$4.7m Port Noarlunga riverbank plan approved — but sacred Kaurna trees face the axe
The $4.7 million plan to transform Port Noarlunga’s riverbank — but sacred trees will be on the chopping block in order to put up a parking lot.
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A concept plan of a $4.7 million transformation of the riverbank at Port Noarlunga has been approved by Onkaparinga Council – despite it potentially resulting in a grove of culturally significant trees being chopped down.
At a recent committee meeting, the council agreed to seek permission from Premier Steven Marshall (as Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation minister) to “potentially disturb” Aboriginal sites on Wearing St – including a grove of sacred swamp oak trees – to develop land facing onto the Onkaparinga River.
The riverbank is known to be significant in Kaurna culture due to its proximity to the Onkaparinga River and Tjilbruke Dreaming track, which extends from Kingston Park to Rapid Bay.
The trees were identified as an Aboriginal site during a cultural heritage survey last year.
The Natural Resource Management board has deemed swamp oaks a declared species because they spread extensively and push out native plants.
According to the concept plan, the site – which is home to the Onkaparinga Canoe Club, the Port Noarlunga Aquatic Centre and the South Port Surf Life Saving Club – would feature new storage and training areas for the clubs, upgraded shelters and toilets on the riverbank, a large lawn area for community events and new parking spaces.
As the new lawn area will reduce the size of the existing car park, the council was initially planning to remove the trees, which are on the corner of Wearing and Mann streets, and build a car park.
However, due to the Kaurna connection, the council is now seeking advice from Mr Marshall on the significance of the trees before deciding how it will use the site.
Should the trees be able to be removed, a car park remains an option.
Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson said the council was aware of the riverbank’s cultural significance.
“(We) are seeking state government direction on our approach to this area,” Ms Thompson said.
“(Swamp oaks) are a declared species; council and the state government have a responsibility to manage them, however, we are also aware of cultural sensitivities.”
The council attempted to consult with the Kaurna Nation Cultural Heritage Association (KNCHA) on the plans, however, the organisation was not prepared to provide input on the concept plan.
The council will continue to liaise with KNCHA on the project.
If approval from Mr Marshall is granted, the project would then progress to developing a detailed design of the precinct.
The development is being co-funded by the council and the clubs, through State Government grants and their own fundraising, and construction is subject to that money being received.
Work is expected to begin in early 2021.
The Kaurna Nation Cultural Heritage Association was contacted for comment.