community and council to the Minister. This provides for the consideration of local projects with the flair, entrepreneurial foresight and community standards by representatives of the ASTC and the community without leaving the door open for a situation similar to the Wollongong Council planning departments recent furore.

LIZ MARTIN -- I have been aware that there are planning and water issues in the rural area and confess I only know what I have read in the papers. However, I do appreciate that existing residents are concerned that subdivision, particularly into small lots, undermines their quality of life and has the potential to devalue their investment and I agree that everybody has a right to preserve their lifestyles. However I also believe that the availability of cheap residential and industrial land (not necessarily in the rural areas) is crucial to the long term economic viability and social well-being of Alice Springs for reasons too numerous and indepth to look at here. There seems to be a lot of confusion about planning processes but as a potential Alderman on the Alice Springs Town Council I would say that it would be the role of government, council and community collectively to determine which areas are best suited to particular zonings based on individual circumstances and application. Part of my platform is to have council consult more with community and in particular the various associations that represent groupings of constituents eg; employee, industry, trade, service provision and residential groups such as ASSRA Inc. I have no hesitation in saying that residents groups, such as your own, should be consulted on any issue that impacts your area and your quality of life. I would however, also expect that such groups are pro-active about that consultation and from what I understand ASSRA Inc. is certainly an active and strong association.

MURRAY STEWART -- All Mayoral candidates for this election should have heard the clear position on the majority of voters when it comes to Town planning. The people of Alice Springs do want their planning decisions made locally but they don't want a Wollongong Council style debacle.  Ensuring these outcomes is simple; the current local DCA structure is fine. What needs to be removed is the Darwin based ministerial approval aspect. The DCA's decision should be final and binding. This minute adjustment in approach will mean a large statement of independence for this Town and will cost us not one cent. This adjustment should therefore result in no more or less concern in relation to zoning issues then currently exist. Our Towns future development largely depends on savvy negotiations with indigenous bodies and I’ve always held the view that progress should and must not come at the expense of lifestyle.

JOHN RAWNSLEY -- I appreciate the fact that a clear majority of rural residents decide to live in the rural area because of the particular lifestyle. This appreciation is an extension of my upbringing (when I was young I lived at Uluru and Kakadu and my Nanna/Pop have lived in the rural area of Darwin on a large block my whole life). It is also my personal
preference and one day I hope to enjoy the same amenity. I believe that the area through the gap should retain its zoning including the minimum block sizes. I reject the assertion that this area (including all areas south of the Macdonnell ranges) should be re-zoned for the purpose of subdivision. There are many other areas in Alice that are more suitable for land release. Rural residents should not have to feel the constant threat that the amenity and purpose in which they have decided to live in the rural area is at risk. I am passionate about
vigorously advocating these interests.

SANDY TAYLOR -- I agree whole-heartedly – the integrity of zoning and lot sizes in the rural area should be maintained.