Margaret's Walk/Kudlayurlo Wodli Pari Pudna Tapa
Margaret Sewell-Reynolds
Margaret Sewell-Reynolds was a passionate advocate for both her local community and the natural environment. In partnership with June Jenkins, she played a pivotal role in securing open space at Lochiel Park for future generations. Margaret firmly believed in investing in relationships with her community, and along with her Council contributions as River Ward Councillor from 2003 to 2010, Margaret inspires as an active advocate for the conservation and protection of trees, biodiversity and open spaces.
Lochiel Park: a sustainable community vision
Originally part of Sections 309 and 310, the Lochiel Park area was acquired by Charles James Fox Campbell prior to 1850. Two significant properties were built on the land: Lochend and Lochiel House. Today, Lochend is now owned by the City of Campbelltown and is on the classified list of the National Trust of South Australia. Lochiel Park was sold in 1947, along with 55 acres, to the then social welfare department. Lochiel Park House, a significant historic building, is owned by the State Government of South Australia and now forms part of the award-winning Green Village dedicated to promoting sustainable lifestyles, building design and innovative technologies (Renewal SA).
In 2002, the National Trust listed Lochiel Park as an Endangered Place due to its environmental and cultural significance – noting the significant trees, Aboriginal canoe tree, Lochend House and the last remaining river parkland along the Torrens in the metropolitan area (National Trust South Australia).
Lochiel Park’s sustainability timeline
2002: community mobilisation and early advocacy
In early 2002, the Campbelltown community became aware that the State Government's Land Management Corporation (LMC) had lodged two applications with the Development Assessment Commission to subdivide Lochiel Park into up to 167 housing allotments. The proposed development encompassed Brookway Park, a former fire service training area, the TAFE college and vacant land owned by the State Government (England, 2002a).
Although the then Government Enterprises Minister Rob Lucas was reported to promise the LMC intended to retain 20% as open space – more than the statutory 12.5 per cent – community concern grew (Chapman 2002a).
Concerned for the future of open space in the Campbelltown area, Margaret Sewell, spokesperson for the Supporters Protecting Areas of Community Environment (SPACE), and June Jenkins led efforts to raise public awareness about the proposed development of Lochiel Park. Their advocacy culminated in a public meeting in February 2002, that drew hundreds of concerned community members. Speaking on behalf of SPACE, Margaret Sewell made a compelling case for preserving Lochiel Park as community open space (Messenger - East Torrens 2002a). June Jenkins submitted a petition with 900 signatures opposing subdivision plans (Messenger - Standard 2002a) and support grew through political channels. In April, Nick Xenophon submitted a letter of support to the South Australian parliament on behalf of Sewell and Jenkins. The letter sought information about demolition and environmental remediation work already initiated by the Land Management Corporation and called for a halt to the works during the moratorium and public consultation process.
Margaret Sewell was reported to express cautious optimism stating, “It is encouraging that the (State) Government is fulfilling its election promise to consult with the community about Lochiel Park. It's also good to see that a wide variety of groups such as ourselves are being consulted. This park has great environmental potential, we'd like to see it restored to its former state with some wetlands.” (England, 2002b).
In August 2002, the Australian Council of National Trusts confirmed that Lochiel Park was added to the National Trust SA National Endangered Places list and the then National Trust of SA director Rainer Jozeps recognised the site as the last remaining parcel of open space of its kind along the River Torrens in metropolitan Adelaide (Chapman, 2002b).
A community rally followed, with strong support from SPACE, the Campbelltown Residents' and Ratepayers' Association, Tree Watch and the then No Pokies MLC Nick Xenophon. Margaret encouraged the crowd saying, “We just want to let people know that if they want to save this wonderful community resource, now is the time to get up and have a say.” (England, 2002c).
Despite strong community opposition, the State Government’s Land Management Corporation received approval for its subdivision application at Lochiel Park. The campaign intensified with both SPACE and Tree Watch lodging appeals against the decision (England, 2002d).
