Work gets started on opening Happy Valley Reservoir

MEDIA RELEASE

Construction of Happy Valley Reservoir’s 20-kilometre trail network, car parks and a range of visitor facilities is now underway, ahead of the site’s highly-anticipated opening on 11 December this year.

For the first time in more than 120 years, the community will be able to kayak, fish, picnic, ride and run when the reservoir in Adelaide’s south opens for recreational access – enabled by the Marshall Liberal Government’s landmark initiative to open reservoirs for all South Australians to enjoy.

Little Para Reservoir in the north eastern suburbs and Mount Bold Reservoir in the Adelaide Hills are also on track to be open by the end of the year.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said crews had hit the ground running to create Happy Valley’s walking trails and visitor nodes with up to 30 full-time jobs being created.

“Our crews are busy establishing the facilities and trails that will be enjoyed by thousands of South Australians from later this year with the construction work to deliver recreational access at Happy Valley also supporting local jobs,” Minister Speirs said.

“The new amenities will include two kayak launch areas, car parks with trailer and kayak drop-off facilities, picnic settings and shelters, and a boardwalk jetty and lookout offering stunning views over the water.

“The site’s 20 kilometres of trails will take people along the water’s edge, through a pine forest, native flora and open grassy areas, which can be travelled on foot or on your mountain bikes and be ready to explore in time for a bumper summer holiday period.

“Adventure, family fun and environmental preservation underpin a wonderful nature experience at Happy Valley – situated right in the heart of metropolitan Adelaide and part of our once in a generation Glenthorne National Park precinct.

“Adelaide has been recognised as the third most liveable city in the world and this beautiful green, open space will further enhance this reputation.”

Member for Davenport Steve Murray said the opening of Happy Valley Reservoir will be a significant boost for Adelaide’s southern suburbs.

“The opening of Happy Valley Reservoir has been eagerly anticipated by the local community and this will transform the region into a must-visit destination,” Mr Murray said.

“This will unlock vast amounts of green, open space for recreation in the heart of the southern suburbs which will deliver social and economic benefits to our area.

“We have already seen how popular and successful Glenthorne National Park has been since that opened to the public and Happy Valley Reservoir will build on this.”

Minister Speirs said Happy Valley’s master plan, which was first unveiled earlier in April this year, was developed as part of a community-led design.

“Our Opening up our Reservoirs policy has been a massive success, with more than a quarter of a million people visiting our reservoirs since we first opened Myponga only a couple of years ago,” Minister Speirs said.

“This has huge positive flow on effects for our local communities with more people visiting and spending money in the region which supports local businesses and creates jobs.

“Myponga is a fantastic example of this with a new café and a new kayak hire business starting since we opened the gates to the reservoir which has transformed the town from a drive through place to a drive to destination.

“I have no doubt it will be much of the same once the gates are opened to Happy Valley, and with recreational access also coming to Little Para and Mount Bold reservoir reserves by the end of the year, it will be an exciting time for South Australians to get exploring.”

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.