Arthurs Seat is at risk, and we must act now to protect our beautiful park and make sure locals get a say. 

Open letter:

Dear Premier Allan,

I am writing to express serious concern about the proposed $25 million luge development at Arthurs Seat, which is being fast-tracked through the State Government’s Development Facilitation Program—bypassing local council oversight and shutting out the very community it will impact. 

Decisions that affect our region should not be made from Spring Street without listening to the people who live here. Despite the scale of this project, neither you nor Minister Kilkenny have visited our community to understand what’s at stake.

Arthurs Seat is not just another development site – it's a beloved state park that is deeply important to our community. The proposed 1.5km luge track and 25-metre observation tower would permanently change its character, yet locals—who know this place best—have been sidelined.

After hearing from local residents of Main Ridge, Dromana, and Arthurs Seat, it is clear they have not been consulted and will be disproportionately affected by this development.

I urge you and Minister Kilkenny to: 

1. Come to Arthurs Seat and meet with the community before decisions are made. 
2. Release the full environmental impact assessments so the public can see the risks to our state park.
3. Commit to preserving the natural and cultural significance of Arthurs Seat.

Economic development should not come at the cost of proper planning processes and community consultation. Our community deserves the right to have meaningful input into developments that will shape the future of our region. 

I look forward to your response on this important issue. 

Yours sincerely, Ben Smith Independent Candidate for Flinders