ABRA CADABRA

THIS COLUMN ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE MARCH 2011 ISSUE OF COASTAL VIEWS MAGAZINE. ABRA DENOTES THE ALDINGA BAY RESIDENTS ASSOC.

March issue already. Thanks to my loyal readers for your continued support and enthusiasm, I appreciate both of you. (And by the way Mum, I’ll pop round on Thursday.)

Mmmm. Support and enthusiasm. That’s what allows Coastal Views to be what it is today. A fine, informative, quality Community magazine. It needs the support of local businesses for funding, and the enthusiastic dedication of ABRA and its members to put it all together each month. Pat yourselves on the back, people. You know who you are.

But, and here’s the rub, ABRA needs your support and enthusiasm to continue in its role as a voice for the Community. Meetings are only once every couple of months, and they are a great way to get your opinion heard in regard to this little part of the world in which you live.

We all like to complain about what isn’t right in the area, and moan about that which the Council is doing all wrong and speak in disdainful tones about the locations of shopping centres. But few of us actually get the chances to say anything to the right people. We are oft too busy with that thing called life, and that is perfectly understandable. The twins need changing, the dog is smoking again or young Marjorie has tripped on a tin of Werther’s Originals and sprained her elbow and can’t play Mah Jong anymore. Hey, we’ve all been there, right?

But once you’ve done with all that, and the chickens are finally asleep, perhaps try to stop in at one of the ABRA meetings and air your grievances amongst similar, like minded locals. Members of the ABRA board may be able to pass on your complaints or issues to Council or at least point you in the right direction. ABRA wants to know what the Aldinga and surrounding community is happy about or concerned with. But they can’t raise the issues that concern us if we don’t tell them. Fair enough?

But perhaps I have put you on the spot. Maybe you’re feeling like I’m pressuring you or guilting you. Maybe you’ve already turned the page and are looking for the movie review. Relax, brothers and sisters, I ain’t the man standing over you, telling you what to think and do. We all remember the sixties, people. Peace.



Maybe I can just get you started with some ideas. What about the local nature strips? Happy with those? Happy for nature to be represented by weeds, dirt and random gravel? No? Well, perhaps we could ask Council to get on with planting some trees, some native shrubbery or the likes? You know, really get the streetscapes and roadsides looking attractive and enticing. Sunday Estate has the right idea and it’s looking quite nice through there. I believe we all pay council rates here, so shouldn’t it be everywhere? But ah, I hear the voices of the Nay Sayers...yes that’s them, with fingers pointed and brows furrowed in consternation like a rolled up quilt cover in a napkin holder. “But who would plant this greenery? The council has not the time or money, they have more pressing issues! Bah, humbug!”
A valid point, old foe. You are a worthy adversary. But alas, there could be a solution. There are local volunteer groups, but I think it would be great to use the fit unemployed contingent of society. A Work for the Dole like program for the visual and environmental improvement of the area. Rates dollars provide the trees, tax dollars provide the labour. Bring that up at meeting.

Don’t like that one? No problem. How about using this one; footpaths. Do you want them or do you not want them? This has been a point of contention in the area for awhile. The year is 2011 and the main road of Aldinga Beach down to the Esplanade is without a true footpath. And there are a great many streets and roads around here in the same condition. How much longer are we going to be behind in proper footpaths? Dare we bring up the “we all pay rates around here, why the disparity in areas with and without?” The cost issue will come up again, no doubt. So I say use Community Service crews. You know the ones, through the Correctional Department. People that don’t pay fines, or who have been sentenced for minor criminal offences. Get them out here and put some bricks in their hands. Think about the savings. Free labour again. Well, it worked back in the days of chain gangs. Laying bricks in the hot sun, they fought the law and the law won...

Well, hopefully this has your creative juices flowing and perhaps you are even considering attending a meeting or two and getting your voice heard. Perhaps you are now preparing to flick to the front of this mag again to check the date for the next ABRA meeting, just as soon as I have stopped rambling here.

Well, go on. Now you can.