Latest Update

Witton Bluff Base Trail Project Gets Green Light

At its meeting on September 19, 2023, the Council officially approved the continuation of the Witton Bluff Base Trail project.

We are pleased to have this clarity to move forward and make this project a reality for our community.

We want to express our gratitude for the community's enduring patience and unwavering support for this project.

Work on the project will now recommence, and we'll keep you informed about the expected timeline as soon as we've finalised the schedule.


Previous Update

Witton Bluff Base Trail back on track following state government decision

A long-awaited shared-use path linking the foreshores of Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach is back on track, after the Deputy Premier, as delegate for the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs granted authorisation under Section 23 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 (SA) for the project.

Council has worked with the local community and all tiers of government to deliver the Witton Bluff Base Trail—part of the state government’s vision for a shared-use coastal path across Greater Adelaide—for many years.

In 2020 the state government matched council’s $2.65 million commitment to the trail, but the project stalled in 2021 when Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, the state government’s lead Aboriginal affairs agency advised Council to seek authorisation under Section 23 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.

Ensuring the coastal environment thrives and respecting Aboriginal heritage have been non-negotiables throughout the planning processes for the Witton Bluff Base Trail. These state government approvals are important but have taken considerably longer than anticipated, delaying the project. We will now work with the state government to discuss the significant increase in costs that have occurred over the past two years while council has been waiting for these decisions.

Thanks to all the residents, community groups and businesses that have been calling for this trail for your patience.

We would also like to acknowledge the advocacy of local state MPs, Hon Chris Picton, Hon Katrine Hildyard and federal MP, Hon Amanda Rishworth.

We will now continue to work with the local Kaurna community and the state government on the next steps to see it come to fruition, linking these two iconic beaches and ensuring the project is carried out in a culturally appropriate way.

Project Background

The Witton Bluff Base Trail (WBBT), a 1.37km section of accessible pathway around Witton Bluff, between the foreshore at Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga forms part of the State Government’s Coast Park initiative and the City of Onkaparinga’s Coast Park Plan 2019.

The proposal reinforces the State Government’s Coast Park vision to enhance open space linkages and ensure safe, accessible and convenient access for pedestrians and cyclists. The Coast Park Plan identifies and prioritises segments along the City’s coast yet to be completed and the Witton Bluff Base Trail is the remaining link for a continuous coastal pathway from O’Sullivan’s Beach to Moana.

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