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.