South Australia’s design community is being urged to sign a petition to save the state’s Integrated Design Commission, which will be axed in the upcoming state budget.
It was announced on May 30 2012 that South Australia's Integrated Design Commission (IDC).
A campaign has been launched to try save the program, its website saying the IDC has been an example to the rest of Australia (and beyond) of South Australia's forward thinking and the value of good design to the development of vibrant communites.
“While no dollar value has been put on the work generated through the IDC, there is no doubt that it far outweighs the amount to be saved by shutting it down,” it says.
Announcing that the program had to go due to ‘decreased government revenues’, Treasurer Jack Snelling said the program had served the state well, but the time was right to seek groups outside of government to continue to drive these initiatives.
Snelling said that while at the end of the 2012 calendar year funding will conclude for the role of the Integrated Design Commissioner (IDC), the role of the Government Architect which commenced at the same time will be ongoing.
Image: Integrated Design website
The Integrated Design Commissioner was originally appointed for two years and his appointment concludes in June this year. However, the Premier has asked the Commissioner to stay on for a further six months to complete his work and ensure integrated design approaches continue to be used in South Australia.
“Over the past two years the Integrated Design Commission has worked on a range of projects including the development of the Integrated Design Strategy (5000+), the first state-wide mapping of the integrated design sector, Australia’s first Zero Carbon Challenge and design assistance with more than 30 public and private sector projects.
“The IDC has played a key role in promoting innovation across design, planning and development and I thank Commissioner Tim Horton for his hard work.”
Snelling said '5000+' — which has been collaboratively funded and driven by Federal, State and Local Government is due for completion by June 30, 2012. 5000+ has involved thousands of South Australians in determining the future shape of the Adelaide city area.
“Having reached that point, the Government has decided to conclude the role of the IDC by the end of 2012. For the rest of the year, Mr Horton will concentrate on embedding the design strategy,” he said.
The combined operating budget of the Integrated Design Commissioner and the Government
Architect is $3.3 million in 2011-12 and will be reduced to $2.5 million in 2012-13.
The budget for the office of the ongoing Government Architect in 2013-14 is estimated to be around $1.8 million.
“South Australia’s leadership in good design, integrated planning and quality urban development remains strong and that strength will remain through the continued role of the South Australian
Government Architect as well as initiatives like the Urban Renewal Authority and a more integrated Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.
“The work of the IDC has also led to the new requirement for Design Review Panels to advise on large developments in our city. This initiative will protect the liveability of our city into the future."
