Little Para Reservoir now open to explore

MEDIA RELEASE

Little Para Reservoir in Adelaide’s north eastern suburbs is latest to open for recreational access as part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s landmark initiative to open the state’s reservoirs.

Following Hope Valley in December last year, Little Para becomes the second reservoir reserve to open in metropolitan Adelaide, offering a range of land-based activities including bike riding, walking, running and picnicking from today.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the site provides a new green, open space for local residents and sightseers to enjoy their daily exercise.

“We’re excited to add Little Para to the growing list of reservoir reserves now open to explore, providing locals with an open space offering land-based experiences and beautiful views over the reservoir and surrounding hills at the new lookout,” Minister Speirs said.

Member for King Paula Luethen said Little Para’s location on the fringe of suburbia made it the perfect nature escape for local residents and families.

“Today’s opening will benefit our community, with yet another green open space made available for people to enjoy a walk, cycle or picnic. The site’s three kilometres of trails make it a wonderful spot to immerse yourself in nature and take in the most sensational views. A second stage of opening to make this location even more accessible will happen in the future and I encourage locals to contact me to register for future updates,” Ms Luethen said.

Minister Speirs said the facilities provided in Little Para Reservoir have been designed to add value for the local community, building on existing recreational opportunities in the adjoining area.

“The new visitor facilities in Little Para Reservoir Reserve add to the existing recreation offerings in the area, and our expectation is that this reserve will be most predominantly enjoyed by people living within a short bike ride or walking distance,” Minister Speirs said.

“We encourage all people in the north and north east who like spending time in nature to also consider visiting other nearby reservoirs reserves that have been designed to cater for higher visitor numbers and a greater range of activities, such as Hope Valley Reservoir, and the Warren and South Para Reservoirs reserves.

“Our reservoir reserves have already welcomed more than 270,000 visitors since the gates to Myponga first opened in April 2019, and with warmer weather around the corner, I’m confident Little Para will be enjoyed by the local community as people look to enjoy the great outdoors.”

It’s a busy weekend for the state’s reservoirs, with the sold-out Reservoir Outdoor Adventure Race – a recipient of funding through SA Water’s Reservoirs Partnership Program – also taking place at Warren Reservoir Reserve.

Minister Speirs said the triathlon was the first event of its kind at one of South Australia’s reservoir reserves.

“An event such as this triathlon is exactly the type of evolution we hoped to see when we launched the Marshall Liberal Government’s Opening up our Reservoirs policy,” Minister Speirs said.

“The fact this event sold out more than two weeks prior is a clear indication of South Australians’ appetite for more green, open spaces, and our vision for these previously untapped resources is enabling local communities to create new ways of enjoying them.

“Excitingly, there’s even more to come before the end of the year, with Mount Bold and Happy Valley soon opening to the public and Barossa Reservoir currently receiving new visitor facilities such as pathways, more green spaces and improved car parking and access ramps.

“Under the former Labor Government these sites were locked up and hidden away from the public and I am worried if they were to return to government they’d close them again.”

More information about recreational access at South Australia’s reservoir reserves – including conditions of entry – can be found at www.reservoirs.sa.gov.au

Bundaleer, Myponga, South Para and Warren reservoir reserves are open for fishing, kayaking, walking, and cycling. Beetaloo Reservoir Reserve is open for fishing and picnicking. Hope Valley Reservoir Reserve is open for land-based activities including walking, running, cycling, and picnicking. Happy Valley and Mt Bold Reservoirs will open in December 2021. New visitor faciltiies at Barossa Reservoir will be completed in December 2021.