Don't let our city stagnate

AdelaideNow... Don't let our city stagnate, readers say: "In Mr Downer's column, the long-serving minister argued that Adelaide 'needs a new spark', and called for Adelaide to build the most innovative art museum in the southern hemisphere to 'excite the world' and create a tourism boom."

I wonder if he wants to be our next premier? He is certainly making himself public in that way with his column and radio show. I'd like to see some things changed and a Torrens boardwalk would be fantastic. I am not in favour of building out our parklands because they are critical to the green nature of Adelaide and provide that lovely relaxed atmosphere, but we could certainly look at how to make our spaces useable and it would be fantastic to get back up there in the arts again. I think we need to go for excellence again and stop pretending we are good at something when we are not. We need the places and people who will make us strong and we need the leaders who will create that level of excellence in all we do. We used to provide the country and world with stunning people in the performing arts and visual arts. We still can, but we have focussed on food and mining. We need to look at things like that skate park on North Terrace. It provides a niche spot on what was an eyesore for a group of people who want to be skateboarders. It's a good attraction and has livened up a dull area. We can be very good because we are patient and we are encouraging. We need the niche venues because we are essentially a nurturing spot.