State Government matches Onkaparinga Council funding for $5.3m Witton Bluff Base Trail
Work started on the Witton Bluff base trail in the 1980s. Decades later, the project will finally be complete, thanks to a State Government cash injection.
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After decades of waiting, the construction of Witton Bluff Base Trail will finally be complete.
The announcement earlier this week that the State Government would match Onkaparinga Council’s $2.65 million commitment ends years of community calls for the pathway linking Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga to be finished.
Work on the $5.3 million project – which will involve the creation of a 1.37km-long cycling and walking track around the cliff edge – will start in December.
The Witton Bluff Base Trail Committee formed as part of the community campaign for the trail’s completion.
“We are over the moon that we finally have funding and the base trail is back on track,” committee member Natalie Sanderson said.
“The economic and social benefits of the path speak for themselves.”
Most of the trail was built in the 1980s. However, construction difficulties and the project’s multi-million dollar price tag stopped it from being finished.
Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson said the council had been working with the local community and all tiers of government for “many years” to deliver the project.
“Thank you and congratulations to everyone involved,” Ms Thompson said.
“We look forward to working with the State Government to make this iconic project a reality.”
Once complete, the trail will form part of the 70km coast park from Sellicks Beach to North Haven.
“Improving access, facilities and reserves along our coastline generates significant community benefit, as well as stimulating economic development and protecting our natural environment,” Ms Thompson said.
Local business and tourism associations had spent years pushing for the path to be built, saying it would boost visitor numbers and increase job opportunities.
Christies Beach Business and Tourism Association chairwoman Reyes Beard said her group was delighted the trail would be completed.
“It’s an integral part in joining Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga as the sister cities that they are,” Mrs Beard said.
“It will hopefully bring a lot of foot traffic back to Beach Rd, which is something that’s been sorely missed over the years.”