City of Marion starts consultation on ‘Warriparinga’ new suburb proposal

The City of Marion has started public consultation on a proposal to create a new suburb within Bedford Park, named after the well-known Kaurna title ‘Warriparinga’.

Letters have gone out to residents living within the proposed suburb, an area bounded by Sturt Road, Marion Road, and South Road and Council has reached out to representatives from the Kaurna community and other key stakeholders.

A short survey seeking community feedback has been set up on Council’s Making Marion consultation website at www.makingmarion.com.au/bedfordpark-warriparinga

If Council receives sufficient positive feedback for the creation of the proposed ‘Warriparinga’ suburb from local landowners and the Kaurna people, it will formally consult with emergency services and Australia Post and then consider submitting a proposal to South Australia's Surveyor General.

The Surveyor General has the authority to decide whether to initiate a formal process to create a suburb. This process would involve further consultation.

The idea to initiate some consultation on the Warriparinga suburb proposal was endorsed by Council last year.

Council Members supported a motion put forward by Mayor of Marion Kris Hanna to explore the proposal by contacting impacted residents, Kaurna representatives and the other key stakeholders.

Mayor Hanna said the proposed suburb area was historically known as “Warriparinga” by the Kaurna people, commonly translated as “windy place by the river”.

He also noted that most of Bedford Park was located on the other side of South Road from the proposed ‘Warriparinga’ suburb, and the character of this area was completely different.

“South Road is a significant separating barrier in Bedford Park where most of the suburb is characterised by a long-standing residential area and Flinders University and the Flinders Medical Centre,” Mayor Hanna said.

“In contrast, the subject land is characterised by a unique riparian setting by the Sturt River and wetlands, with a variety of commercial and some public premises.

“There is a current proposal to develop an ‘elders’ village” for Aboriginal people, and substantial Marion Road commercial properties.

“An Aboriginal suburb name could be viewed as especially appropriate for a distinct area which is the subject of continuing strong feelings of connection by Kaurna people.”

The current consultation closes on February 23.

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