Nearly 5,000 people have walked through the gates of the Myponga Reservoir Reserve in its first month of operation, with local businesses receiving a boost from increased visitors to the town.
Opening Myponga Reservoir for new recreational access opportunities was the first stage of a Marshall Liberal Government program that aims to drive regional tourism, encourage community wellbeing and promote water quality and environmental education.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said activating Myponga's key landmark has already stimulated growth for local traders with 4,920 people accessing the reservoir.
"The reservoir is a beautiful attraction and there's a thriving local community in Myponga that has welcomed new visitors with open arms," said Minister Speirs.
"With weekly markets, local stores and an artisan brewery all in the nearby area, providing a new tourism drawcard at the reservoir is driving more dollars into Myponga businesses.
"The opening of Myponga Reservoir is just the start of our wider program to open up reservoirs across the state. The opening of each reservoir will be done in a staged process, however, we are hoping to have other communities enjoying the same benefits as the town of Myponga by the end of the year."
Owner of Myponga's Smiling Samoyed Brewery Kate Henning said the opening day of the reserve - enjoyed by 2,500 locals and visitors from across the Fleurieu and metropolitan regions - served up their biggest day of sales since the brewery was founded in 2012.
"It was an incredibly successful day - the vibe throughout the town was electric and the event provided an immediate surge in economic activity for all traders in the area," said Ms Henning.
"With all the activity stimulated by the reservoir's opening, along with Festival Fleurieu, school holidays and Easter, our ongoing weekday trade has lifted and we're confident it'll continue over the long term as more people are attracted to the reservoir reserve."
Owners of the Myponga General Store Kevin and Vicki Addington said they've also noticed an uplift in customers since the reservoir reserve's opening, which has injected more interest in the area.
"Foot traffic through the store has certainly increased, and we're looking at more opportunities to grow our business by supporting visitors' experience within the reservoir reserve, such as a picnic delivery service," said Mrs Addington.
Myponga Reservoir Reserve is now open between 7.30 am and 5.00 pm for visitors to walk, run and cycle around bushland tracks with water views, enjoy picnics, and visit lookouts and viewing platforms to see and photograph wildlife and scenic vistas.
Visit reservoirs.sa.gov.au for more information about Myponga Reservoir Reserve and to learn about the full range of ways to enjoy, explore and preserve reservoirs around the state.
