29 November 2010

Adelaide’s new Lord Mayor, Stephen Yarwood, is set to deliver a vibrant, bustling new future for Adelaide as a ‘niche’ city, based on economic prosperity and long term sustainability.

Speaking at his investiture today, with the Town Hall bells ringing in the background, Stephen said he shared Council’s ambition for a truly 21st century city, building on its heritage, contemporary design and wonderful lifestyle.
 
His appointment marks the start of a new era for Adelaide. The 39-year-old father of two and experienced town planner, said he is committed to working collaboratively with the State Government, business and the community to make Adelaide an even better place to live and do business.

There will be a real focus on teamwork and co-operation with all levels of government,” said Stephen.

I have met with the Councillors, both as individuals and as a team, and there is great appetite for collaboration and good will. We will actively listen to our constituents and the broader community to bring about change where it’s needed.”

Earlier this week, the new Lord Mayor and chief executive, Peter Smith, had an introductory meeting with the Premier, Mike Rann; and immediately after the investiture, they will be heading off to Canberra for a summit with Stephen’s fellow city Lord Mayors across Australia.

Integrated Urban Planning and Future Cities, including Adelaide, will be on the agenda, along with discussions around the contribution capital cities across Australia make to the productivity and sustainability of the nation.

Stephen views all these as key to the lifeblood of Adelaide.

The city needs to keep on attracting residents and businesses to its centre, creating a vibrant pulse for South Australia. We want to see the city bustling with enterprise and activity through its streets, laneways and parklands, emboldened by street art and the exciting cultural events and festivals Adelaide is famous for,”said Stephen.

The city’s progress in delivering its strategic targets are highlighted by high-profile successes in a number of areas. Adelaide is already a world-leader in some aspects of IT technology and offers high environmental credentials.

Adelaide’s commitment to innovation is illustrated for example, by it being the first city in the world to have a fuel cell powered electric vehicle charging station. And the new Lord Mayor is setting the trend with his own all electric, zero-emission production car – the i-MiEV, by Mitsubishi, which he plugs in outside the Town Hall.  This is topped off with the city achieving a fabulous 60% reduction in its carbon emissions.

The buzz in our city will grow as our progressive planning and development projects get underway. Each will create exciting public spaces in the heart of the city, attracting residents and visitors alike. Significant programs include the Adelaide Oval, the riverbank of the Torrens and the upgrade of Victoria Square,” he said.

Stephen is committed to building a cohesive and collaborative team in the Council, drawing on a broad mix of experience and raw new talent.

We are enhancing this great city and the Council by bringing together people from diverse fields of expertise, who will foster new ways of thinking and doing,” he said.

“Optimism, progressive ideas and a can-do attitude will get us there. We have a great team on the Council and we are all keen to get on with it.”