Published on 02 August 2022

Millions for Onkaparinga projects following elections

Dozens of projects across Onkaparinga will now go ahead following funding commitments from the recent state and federal government elections. 

The recently elected state government committed more than $23 million in funding towards 33 projects (see list below), after the City of Onkaparinga advocated for the majority of these as part of its Advocacy Plan. 

At last month’s meeting, Council approved a funding contribution to four of these projects that required more funds to proceed, which is in addition to funding council is already providing for a number of other projects on the list in 2022-23.

The state government election funding commitments adds to millions in funding headed to the City of Onkaparinga, which was committed in the lead-up to the federal government election (see list below).

City of Onkaparinga Acting Mayor Simon McMahon called it a massive win for the community. 

“Soon you’ll be able to enjoy upgrades to sporting facilities, rec centres, libraries, community centres, walking trails, open space, playgrounds… in fact 33 new projects coming right here to the City of Onkaparinga as part of our fierce advocacy campaign during the state and federal elections,” he said. 

“Applying and advocating for funding through the state and federal government are key ways council can bring forward key projects without affecting rates.” 

The grant funding agreements from the state government’s election commitments require projects to be delivered by 30 June 2024, with some of the smaller projects to be delivered by 30 June 2023. 

Council assumes responsibility for planning, design and construction of many of the projects in consultation with the community. 

The election commitment projects add to 55 projects council has already secured funding for through the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program in recent years, and council’s regular annual capital works program. 

State government election commitment funding 

• Aberfoyle Community Centre upgrade - $1,500,000 
• Aldinga Sports Park unisex changerooms - $825,000
• Aldinga to Willunga Cycleway - $3,000,000  
• All Saints Catholic School pedestrian crossing - $57,000 
• Beach Road, Christies Beach upgrades - $500,000 
• Community artwork and murals at Christies Beach and O’Sullivan Beach - $500,000 
• Happy Valley Sports Park upgrades - $1,000,000 for two new changerooms, bowling club toilet upgrade and new cricket nets
• Hub Gymnastics upgrade at Paul Murray Recreation Centre - $3,000,000 
• Hub Library access upgrade - $250,000 
• Link path, Minkarra Park to Happy Valley - $1,000,000 
• McLaren Flat Community Club upgrade - $50,000 
• McLaren Vale BMX track improvements - $20,000 
• McLaren Vale Football and Cricket Club oval irrigation - $105,000 
• Minor improvement works at Maslin Beach Community Hall - $50,000 
• Morphett Vale Bowling Club upgrades - $322,500 
• Morphett Vale Memorial Sports Complex upgrades - $350,000 
• Multi-use sports and athletic park at Knox Park, Morphett Vale - $1,100,000 
• New small dog park at Minkarra Dog Park - $150,000 
• Noarlunga United Soccer clubrooms - $1,000,000 
• Old Noarlunga oval changerooms - $900,000 
• Path to link Tatachilla Lutheran College to McLaren Vale - $1,000,000 
• Reynella Sports and Social Club upgrades - $570,000
• Road safety intersection upgrades at McLaren Vale - $4,200,000 
• School crossing upgrade at South Port Primary School - $78,000 
• Seaford Netball Club facility - $350,000 
• Serpentine Reserve upgrades, O’Halloran Hill - $300,000 
• Skate park at Aldinga Sports Park - $1,300,000 
• Wilfred Taylor Reserve accessible play equipment - $100,000 
• Willunga BMX track upgrade - $20,000 
• Woodcroft dog park construction (cnr Bains Rd and Investigator Drv) - $500,000 

Federal government election commitment funding* 

• Revitalisation of the Onkaparinga River and its tributaries, and Pedler Creek - $5,000,000 
• Karingal Reserve upgrade, Port Noarlunga South including nature/challenge play spaces, public fitness equipment, shelters, picnic tables, BBQs, increased tree canopy and garden beds - $500,000 
• Nature play space at Hackham West Community Centre - $5,000

*Council has not yet been formally approached to discuss the federal government’s intended approach to these projects but expects to work with them to confirm the details and timing of this in the months ahead.

Pictured

An aerial view of Tatachilla Lutheran College, which will be linked by path to McLaren Vale. Photo by Tatachilla Old Scholar, Ryan Locke