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APPROVAL for a two-storey bikie fortress proposed for Adelaide's
western suburbs now will rest with State Cabinet at the request
of the local council.
In a state first, the State Government has "called in"
the application linked to the Rebels Motorcycle Gang on the
grounds that it may be used for "unlawful purposes".
The 650sq m concrete structure – with thick, reinforced
steel doors, 12m high walls and a roof deck – is proposed
for the site of the former Rebels clubhouse at Chief St,
Brompton.
The clubrooms were bombed in the early hours of July 15, 1999,
allegedly by a rival gang.
Premier Mike Rann told the Sunday Mail yesterday any Cabinet
decision would be in keeping with his government's tough new
anti-fortification laws.
"This building looks more like a bunker than a storage
facility," Mr Rann said.
"It looks to be totally inappropriate for it to be built
anywhere – let alone in an ordinary suburban
neighbourhood."
Mr Rann said the application for the $350,000 structure was
lodged with the Charles Sturt Council in October last year –
just before the anti-fortification legislation was passed through
State Parliament.
In April, at the request of the council, Planning Minister Trish
White took the unprecedented step of calling in the application
for consideration by State Cabinet.
The decision is expected to be finalised within three weeks.
"This application has been called in by the Minister at the
request of the council which had information from the police that
the applicant, Mr Karem Awad, was a member of the Rebels
Motorcycle Club," Mr Rann said.
"There was also reason to believe the new building may be
used for 'unlawful purposes'.
"Mr Awad is understood to be the Rebels Motorcycle Club
President."
Ms White had since sought legal and police advice on the matter.
On May 10, she received advice from Police Commissioner Mal Hyde,
who said he believed the proposed building "involves
security measures that appear to be excessive" and that, in
his view, could be classified as a "fortification".
In his development application, Mr Awad says the building will be
used for the storage of concrete cutting equipment and tools.
Among its features are:
NINE toilets and eight showers to service a workforce of six to
eight people.
A GOODS lift.
OFF-STREET parking for 19 cars.
GROUND floor area of 470sq m and first-floor area of 650sq m.
REINFORCED glass roof, air-conditioning, solar hot water and
solar electricity panels.
Under the changes to the Development Act and Summary Offences
Act, which came into effect on February 1, the Police
Commissioner can seek a court order to remove a fortress if he
has grounds to believe it is shielding criminal activity or was
built without planning approval.
If a council believes a development application may involve the
creation of fortifications then it must refer the application to
the Police Commissioner, who can then direct the council to
refuse it or impose special conditions on it.
The Police Commissioner can take into account the character of
applicants and associates.
At least four bikie compounds – some with high walls, steel
spikes and hi-tech security cameras – remain intact
throughout suburban Adelaide.
Police have told the Sunday Mail they have not applied to the
Magistrates Court for a fortification removal order and do not
know when they will.
"At this point in time we have no applications in
process," Detective Chief Superintendent Denis Edmonds,
officer in charge of crime strategy and support, said.
"What we're doing is reviewing a number of premises across
the state that might be subject to a fortification removal
order."
Charles Sturt Council mayor Harold Anderson congratulated the
government for taking over the Brompton matter.
"It has major social environment issues which do effect the
community," he said.
"The Government and its agencies would have greater
knowledge of the proponents of the scheme and that would
certainly be of much benefit in making the decision."
He said residents were concerned at the time of the bombing and
what might happen there in the future.
Mr Awad could not be contacted yesterday.
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