from news.com.au
renound town planner john montgomery says that adelaide may be an "above ground cemetery" in a decade.... read on.
The man who says we have lost the plot
By REBECCA JENKINS
May 12, 2004
HE PUT the buzz into Dublin and reinvigorated Manchester, but John Montgomery says Adelaide is a lost cause.
The world-renowned urban planner moved from Britain 18 months ago after falling in love with Adelaide – to set up a new office for his consultancy.
But he is so disillusioned he is leaving for Brisbane next month.
"I thought I could come here and do lots of things to help it grow economically and help it become a better city . . ." he said.
But he found Adelaide "slow, complacent and lacking in initiative".
He warned that if the city did not change, it would be an "above ground cemetery" in a decade, because small business was not being encouraged, young people had no incentive to stay and new industries were being overlooked.
Dr Montgomery, who has presented his ideas to community leaders, including Premier Mike Rann, has been credited with turning around the fortunes of cities.
He yesterday told The Advertiser, however, that Adelaide lacked dynamism, especially in starting up small and "micro" businesses. "What you really should be doing is helping the youngsters, people in their 20s, set up businesses," he said.
If this did not occur "all that will be left here will be the retired and the elderly, plus some overseas students and a class of middle-ranking civil servants".
Dr Montgomery also said there was a "shocking lack of leadership", and a lack of understanding about city economic growth. He wanted to see a focus on new industries, including technology, art and design.
Dr Montgomery came here under the exclusive "distinguished talent" migration scheme and set up an office for his firm, Urban Cultures.
His previous projects include the city plan for Prague, a Manchester cultural strategy and redevelopment of Dublin's Temple Bar.
Key industry figures yesterday said he would be a loss to the state.
"The planning profession in South Australia needs to focus on the big picture and the sustainable long-term view of Adelaide. That's what John brings to any discussion." said Planning Institute of Australia SA president Des Commerford.
A spokesperson for the Premier's office said Dr Montgomery had met with the Government but did not make it clear he had any particular project to offer.
renound town planner john montgomery says that adelaide may be an "above ground cemetery" in a decade.... read on.
The man who says we have lost the plot
By REBECCA JENKINS
May 12, 2004
HE PUT the buzz into Dublin and reinvigorated Manchester, but John Montgomery says Adelaide is a lost cause.
The world-renowned urban planner moved from Britain 18 months ago after falling in love with Adelaide – to set up a new office for his consultancy.
But he is so disillusioned he is leaving for Brisbane next month.
"I thought I could come here and do lots of things to help it grow economically and help it become a better city . . ." he said.
But he found Adelaide "slow, complacent and lacking in initiative".
He warned that if the city did not change, it would be an "above ground cemetery" in a decade, because small business was not being encouraged, young people had no incentive to stay and new industries were being overlooked.
Dr Montgomery, who has presented his ideas to community leaders, including Premier Mike Rann, has been credited with turning around the fortunes of cities.
He yesterday told The Advertiser, however, that Adelaide lacked dynamism, especially in starting up small and "micro" businesses. "What you really should be doing is helping the youngsters, people in their 20s, set up businesses," he said.
If this did not occur "all that will be left here will be the retired and the elderly, plus some overseas students and a class of middle-ranking civil servants".
Dr Montgomery also said there was a "shocking lack of leadership", and a lack of understanding about city economic growth. He wanted to see a focus on new industries, including technology, art and design.
Dr Montgomery came here under the exclusive "distinguished talent" migration scheme and set up an office for his firm, Urban Cultures.
His previous projects include the city plan for Prague, a Manchester cultural strategy and redevelopment of Dublin's Temple Bar.
Key industry figures yesterday said he would be a loss to the state.
"The planning profession in South Australia needs to focus on the big picture and the sustainable long-term view of Adelaide. That's what John brings to any discussion." said Planning Institute of Australia SA president Des Commerford.
A spokesperson for the Premier's office said Dr Montgomery had met with the Government but did not make it clear he had any particular project to offer.
