Myponga Reservoir Reserve reaches 50,000 milestone
MEDIA RELEASE
Myponga Reservoir has officially welcomed the 50,000th visitor through its gates, further highlighting the success of the Marshall Liberal Government’s initiative to open South Australia’s reservoirs for recreational access.
Opened in April 2019, the popular site has seen visitors flocking to explore the reservoir reserve for a range of land-based activities including bushwalking, cycling, picnicking, and fishing.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the milestone proves people are using their feet to show support for the initiative.
“South Australians have been crying out for more large open spaces like Myponga to use for adventure, exercise or a fun day out with the family, and 50,000 visitors within just 18 months is an outstanding result,” Minister Speirs said.
“The flow-on benefits to local businesses has been extremely positive, and we anticipate the continued popularity of Myponga for locals and tourists will provide even further social and economic benefits for years to come.
“People have clearly relished the chance to explore this new space, walk and cycle the more than three kilometre network of trails, or drop a line in the reservoir fishing zone, and we are excited that people will be able to enjoy on-water access for kayaking by early to mid-2021.
“Protecting the health, safety and quality of our drinking water has always been our top priority, and improvements currently being made to the Myponga Water Treatment Plant ensures the thousands of people visiting the site every year will soon be able to safely take in even more of the beautiful scenery.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to improving public access to quality, green open space and our opening reservoirs policy on top of our significant increase in investment in our national parks encourages more South Australians to get out and enjoy our natural environment.”
With a capacity of more than 27 billion litres, water stored in the Myponga Reservoir is treated at the nearby water treatment plant before it is delivered as safe, clean drinking water to thousands of SA Water customers on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Myponga was the first reservoir reserve to open under the Marshall Liberal Government’s plan to allow recreational activities at reservoirs across South Australia, with new activities since being added at South Para, Warren and Bundaleer.
“We have made significant progress on providing access to these amazing locations locked-up for far too long from the South Australian public. We’re not slowing down with works progressing on increasing recreational access and opening other reservoirs across the state,” Minister Speirs said.
Hope Valley Reservoir will by the end of this year and Happy Valley by the end of 2021.
More information is available at www.reservoirs.sa.gov.au
