Mount Bold and Little Para reservoirs next on the agenda
MEDIA RELEASE
A reservoir in Adelaide’s north eastern suburbs and South Australia’s largest reservoir in the Adelaide Hills will be the next two to be open for recreational access under the Marshall Liberal Government’s hugely popular Opening up our Reservoirs policy.
Little Para Reservoir and Mount Bold Reservoir will both be open by the end of the year for land-based recreational activities such as hiking and family picnics.
The Little Para Reservoir will be accessed through Greenwith and provide residents of the north-eastern suburbs with a new space for daily exercise and introduce visitors to the region’s natural beauty.
Mount Bold Reservoir’s opening will see a more than 12-kilometre trail network established for hiking, running and walking, a new lookout and viewing platform with views across the dam wall and Mount Lofty Ranges, and a new car park, toilets and facilities for picnicking.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the Marshall Liberal Government’s Opening up our Reservoirs policy has been hugely popular and opening Little Para and Mount Bold reservoirs will be a significant boost to those local communities.
“We have seen more then 200,000 visitors to reservoirs right across the state and I am pleased to unveil the concept plans for our next two reservoirs to be opened for recreational access,” Minister Speirs said.
“Little Para Reservoir is a hidden gem in the north-eastern suburbs and will offer land-based experiences that suit the terrain and capitalise on the beautiful view towards the dam wall and over the reservoir.
“Construction works will soon get underway and include establishing a trail network and car park, installing fencing and signage, planting native vegetation, and ensuring the sustained protection of important drinking water assets.”
Member for King Paula Luethen said the reservoir reserve will quickly become a popular spot for a walk, run or cycle.
“Many in our community are looking forward to a new place for a weekend stroll or a scenic place to bring visitors and opening Little Para Reservoir will benefit our area for years to come,” Ms Luethen said.
“Activating our green open spaces creates more opportunities for people to enhance their physical health and wellbeing, and Little Para will offer locals and sightseers a new open space to be active and immerse themselves in nature.”
Minister Speirs said Mt Bold Reservoir will be opened for recreational access by the end of the year.
“Unlocking access to the southern section of the reserve enables the new trails to connect with the Kidman and Heysen walking trails, along with the Onkaparinga National Park and Willunga Basin Trail, as well as capturing views over the reservoir and the reserve’s diverse terrain – offering a leisurely stroll, through to a more rigorous hiking experience,” Minister Speirs said.
Member for Heysen Josh Teague said the opening of Mount Bold Reservoir will be warmly welcomed by the local community.
“Already a popular spot among sightseers for views of the state’s largest reservoir, a range of land-based activities will soon be available,” Mr Teague said.
“This will provide more quality open, green space and allow locals and visitors alike to get behind the gates and explore the stunning landscape.
“The Adelaide Hills attract many visitors because of their natural beauty and opening Mount Bold Reservoir for recreational access will only boost these numbers.”
Commissioned in 1979 with a water capacity of 20.9 billion litres, Little Para Reservoir supplies SA Water’s nearby water treatment plant, which provides drinking water to customers in Hillbank and Para Hills, and as far west as Burton.
Completed in 1937, Mount Bold Reservoir was built to increase the water supply for metropolitan Adelaide during a period of rapid growth, functioning as a storage for water which is diverted to Happy Valley Reservoir.
Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve will open for fishing, kayaking, walking, and cycling in December 2021.
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.
