Community engagement was undertaken from the 14 September 2020 to 6 of November 2020.

We wanted to know the community’s main interest in the Port Willunga North Coast Park, their level of support for the concept plan, and if there is anything else we should consider when designing and delivering the project.

The engagement process undertaken provided opportunity for the community to answer those questions, express any concerns and provide ideas to shape the detailed design.

In total 229 respondents answered the online survey, of those who responded 62.9% (144 people) supported the project including 39.8% (91 people) of respondents strongly support the concept plan, followed by 23.1% (53 people) who supported the concept plan. A total of 27.5% (63 people) do not support the project including 17.5% (40 people) of respondents strongly not supporting the concept plan, followed by 10% (23 people) not supporting. 9.6% (22 people) of respondents neither supported or do not support the plan.

The analysis of the comments received through the engagement process identified those supporting the concept did so for environmental and recreation opportunities including;

• increased accessibility for those who use a wheelchair or live with mobility challenges
• protection of the hooded plover
• protection of vegetation and increased revegetation opportunities
• decommissioning of access through the dunes
• protection of cultural sites.

Those not supporting the concept did so for numerous reasons including concerns about the environmental impacts, increased usage, cyclists and beach access being the most predominant comments. Specific issues of concern raised included;

• decommissioning of beach access through the dunes
• increase of tourists/visitors and the flow on impact to local resident’s access to the beach and Port Willunga Township character
• wanting to keep the trail informal, unsealed and narrow
• the width of the path and the path material
• concerns about the visual impact of the project
• potential impact on wildlife and vegetation
• conflict between pedestrian, cyclists, dog walkers on one path
• cyclist usage and speed on the shared path
• leave untouched
• the high cost of the project
• whether the funds would be better spent on other projects.

Cultural considerations were raised by those who supported and did not support, with comments regarding the importance of Kaurna consultation and the importance of protecting cultural sites.

Traffic at Vincent Terrace and the wider area was raised by many in the community who supported and did not support. Concerns included;

• congestion and overflow of parking in summer months in the wider area and concerns
• regarding the impact of additional visitors to the area
• retention of access for residents at Vincent Terrace
• request for traffic management plans to be undertaken
• motorbike access along the cliff tops.

The proposed bridge at Chinaman Gully was raised by those who supported and did not support the concept with concerns about;

Throughout 2023 we continued working with key stakeholders to refine the concept plan.

The feedback has been analysed and will be incorporated into the detailed design. You can review the full engagement report here.