Call for controversial Tennyson coast path to be made from natural materials
Consultation has shown overwhelming support for a coastal path at Tennyson. But the next battle will be what it is made from.
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Environmental groups are lobbying for a controversial coast path from Semaphore Park to Grange be made from natural material and not concrete.
They argue a path made from compressed limestone would be more attractive, better for the environment and safer because cyclists would not be able to reach dangerous speeds.
Carol Crossley, from the Sandpiper Dune Care Group, said she felt the coast should be enjoyed by all and had no problem with the development of a path.
However, she said research found concrete paths shared by walkers and cyclists were dangerous – but because they were not deemed roads, accident statistics were not recorded.
She said her neighbour’s dog was hurt by a speeding cyclist only this week.
“That’s the sort of thing that happens all the time,” Mrs Crossley said.
She said wildlife, such as lizards and birds, which was abundant in the dunes, would be displaced by a concrete path, or would bask on it for warmth and risk getting hurt.
She said a natural path could still be used by cyclists, prams and wheelchairs.
“We’re just trying to get some transparency,” she said.
“If people could see what’s here they would understand what we are trying to do.”
Mrs Crossley gathered a petition on behalf of her group, and the Wild Endangered Dunes Group, calling for the path to be similar to that already running through the Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve.
The petition, signed by 1773 people, was lodged with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure as part of the State Government’s public consultation on the trail.
Nearly 88 per cent of the 649 respondents wanted the project to proceed.
Infrastructure Minister Stephan Knoll said the government appreciated there was a range of views about the future of the coast path, which is why it conducted the survey.
“The impact on the dunes will obviously be a consideration, as well the ability for people living with a disability, cyclists, the elderly and every other South Australian to enjoy this public path on this public land,” Mr Knoll said.
“The vast majority of the coast path is currently a shared use path enjoyed by those living with a disability, cyclists and pedestrians so the argument that it could be more of a safety concern is ridiculous.”
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The coast path plan has been marred by years of delay, caused by opposition from nearby residents and a Supreme Court case in which Charles Sturt Council was found to have undertaken inadequate consultation.
The government last year took control of the project from Charles Sturt under the Linear Parks Act to bring an end to lengthy delays.
The first stage would be built between Third Ave, Semaphore Park, and the Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve.
A second stage would be built south of the dunes, after a separate round of consultation.
So far, $43.3 million has been spent building 45km of the trail – which will eventually become a 70km stretch from North Haven to Sellicks Beach.