Witton Bluff Base Trail: Local community groups calling for other options
After decades of campaigning, the $5.3 million Witton Bluff Base Trail is one step closer. But now questions have been raised over the plan.
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A southern suburbs community group has raised concerns about the location of the long-awaited Witton Bluff Base Trail.
Nigel Black from the Port Noarlunga Conservation Society told Onkaparinga Council’s October meeting that the group had serious concerns about the implications of a base trail at the bluff.
The majority of trail was built in the 1980s but construction difficulties and the project’s multimillion-dollar price tag has stopped it from being finished.
Mr Black said local residents, members of the research community and local Kaurna leaders were now worried a base trail could create environmental, cultural and safety issues for the community.
“It’s not that we oppose the base trail, first of all there are a lot of issues that come with this and there are also other options,” he said.
“We’ve been part of the project for quite a while and trying to get our concerns heard.
“The issue is, there’s not a full understanding of the implications of this project just yet.”
Mr Black said building a trail at the base of the fragile cliff was dangerous to both the public and the marine ecosystem below.
“Numerous council signs, top and bottom, warn of dangerous rockfall and fragility,” he said.
“Witton Bluff is isolated from human activity, it is a safe haven for colonies of stingrays, Port
Jackson sharks below, and cormorants, kestrels, barn owls, and peregrine falcons above.
“Impacts upon the broader ecosystem is a fundamental concern.
“No design will be able to stop human behaviour from tempting the obvious risks in this
fragile and dangerous space and much of the site is hidden from view.”
In May, the State Government announced it would match Onkaparinga Council’s funding to complete the project.
Plans for the $5.3 million project are currently up for community consultation.
Mr Black said the group was concerned about the “limited consultation process”.
“As stakeholders we expected to be part of the discussion, however, we were never
contacted to attend any meetings,” he said.
A statement was read at the meeting from local Kaurna leader Georgina Williams at the meeting which raised support for a top trail following the road over the bluff, in place of a base trail.
“I do have serious cultural concerns of a spiritual nature with the proposed Witton
Bluff Base Trail which has significance in relation to the Tjirbruki Dreaming tracks,” the statement said.
“I support the ‘Top Trail’ proposal … the bike path should follow the roadside pathway at the top of the cliff.”
The council will consider community feedback on the trail at its November meeting.
Work on the base trail – which will involve the creation of a 1.37 km-long cycling and walking track around the cliff edge – is set to begin in December.
Onkaparinga Council has been contacted for comment.