What's happening
In May 2025, Council received a request from the Mount Torrens and Districts Community Association to assign the name "Andy Bennett Bridge" to the bridge over the Angas Creek, located on Townsend Street, Mount Torrens.
This request was taken to the 24 June 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting, where a Motion on Notice was resolved by Council for the CEO to investigate the naming of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s (DIT) bridge, located on Townsend Street, Mount Torrens and provide a recommendation to Council.
Council has a legislative process to review and address the naming of public places and roads and the policy can be viewed on the Adelaide Hills Council website or under our Document Library. While the bridge in question, does not technical sit under this policy as it is not a public or private road or a public place, we are choosing to follow the requirements of this policy due to the similar nature of the naming request.
The policy states that any renaming of private or public roads or public places requires:
- Notification to councillors in relation to the proposal. (Report to Council)
- Notification to residents/property owners within a defined catchment of the reserve or public place, or where a name change affects a local road or place which is often given as a reference for access.
- Notification in the local press and via social media, inviting public comment on the proposal will occur.
Following the results of community engagement, a Report will be presented to Council. If Council decides to proceed with the name change, a request will be sent to the Surveyor General, who in turn will seek approval from the Commissioner of Highways.
Who was Andy Bennett?
Andy lived on Townsend Street, Mount Torrens until the eve of his 93rd birthday, running his mechanic business there for decades. Known for his skill in fixing anything, from machinery to musical instruments, he became the “go-to” man for community groups including the Mount Torrens and Districts Community Association, Centenary Park, Soldiers’ Memorial Hall and the CFS.
Beyond his talents, Andy was remembered as kind, helpful and devoted, caring for his mother until her passing. His funeral tribute recalled him as “forever remembered for his sharp mind, kind heart and tinkering hands.”
The naming of the “Andy Bennett Bridge” stands as a fitting memorial to this legendary local.
How can I provide feedback?
We are seeking your feedback on the proposal to name the DIT bridge located on Townsend Street, Mount Torrens to Andy Bennett Bridge.
You can provide your feedback by:
- Completing the online feedback form below
- Sending an email to engage@ahc.sa.gov.au
- Posting your feedback to 63 Mount Barker Road Stirling SA 5152
- Giving us a call on 8408 0400
- Collecting a hardcopy feedback form from Woodside or Gumeracha Library during opening hours.
Engagement feedback closes at 5pm, Tuesday 30 September 2025.
If you need assistance to provide your feedback, or have any questions about this engagement, please email engage@ahc.sa.gov.au or call 8408 0400.