In December 2002, Lynette Crocker, the then co-chair of the Kaurna Native Title Management Committee, spoke about the cultural significance of the site, identifying up to 20 scarred trees, including a canoe tree. She described Lochiel Park as a “seasonal campsite” for Kaurna people and emphasised, “It is a recorded signature of history about Aboriginal presence being there.” before strongly advocating for the site to be preserved as open space (Chapman and Treccasi 2002).
To strengthen their case, the SPACE group lobbied all South Australian Members of Parliament ahead of the government’s decision on the future of Lochiel Park. They distributed a detailed 14-page booklet, developed and printed by June Jenkins, to every member of both houses outlining the area’s history and calling for its preservation. They cited pre-election correspondence from then Opposition Leader Mike Rann, in which he pledged to “save 100 per cent of Lochiel Park for community facilities and open space.” (Messenger – Standard 2002b).
2003: a turning point
In March 2003, Nick Xenophon introduced a private members’ Bill to prevent development on the 15-hectare site. Margaret Sewell responded, stating:
“This bill is a test run for Mike Rann on environmental issues. He says he wants urban forest, and here's a clear case of urban forest under threat that needs saving.” (Dare 2003).
Margaret’s continued optimism was vindicated in September 2003, when the then Infrastructure Minister Patrick Conlon announced that 70% of Lochiel Park would be preserved as open space. Only the 4.5ha site of the former TAFE and MFS buildings would be developed for housing (Messenger - East Torrens, 2003). This decision was celebrated as a significant community victory in Campbelltown.
On Wednesday 24 September, a letter of congratulations from Margaret Sewell was read aloud in the Legislative Council to mark the occasion (South Australia Legislative Council 2003).
“Dear Mr Rann,
On behalf of Campbelltown SPACE and the many residents of the community who supported the retention of open space and revegetation of Lochiel Park, we thank you for your long-term vision for an urban forest in this unique area. We appreciate the difficulty you have experienced in addressing this issue that had already been decided upon by the previous government and sincerely commend the decision reached by you and minister Conlon to listen to the community and act upon it with such a positive outcome for all.
Members of Campbelltown SPACE feel assured that you have honoured your commitment to retain 100 per cent open space for the community and acknowledge that at the time of your letter in February 2002 the land occupied by TAFE and MFS buildings, etc., was not considered by us as open space. We can only request that the sensitivity of the area be addressed when planning for housing development on the demolition site takes place, and that appropriate and sympathetic designs and allotment sizes will be in keeping with the surrounding urban forest. We understand you may initiate the commencement of the tree planting within Lochiel Park, and would look forward to meeting you at that time. With our most heartfelt appreciation.
Yours sincerely,
Margaret Sewell”
2005–2006: from vision to planning
Fast forward to 2005 and the then Minister Patrick Conlon announced plans to transform Lochiel Park into “green village'' (Anderson 2005) that would feature cutting-edge “stormwater, wastewater and rainwater management, as well as biodiversity and energy conservation measures” and promised an “irrevocable community land classification ... which provides the greatest protection possible for the open space.” (Messenger - Standard 2005).
By 2006, the Campbelltown Development Assessment Panel endorsed the eco-village development at Lochiel Park (Messenger - East Torrens 2006).
During the construction phase, Margaret Sewell-Reynolds was elected as a Councillor for River Ward and appointed to the Planning Committee as a community representative. Her involvement was crucial in shaping the vision, concepts, and development of what would become one of South Australia’s most progressive sustainable communities.
Lochiel Park: impact and recognition
Today, Lochiel Park is home to over 150 residents, with every home achieving a minimum 7.5-star energy efficiency rating. In 2019, it became the first site in South Australia - and one of only ten nationally - to receive the honour of the prestigious international Green Flag Award. This award recognises excellence in planning, maintenance, and community engagement and Lochiel Park has retained the award every year since (Campbelltown City Council (n.d.).
A lasting tribute: Margaret’s Walk
In recognition of Margaret Sewell-Reynolds’ unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy, Campbelltown City Council named the walkway connecting the Village Green, the northern wetlands, and Lochend House 'Margaret’s Walk / Kudlayurlo Wodli Pari Pudna Tapa'.
This naming is a fitting tribute to her legacy, reflecting her impact on the preservation and shaping of this much-loved community space.
