A Rural Solutions South Australia team of consultants has received a big tick of approval after a customer won a top planning excellence award. Landscape architects Swanbury Penglase won the award for Urban Design - Plans and Ideas at Planning Institute Australia SA Division’s 2006 Awards for Planning Excellence in November.

Senior Landscape Artist Tim Conybeare said Rural Solutions SA provided “invaluable assistance” and it “was a great joy to be able to work with such a dedicated team”.
The Rural Solutions SA team comprised Wayne Brown, Geoffrey Bishop and Catherine Miles.

“It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it. This shows how valuable Rural Solutions SA expertise is, particularly in specialised areas,” Tim said.    The award was won against a field of six strong entrants for Sturt River Linear Park Master Plan & Detailed Concept Plan (South Road to Sturt Gorge Recreation Park). The plan, commissioned by the Patawalonga Catchment Water Management Board, was to highlight priorities for future development along the Sturt River corridor with the aim of establishing a continuous public open space linkage from the sea to the Adelaide Hills.

The Swanbury Penglase plan addressed the three regions of the river - Adelaide Plains, Sturt Gorge and Foothills - for gateways and trails, biodiversity, cultural values, stormwater management and water quality, and landscape design and management.  Executive Director of Rural Solutions SA, Mr Locky McLaren said the award showed how Rural Solutions SA could add value for customers in key areas. “We have 260 consultants with a range of skills who are proving invaluable across many sectors.

“We are delighted when we can make a difference for our customers through project management, training activities and specialist technical services.”  Rural Solutions SA has offices in 19 locations and can also be accessed for further information at www.ruralsolutions.sa.gov.au and through 1300 364 322.