$2.7m announced to finish Witton Bluff trail

After more than 20 years, the Witton Bluff base trail between Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga may finally be finished after Labor commits $2.7 million to the project.

Witton Bluff between Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach. Picture: Supplied.

• Funding promised for Witton Bluff if Labor wins state election
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• Push for Onkaparinga Council to finish coastal path at Witton Bluff

The Witton Bluff base trail might finally be completed.

Federal Labor MP for Kingston Amanda Rishworth has promised $2.7 million to complete the coastal trail between Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga, if Labor wins government at the upcoming federal election.

More than 1000 residents have signed an online petition on Ms Rishworth’s website calling for the walking and cycling path to be completed.

And the Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga Business and Tourism Associations have been pushing for the path to be built for years.

“Local residents and businesses have been fighting for the completion of the Witton Bluff base trail,” Ms Rishworth said.

“If completed, it will provide local residents and tourists with better access to this stunning section of Adelaide coastline.

“The trail will improve connectivity between the Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga business precincts and unlock economic potential for the two communities.”

Amanda Rishworth with members of the Port Noarlunga Business and Tourism Association with Witton Bluff in the background. Picture: Supplied.

Most of the 1.2km trail, which runs along the cliff edge between the two suburbs, was built in the 1980s.

However, because of construction challenges, a 300m stretch was never finished.

Once completed, the trail would form part of the 70km coast park from Sellicks Beach to North Haven.

Last year, Onkaparinga Council committed $2.65 million for the design and construction of the trail on the condition it secured matching funding from either the State or Federal Government.

Onkaparinga councillor Bill Jamieson, who has fought for the trail to be completed for more than 20 years, said it would be “incredible” if the path was finally finished.

“We got it up at council but the condition was that the other half comes from the government,” Mr Jamieson said.

“It would be the making of this area and put us on the map.

“It would be something we could all be proud of.”

Christies Beach Business and Tourism Association chairwoman Katie Toop said completing the trail was a “no-brainer”.

“It’s an example of the community coming together and doing a wonderful thing for the area,” Ms Toop said.

“It will be a drawcard for Christies Beach and a lovely extension of what Beach Rd already offers.”