Part of the state government’s Coast Park vision—which aims to develop a 70-kilometre shared-use path from North Haven to Sellicks with funding and support from councils—the new stretch extends the completed Christies Beach section adjacent the SA Water site.
It then connects to the O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp, and heads north towards the former Port Stanvac oil refinery site, finishing at the Mentone Parade carpark.
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson said the project has significantly improved access along the stunning section of coast for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy.
“We have one of the most incredible coastlines in Australia and projects like this enable us to showcase and protect our coast, creating an area that can be used and enjoyed by everyone,” she said.
“The trail features viewing areas with seating, pedestrian crossing points, stone benches along the trail, coastal fencing, interpretive signage, dog bag dispensers, bin upgrades and carpark modifications.
“More than 200 metres of rock revetment was also constructed as part of the project, helping to protect both the marine environment and the new trail.”
To date, more than half (17.8km) of City of Onkaparinga’s 31 kilometres of Coast Park has been delivered, with construction on a high-profile 1.4-kilometre section at Witton Bluff, linking the foreshores of Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach, set to commence in 2021.
Consultation has also recently taken place on another 2.8-kilometre section at Port Willunga North, which would link the iconic Maslin Beach, Port Willunga and Aldinga Beach.
The O’Sullivan Beach trail’s completion comes amid more good news for the suburb. The state government recently announcement it will upgrade the boat ramp within the next two years, following City of Onkaparinga’s $35,000 commitment towards landward works that will facilitate an upgrade.