The 2.8-kilometre section – along the dramatic cliffs between the Port Willunga foreshore carpark and the Maslin Beach Tuit Road carpark – will connect with an existing section to the south, creating a 6.8-kilometre shared-use path from Maslin beach to Aldinga Beach boat ramp.
The concept plan was released today for the community to provide feedback via the Your Say Onkaparinga page.
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson said the segment will deliver an iconic cliff-top path and become a drawcard to locals and visitors, of all ages and abilities.
“Onkaparinga’s 31 kilometres of coastline encompass some of the most spectacular beaches in the state, so we’re excited to deliver another key part of our vision for a continuous trail from Lonsdale to Sellicks Beach,” Mayor Thompson said.
“This will also bring us a step closer to delivering the state government’s Coast Park vision, which aims to develop a 70-kilometre shared-use path from North Haven to Sellicks, with matching funding and support provided by local government.
“Not only will this project improve access, facilities and reserves in Port Willunga, it will generate significant community benefit through improved recreation opportunities and stimulate economic development while protecting the natural environment.”
The concept plan proposes a three-metre-wide and 2.8-kilometre long shared-use path, two new bridge crossings at Willunga Creek and Chinaman Gully and the creation of rest/viewing areas with seating and signage.
The proposed trail also involves extensive revegetation and interpretation of the historic camping area, additional plantings along the path and the formalisation of a sustainable path through the sandy dunes surrounding the Willunga Creek estuary.
The coastline and dunes are culturally important for Kaurna people, including their link to the Tjilbruke Dreaming story. Council is committed to working closely with Kaurna representatives to protect and celebrate the areas of importance associated with this project.
The community is invited to provide feedback via Your Say until Friday 9 October, which will be considered during preparation of a final concept plan to be presented to Council in late 2020.
Construction could begin in 2022 subject to council funding and matching funding from the state government.
To date, more than half of City of Onkaparinga’s 31 kilometres of Coast Park has been delivered, with the most recent stage being a 700-metre segment at O’Sullivan Beach, which is nearing completion.
The O’Sullivan Beach Coast Park section will provide a critical link between the completed Christies Beach path section and Port Stanvac, creating a continuous trail from the southern boundary of Port Stanvac through to Moana.
Construction on a high-profile 1.4 kilometre section at Witton Bluff, linking the foreshores of Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach, is set to commence in 2021, with feedback invited from the public on council’s Your Say page from September.