Wearing Street redevelopment complete

Published on 05 May 2025

A major upgrade of the Wearing Street aquatic precinct in Port Noarlunga is complete, delivering a safer, more accessible and vibrant waterfront space for the community.

This multi-stage redevelopment is the result of extensive consultation and collaboration between the three tiers of government, local clubs and residents working together to create a welcoming space for everyone – from families and fitness enthusiasts to canoeists, kayakers and people fishing.

The first stage of the project, completed in April 2024 marked a major milestone with the replacement of outdated sheds and shipping containers used by the Onkaparinga Canoe Club, Easy Kayaks, South Port Surf Life Saving Club and the Department for Education. These upgrades, funded by the City of Onkaparinga, the South Australian Government and the Australian Government, alongside local sporting club contributions, have improved the precinct’s infrastructure.

Stage 2 – jointly funded by the City of Onkaparinga and a $1.65 million Open Space Grant from the South Australian Government – further enhance this unique and popular precinct. Improvements to the riverfront include a new rock revetment wall with multiple access ramps framing a larger safe river beach area, new public amenities, upgraded trailer and vehicle parking, a large pavilion with seating, landscaped lawns, and trees

For clubs like the Onkaparinga Canoe Club, the difference has been transformational. Once operating out of a decades-old shed, the club now enjoys modern, purpose-built facilities that support both their day-to-day operations and long-term goals.

"Having a contemporary facility has had a huge impact on the club, improving the safety and amenity for members," says Nick Tucker, President of the Onkaparinga Canoe Club.

"Already we’ve seen an increase in membership – and we’re really excited about what the future holds."

Members now benefit from safer water access, lighting for early morning and evening sessions, and a dedicated meeting space for training and coaching.

The redevelopment has also given the Onkaparinga Canoe Club new momentum in its youth development goals. The club now accepts school sports vouchers, aiming to attract young paddlers between the ages of 8 to 10 and nurture them through the ranks of competitive canoeing and kayaking.

"We see this as a long-term pathway, not just to create elite athletes, but to build a stronger community,” Nick said.

“When kids join, parents and siblings often get involved too, helping grow our volunteer base and strengthen not only the club’s future, but the sport’s."

Beyond local sporting club use, the upgraded facilities play a critical role in supporting the Department for Education’s Water Safety Program, which delivers aquatic and water safety training to thousands of school students each year.

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the completion of Stage 2 was an exciting day for Port Noarlunga and the broader community.

“In recent years it had become increasingly clear that this ageing precinct needed investment,” she said.

“We wanted to not only ensure the facilities were fit-for-purpose for the user groups that call this place home, but also to create a drawcard gateway statement for those entering Port Noarlunga across the Saltfleet Street Bridge, and to make this a more appealing and accessible place for the community to stay healthy, connected and active.

“Looking around at this beautiful, inviting riverfront, I think you’ll agree the transformation is befitting of Wearing Street’s reputation as the south’s premier aquatic destination, whether you’re keen to go canoeing or kayaking, fishing, walking or simply enjoying a picnic in stunning surrounds.”

Work has also begun on the Wearing Street coastal sand dune restoration project which includes revegetation and stabilisation measures. This initiative also involves designing an attractive, educational and engaging cultural space made possible by a state government land transfer and $480,000 in state government funding.

MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about the Onkaparinga Canoe Club, contact Nick on 0478 522 368 or email nicktucker@adam.com.au

Kayakers paddle down the Onkaparinga River past the sandy riverbank of the newly redeveloped Wearing Street precint.

A view of newly developed paths, toile facilities, car parks and more at the Wearing Street precinct. A view from the Wearing Street riverbank showing a shade structure and bench seats. A view from the redeveloped carpark at the Wearing Street precinct. A rack of red kayaks sits in the carpark alongside the newly redeveloped Wearing Street precinct. A view from a shelter at the newly redeveloped Wearing Street precinct. A view from the green, manicured lawns of the redeveloped Wearing Street precinct. A view from the redeveloped toilet facilities at Wearing Street. A view from the redeveloped aquatic facilities at Port Noarlunga's Wearing Street. A group of elected members, MPs, Kaurna man Karl Telfer and others cut the ribbon to officially open the Wearing Street precinct stage 2 redevelopment.