PLANNING THE CITY IN THE EARLY YEARS OF THE BANNON GOVERNMENT

When he became Premier, John Bannon considered the City of Adelaide Planning Commission (CAPC) as a unique instrument of governance and that part of its brief was to view the City in the broader context of the metropolitan area and indeed the State. He was not aware of any similar joint bodies in Australia.

From Bannon's perspective Adelaide was different and setting the pace in its innovative approach to planning. The City was the front door and showcase of South Australia and if the City was not working, then not much else did. Bannon considered there may have been some flaws in the system but there was a duly constituted ACC and his government had to find ways of working with it: the CAPC provided this opportunity. Elected members could ‘look at the bigger picture’ and not just deal with local and parochial matters. The State ensured the appointment of high level officers as they were in a position to exert influence and make a contribution.