Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Onkaparinga coastal boardwalk opens to the public

Stage One of the $6.7 million, 1.1-kilometre Witton Bluff Base Trail linking the foreshores of Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach via a shared path boardwalk has been opened to the public today.

The trail, which is being equally funded by the South Australian Government and the City of Onkaparinga Council, marks strong progress toward the 70-kilometre coastal path from North Haven to Sellicks Beach, said Member for Kaurna, Chris Picton.

“I’ve been extremely passionate about this project from the beginning as I see the enormous benefits it will bring to the local community,” said Mr Picton.

“It’s also great news for local businesses and will encourage more tourists to visit the
area.

“I want to thank my fellow local members Katrine Hildyard and Amanda Rishworth for
their strong advocacy of this project, and the City of Onkaparinga Council for partnering with the State Government on this game-changing initiative.”

Stage 1, which opened today, has delivered a 3m wide, shared-use boardwalk from Port Noarlunga to the tip of the bluff.

“Today marks a major milestone for the Witton Bluff Base Trail, and for the residents, community groups and businesses who have called for an accessible shared-use path linking these iconic beaches for years,” said Mayor, Moira Were.

“This boardwalk will be a jewel in South Australia’s Coast Park trail, attracting locals
and visitors alike, but equally important are the project’s focuses on minimising
cultural heritage impacts, and future-proofing the bluff from climate change impacts.

“A huge thank you to the state government for its co-investment, to the federal
government for its sea wall repair funding and to the community for its patience and
valuable feedback throughout the trail’s extensive design and planning,” she said.

Work has now commenced on repairs to the existing sea wall to the north of the new boardwalk to help protect the cliff’s infrastructure from erosion and rising sea levels.

An upgrade of the existing path at the Christies Beach end of the bluff will complete
the project.

The fully completed Witton Bluff Base Trail is expected to open to the public by mid-
2025, providing access for people of all abilities.

The State Government has provided an additional $250,000 for First Nations public art, championed by local Members Chris Picton and Katrine Hildyard, ensuring the trail recognises the cultural significance of the Onkaparinga coast to the Kaurna people and the Tjilbruke songline.

Onkaparinga’s 31-kilometre coastline forms almost half of the 70-kilometre Coast Park vision.

The Council has also secured additional funding for sea wall repairs including $1.2 million through the Albanese Labor Government’s Disaster Ready Fund and $355,000 through the Malinauskas Labor Government’s Coast Protection Board.

The Witton Bluff Base Trail’s construction marks the culmination of a long and
rigorous approval process to ensure any potential impacts from the trail on Aboriginal
heritage and the environment are minimised.

“Approval for the trail’s completion rightly went through a rigorous approval process to
take account of the views of Kaurna people,” said Member for Reynell, Katrine Hildyard.

“Investment from our State Labor Government, Council investment, further State Government funding for Aboriginal art along the trail, means that we can now, together, step forward and enjoy this accessible track along our magnificent mid coast. This trail is great for our community, great for visitors to our beautiful area and great for local business.”

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