Gatehouse at the intersection of Fullarton and Cross Roads

(Bevan:  Sam Duluk has called ...) ... look, just touching on that final point from Dr Stone I think if we demolish the gatehouse it will undermine all heritage protection legislation in the state and what becomes sacred ... the Thebby Theatre, Adelaide Oval Scoreboard, Carrick Hill ... Mitcham and Belair railways stations ... if we demolish this state heritage listed building I don’t think anything is sacred left in the state. (Bevan: Is there a growing conspiracy theory that all of this is really about shifting heavy traffic down Cross Roads on to what will become the South Road tunnels, or ... does that belong with Area 51?)

ARSONISTS found guilty of deliberately lighting bushfires would face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, under a push for tougher penalties to deter firebugs.

Waite independent MP Sam Duluk will introduce legislation into State Parliament next week to increase the maximum penalty for starting a bushfire from 20 years in jail to a life sentence. The announcement came as the CFS released footage of the Cherry Gardens bushfire from the day it erupted.

Authorities are continuing to investigate if the devastating blaze was deliberately lit. "We need to bring the penalties for intentionally causing a bushfire in line with general arson, which already carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment," Mr Duluk said yesterday.

Mr Duluk, whose electorate borders Cherry Gardens, also plans to introduce amendments that will make it mandatory for anyone found guilty of lighting a bushfire to pay compensation for any injury, loss or damage caused by the blaze. "The physical and emotional cost associated with bushfires are an immense burden for both the local communities and the State Government," he said. "We need the law to reflect this and ensure firebugs who put life and property at risk are responsible for the full consequences of their actions."

Sam Duluk MP, Member for Waite believes we need stronger deterrents for firebugs by proposing to change the maximum penalty for deliberately lighting a bushfire from 20 years to life imprisonment.  

“It is disappointing to hear that arsonists were responsible for igniting recent bushfires in our community. The Cherry Gardens fire burnt through 2700 hectares of land, two houses, farm properties and buildings, not to mention countless native animals. 

“We need to bring the penalties for intentionally causing a bushfire in line with general arson, which already carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment”, said Mr Duluk. 

Please see my initial media statement when first hearing about the proposed demolition of the Waite Gatehouse and a following media release from Monday post the community rally. 

If you haven't signed the petition, I would encourage you to do so by visiting my office or online here. 

Blackwood Times 

1 December 2020

Member for Waite, Sam Duluk MP today welcomed the RAA’s advocacy for an alternative Higher Productivity Vehicles (HPVs) freight route which would encourage operators to use HPVs and alternative routes to the South Eastern Freeway.

On 25 April, we commemorate one of our most important national occasions: ANZAC Day.

Join us on your driveway at 6am this Saturday, and together we can Light up the Dawn with the ANZAC Spirit

Sam Duluk MP today welcomed the announcement by the Department of Planning, Transport, and Infrastructure of the $400,000 Blythewood Road Pedestrian Crossing and Painted Median project.

This project will see the pedestrian crossing on Blythewood Road, adjacent to Scotch College upgraded to a pedestrian actuated (push button) crossing.

A painted median scheme will also be installed on Blythewood Road between Old Belair Road and Thorpe Street, which will separate traffic and provide sheltered right turn lanes into side roads, reducing the risk of rear end collisions.

“First as a candidate for the seat of Waite I fought for an upgrade to Blythewood Road, then as the Member for Waite I have worked with community stakeholders to push for and now deliver this vital project. The announcement from the Department means pedestrians and commuters in our community can get to school and work safely” said Mr Duluk.

Following completion of the works, a full-time bike lane will operate on the northern side of Blythewood Road and a part-time bike lane will operate on the southern side of Blythewood Road during peak hours.

Construction is expected to commence mid-April and be completed in May, weather permitting.

“I will continue to advocate for vital infrastructure upgrades that will make our community safer and improve traffic efficiency, such as the $20 million pledged to upgrade the Mitcham Hills road corridor” said Mr Duluk.

More information about this project can be found at www.dpti.sa.gov.au/blythewood_road