Seven reservoirs across South Australia including suburban reservoirs Happy Valley and Hope Valley will be opened to the public for the first time or have expanded recreational access within two years, as the Marshall Liberal Government announces the next phase of its Opening up our Reservoirs election commitment.
Happy Valley, South Para, Myponga and Warren reservoirs will all have water-based recreational activities such as kayaking and fishing available by the end of 2021. Hope Valley, Little Para and Barossa reservoirs will have land-based recreational activities such as picnicking, bushwalking and cycling available by the end of 2020.
South Para Reservoir will be officially opened on Saturday 7 December and will have a wide range of recreational activities including kayaking and fishing, while Myponga will have shore-based fishing available for the first time on the same day.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the State Government's Opening up our Reservoirs policy has been hugely popular.
"We went to the election with a clear plan to open-up our reservoirs for the people of South Australia to enjoy and have been busy working to make this a reality ever since," said Minister Speirs.
"It's very exciting to be able to announce our next phase of delivering this commitment which includes suburban reservoirs at Happy Valley and Hope Valley.
"The opening up of Myponga Reservoir in April has been an outstanding success providing both a social and economic boost for the Fleurieu Peninsula through thousands of visitors to the reservoir. Initially land-based activities such as picnicking and bushwalking were available at Myponga, but recreational access will be expanded to include fishing and possibly kayaking soon.
"To be able to expand this to other reservoirs around the state will allow South Australian families to enjoy these picturesque landscapes which have been locked away under former governments.
"To have South Australians be able to go out on a kayak or drop a line for fishing at reservoirs across our state is an opportunity which will have significant environmental, social and economic benefits for generations to come. The opportunities at Happy Valley particularly excite me, because combined with the creation of Glenthorne National Park, we will have an environmental and recreational hub right in the heart of the southern suburbs.
"Protecting the health and quality of our drinking water supplies remains the priority and this will be done through improved water treatment plants as required, detailed water quality risk assessments, as well as increased site security and water quality control measures."
A cross-government taskforce made up of representatives from the Department for Environment and Water, SA Water, DPTI, SATC and SA Health has been ensuring every aspect from roads and infrastructure, through to tourism, is carefully considered and factored into the planning.
