Construction work has started at the western end of the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari to transform it into a new community space and a healthier, more natural creek.
Work is underway on the third and final stage of redevelopment that involves revitalising the longest stretch of river and banks at 1.5 kilometres from Tapleys Hill Road to the sea.
Green Adelaide water engineer Dr Nadine Kelly said that once completed, this part of the River Torrens known as Breakout Creek will not only become a better community space, it will also create a healthier habitat for threatened fish and bird species and improve the water quality of the river.
“The project will create a new habitat for plants and animals as well as new wetlands that will improve the water quality of the river by filtering stormwater before it enters the river system,” Dr Kelly said.
“We are opening up 15 hectares of currently fenced-off land, for the community to enjoy, removing weeds and planting 215,000 new native plants.
“You will also see new accessible paths and river crossings, as well as a boardwalk, viewing decks, picnic areas, upgraded lighting for pedestrians, cyclists and maintenance vehicles.”
The revamped Breakout Creek will also include places to learn about Kaurna culture and history, and a designated area for horses along the river for the local horse riding club.
Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2023. There may be public access restrictions in the area during the works for the safety of the community.
The entire Breakout Creek redevelopment has been a 30-year environmental project, transforming a total of 2.7 kilometres of river stretching from upstream of Henley Beach Road to the Torrens Outlet at West Beach.
For further information on the project including the artist’s impressions and final designs visit the Breakout Creek page.
The project is a $12 million partnership between Green Adelaide, the City of Charles Sturt, the City of West Torrens, the South Australian Attorney-General’s Department through the Planning and Development Fund, the Australian Government ($2 million from the Environment Restoration Fund) and SA Water. The project is committed to working with the Traditional Owners of the Adelaide plains, the Kaurna people.