Margaret acknowledges her achievement was made possible through the dedication and support of many individuals and organisations whose collective efforts ultimately secured the future of the Lochiel Parklands:
- Hon. Nick Xenophon MLC
- Hon. Bob Such HA
- Hon. Andrew Evans MLC
- Hon. Sandra Kanck MLC
- Mr Joe Scalzi HA – Member for Hartley
- Cr Steve Liapis – River Ward, Campbelltown Council
- June Jenkins
- National Trust of South Australia
- Conservation Council of South Australia
- Lynette Crocker – Chairperson, Kaurna Native Title Management
- Mr Kieran Brewer – South Australian Indigenous Flora
- Campbelltown Landcare
- Campbelltown Residents and Ratepayers Association
- Tree Watch Group
- Urban Forest Biodiversity Programme
- Mr Peter Bennett – Horticultural Ecologist
- Save our Adelaide Suburbs
- Dr Jennifer Gardner – Waite Arboretum
- Mr Frank Ugody – Arborist
- Friends of the Heysen Trail
- Supporters Protecting Areas of Community Environment (SPACE)
References
Anderson, L (2005) 'Revealed: Plans for park `green village'', Advertiser, The (Adelaide, Australia), 5 Sep, p. 008
Campbelltown City Council (n.d.) Lochiel Park award winning 'green village', Campbelltown City Council website, accessed 20 May, 2025.
Campbelltown City Council (2005a) Site Visit [photograph].
Campbelltown City Council (2005b) Site Visit [photograph].
Campbelltown City Council (2009) Lochiel-Park-004 [photograph].
Campbelltown City Council (2025) Margaret’s Walk [photograph].
Chapman, J (2002a) 'Battle to block river subdivision', The Advertiser (Adelaide, Australia), 24 Jan, p. 026.
Chapman, J (2002b) 'Trust backs push to save 15ha park', The Advertiser (Adelaide, Australia), 11 Jul, p. 024.
Chapman, J and Treccasi, L (2002) 'Trees with Aboriginal links must stay, say residents', The Advertiser (Adelaide, Australia), 4 Dec, p. 035.
Dare, L (2003) 'Lochiel Park Land Of Promise', Messenger - East Torrens (Adelaide, Australia), 5 Mar, p. 003.
England, C (2002a) 'Land Carve Up', Messenger - East Torrens (Adelaide, Australia), 9 Jan, p. 001.
England, C (2002b) 'Lochiel Park Consultation to Start This Month', Messenger - East Torrens (Adelaide, Australia), 3 Jul, p. 005.
England, C (2002c) 'Space Rally To Save Lochiel Park', Messenger - Standard (Adelaide, Australia), 21 Aug, p. 019
England, C (2002d) 'Environment Groups Appeal Lochiel Park Decision', Messenger - Standard (Adelaide, Australia) , 27 Nov, p. 003.
England, C (2002e) 'Park’s Saving Grace', Messenger – East Torrens (Adelaide, Australia), 4 Dec, p. 001.
Messenger - East Torrens (2003) 'Lochiel Saved', 10 Sep, p. 001 Messenger - East Torrens (2006) 'Briefly', 25 Jan, p. 003.
Messenger - Standard (2002a) 'Linear Park Rezone Plans Opposed', 27 Feb, p. 07 Messenger - Standard (2002b) 'Space Booklet Pleads for Lochiel', 4 Dec, p. 009 Messenger - Standard (2005) 'Beating Space Invaders', 14 Sep, p. 008.
Renewal SA (n.d.) Lochiel Park, Renewal SA website, accessed 20 May 2025.
National Trust South Australia (21 August 2002) SA features on National Endangered Places List [media release], National Trust.
Sewell M & Jenkins J (2017) Public Meeting [printed brochure], Supporters Protecting Areas of Community Environment, Campbelltown.
Sewell M & Jenkins J (2017) Rally to Save Lochiel Park [printed brochure], Supporters Protecting Areas of Community Environment, Campbelltown.
South Australia Legislative Council (2003) Question Time p.200 accessed 20 May 2025.
Wallis, C (2002) 'Park’s Saving Grace', Messenger – East Torrens, 4 Dec, p. 001.