Breakout Creek project to rejuvenate the west reaches major milestone

The end is in sight for the completion of the 30-year, $12 million Breakout Creek redevelopment that is set to rejuvenate the west.

Art installations, viewing platforms, picnic shelters and wheelchair accessible river crossings are all part of the final designs to complete a 30-year, $12 million redevelopment of Breakout Creek in Adelaide’s west.

Breakout Creek along the River Torrens is being transformed from an artificial channel into a more natural flowing and healthy creek.

The entire redevelopment stretches from Tapleys Hill Road in Lockleys to the Torrens Outlet in West Beach, covering 2.7 kilometres of river.

Concept image of Breakout Creek. Picture: Supplied

The stage three redevelopment is the longest stretch at 1.5 km.

Environment and Water Minister, David Speirs said the final design was released after extensive consultation with the community.

“The Breakout Creek project will see 15 hectares of public land unlocked for community use, while delivering significant environmental benefits including improved water quality and wildlife habitat and support job creation,” Mr Speirs said.

“The project will include wetlands, fishways, pedestrian bridges and paths, land and water revegetation and lighting upgrades.

“The previous two stages of the project stretch from east of Henley Beach Road down to Tapleys Hill Road and involved widening and deepening the channel, removing weeds and planting 200,000 native species.”

Breakout Creek Stage 3 designs. Supplied: Green Adelaide

Green Adelaide Chair Professor Chris Daniels said the release of the final design is an enormous project milestone.

“In the 1930s this section of the River Torrens, which connects the river (freshwater) and the sea (salt water), was designed as a drainage channel, so it’s exciting to see it opened up for wider community use and for our rare and endangered species,” Prof Daniels said.

“It’s a place for people to connect with nature, allowing them to learn more about the site’s biodiversity and get closer to the water through viewing decks and boardwalks.”

Construction will begin in spring this year.