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A never-ending battle

The Adelaide Park Lands Preservation Association Inc (APPA) was founded in 1987 as a non-profit community based ‘watchdog’ to guard Adelaide’s greatest treasure: the unique open spaces of its Park Lands, which include the city squares.
APPA has proven effective in this role, offering a focal point through which all South Australians can participate in the preservation and restoration of Colonel Light’s visionary gift. Historically, the Park Lands have been an irresistible temptation to our city and state governments, which have, in places, alienated and despoiled the land. Issues of commercialisation, secrecy and loss of public access have always been a problem, and they remain so today despite the Adelaide Park Lands Act 2005 and National Heritage listing.
APPA monitors government planning and actions, and does not hesitate to speak out on behalf of all South Australians when the Park Lands are at risk. It is a constant battle to prevent the creeping loss of open space to buildings, fences and bitumen.

APPA interests
and concerns

•	State, national and world heritage listing.
•	State government legislation.
•	Adelaide City Council’s Park Lands management policies and practices.
•	Transparency of all Park Lands administration.
•	Restoration of alienated Park Lands to open space.
•	Improvement of Park Lands biodiversity.
•	Management of the Park Lands environment, including Torrens Lake and significant trees.
•	Impact of major events, parking and other commercial intrusions.
•	Research and education: historical (people, places, events) and comparative (other parks and policies).

Hardenbergia in Edwards Park
top

Our Park Lands need your
appreciation, not only to improve them today but to preserve them for tomorrow.

Objectives of the Association

The Objectives of APPA are to ensure that:

•	the Park Lands be available for use by the general public
•	the public, so far as practicable, has free and unrestricted access to the Park Lands
•	the Park Lands are reserved as a place for public recreation, leisure and enjoyment
•	alienated areas of the Park Lands are restored for recreational use, preferably as open space
•	the open space character of the Park Lands as a place dividing the City of Adelaide from the suburbs is preserved
•	the Park Lands are preserved and maintained in a manner that enhances their special place in the design of the City of Adelaide
•	the amenity of the Park Lands is not impaired by inappropriate development of nearby lands
•	the Park Lands are included on State, National and World Heritage lists.

River Torrens, Bonython Park

Adelaide Park Lands are
of world significance
The Adelaide Park Lands have now achieved National Heritage Listing. They have been on the National Estate list since 1985. However, APPA advocates also State and World Heritage listing for the Adelaide Park Lands which still are vulnerable. Future developments in the Park Lands, like the inappropriate National Wine Centre of Australia built in 2001, remain possible. As a cultural world heritage site, the Park Lands would be afforded maximum protection from despoliation, and be internationally acknowledged for:

•	being a key feature of Colonel Light’s plan for Adelaide, acclaimed as a masterpiece since early settlement
•	their influence in the history and development of modern town planning
•	their unique encirclement of the city, on a scale not seen elsewhere.

The Park Lands would remain locally controlled under World Heritage listing, but with the assurance that future generations can enjoy their quiet havens and open spaces.
Colonel Light could have no greater tribute, nor Adelaide a greater honour, than World Heritage listing of the Park Lands.

How you can help
By becoming a member of APPA you make it a stronger voice for the Park Lands. As a new member you receive an information kit welcoming you to APPA.
APPA invites your assistance in contributing newsletter articles and submissions, and helping with publicity, fundraising and other member activities. Fill in the application form today.
Your membership will assist APPA to preserve Adelaide's unique Park Lands.