Vote 1
Carmel NoonLocal Independent for Central Ward
“I will bring people together and we will listen, act and rebuild trust.”
I’m a ‘local’ as I have lived and worked in the City of Adelaide for 38 years of my life, predominately Central Ward and currently live in the West End Precinct. Although over these years I have had lived in residences in North, South and East Adelaide – I know every corner of this great city area.
I’m knowledgeable in Local Government and governance processes, having been the CEO of a South Australian Council where significant outcomes for the community occurred. I was the State Manager of a national governance membership organisation, where I assisted many boards and councils with their issues and challenges. I’m currently the CEO of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers SA, where major Constitutional changes were unanimously agreed to by its members at a recent Special General Meeting.
I have held CEO and senior management roles in all jurisdictions of Government, business (small, medium, ASX and not-for-profit), two SA Universities and have been a board member across many industries, currently the WEA- a 110 year old SA community organisation.
I’m known for being a conduit in bringing people together for common-ground and the best outcomes, and this has underpinned all achievements in my professional career.
I have been engaged as an ‘agent for change’ in many of my roles, transforming organisations and improving; brand, financial position and culture– refer CV and written references to support my achievements;
What underpins my decision to nominate to become a City of Adelaide Councillor?
Rebuild Trust in decision making process
I am independent, not aligned to any political party and believe factions do not belong on Council. I have seen what damage this has done and we need to rebuild trust.
Given my involvement in the West End Precinct development I have ‘live streamed’ many City of Adelaide Council meetings over the last 12 months and witnessed behaviours that are disappointing to say the least. Also meetings go for many hours with serious decisions being made often very late in the evening – this cannot be healthy or productive.
I’m equipped to assist the Council in their ongoing training program and evaluation processes for the Councillors elected. Evaluating performance, processes and behaviours is critical for a well performing Council and this is what the people of Adelaide deserve.
Balanced and Sustainable Development decisions – parklands, heritage, arts & culture
I’m passionate about the ‘right, balanced and environmentally sustainable’ development. We need to address affordable housing and not just sell Council property to fund avoidable debt. We need to protect our ‘city in a park’, open spaces and our heritage whilst encouraging, growing and supporting Adelaide as the hub of ‘Arts and Culture’ and the important contribution of this sector to the life of the city.
It will be critical to ensure the alignment of the State Government’s 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide and the City of Adelaide’s proposed City Plan.
And I have good reason to be passionate about this. In the last 12 months I have been embroiled in the West End Precinct Balfours site development issue. A Land Management Agreement (LMA), being a legally binding agreement between the City of Adelaide Council and the Developer is in place to build a 25 metre development and was overturned. No reason has been given to date. After two State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) and two ERD Court hearings in 2021 (transcripts available) a mediation hearing (no transcript available) occurred in the ERD Court November between the SCAP and the Developer. Planning consent was given to increase the development to 53 metres – which would encase the residents of Altitude Apartments in concrete and also have negative impacts to the surrounding apartment blocks. Where was the Council through this entire process, no representative attended any of these meetings, even though Councillors were very aware these hearings were scheduled? After 2 years of advocacy and a substantial legal bill which was paid by the Precinct’s Body Corporate, the Council in August 2022 finally agreed to pursue this in the ERD Court and the outcome is pending. The winners so far are lawyers with the legal cost now Council’s and of course ultimately ratepayers. A good example of poor processes, communication and the divide between the State Government (previous) and the City of Adelaide Council (current).
We need improved planning and growth strategies/policies for our City. We need decisions based on the best available data. And we all need to work together to achieve this.
A thriving CBD economy – what is our point of difference?
Adelaide City needs to be productive and accessible, also liveable with a clear focus on serving our citizens. Great cities attract, retain and develop increasingly mobile talent and organisations, encouraging them to innovate, create jobs and support growth. COVID has challenged our City and it won’t return to pre COVID (not in the short term), forcing leaders to think and act more innovatively. There are some impressive platforms being presented by all City of Adelaide Council nominees, however not one will work in isolation of the other. We need to look at our City of Adelaide area from a helicopter view and give people a reason to want to visit, live, work and to experience something they won’t in the suburbs or another capital city. We need to keep growth in all areas at the forefront of our decisions; keep evolving, recognise and build on the successes of our past creating new structures and foundations for our future. We need to foster smart investment that enables partnerships between governments, businesses and universities that will stimulate innovation and growth. However, funding won’t be enough.
Success requires all tiers of government, the private sector, and community, to work together towards shared goals.
I’m hearing from the people of Adelaide that we need to address the parking and transport options – schedule more activities/events on a regular basis not just be satisfied with a ‘few’ – we need to ensure we give people a reason to come into the city and not choose a suburban shopping centre just because it has free parking. We need a point of difference and we need it quickly as our CBD businesses are suffering. Rates and rents are another issue however, if there were more customers this would be less of an issue.
Homelessness
I have walked to and from my home/office for the past 10 years in Central Ward and I have seen the homeless situation increase over this period – people’s stories are heartbreaking and it could happen to anyone.
The Vanguard State Agreement is a fabulous initiative and I want to be part of turning that agreement into measurable outcomes and actual solutions working with like-minded people and industries.
“There’s no single building, policy or pill that will solve homelessness, only by community and all levels of government working together will do that” – David Pearson, CEO at Australian Alliance to End Homelessness
“I’m disappointed when I see levels of government, business and professional bodies with similar purpose working in isolation to be the ‘hero’. We need to leave egos at the door and be powerful together and if we don’t we will not be able to maximise the City of Adelaide’s potential.”
Vote 1 Carmel Noon for Central Ward
