Charles Sturt Council and CEPG resolve court battle allowing Tennyson Dunes path to proceed

A Supreme Court battle has been resolved, paving the way for work to begin on the controversial Tennyson Dunes coastal path.

Work on the long-awaited coastal path from Semaphore Park to Grange – through Tennyson – can now proceed. Picture: Matt Turner

The controversial Tennyson Dunes coastal path project has moved a step closer after Charles Sturt Council has resolved its court action with the Coastal Ecology Protection Group.

A Supreme Court battle between the council and the CEPG was vacated on December 14 after the matter was resolved in an in-chamber hearing on December 11.

The group originally brought the civil proceedings against Charles Sturt to challenge its consultation process on the coastal path, which is planned to go from Semaphore Park to Grange.

At the in-chamber hearing, the CEPG agreed to consent to judgment being entered in the council’s favour, while council agreed to a $77,500 payment to the group.

With the court action resolved, construction can now start in early 2021 on stage one of the project – the northern section which involves establishing a Linear Park between Third Ave, Semaphore Park, to the edge of Wara Wayingga-Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve.

Work on the long-awaited coastal path from Semaphore Park to Grange – through Tennyson – can now proceed. Picture: Matt Turner

The State Government will then begin consultation on the design and alignment of the southern section of the path, between the edge of Wara Wayingga-Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve to Terminus Street, Grange.

This consultation is expected to begin in March next year.

Once complete, the work will provide an unbroken 70km coastal path between North Haven and Sellicks Beach.

Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans said the negotiated settlement was in the best interests of the Charles Sturt community.

“We have spent the last decade upgrading and delivering many kilometres of the Coast Park across our coastline and are excited for the remaining sections to be established in 2021,” she said.

An artist’s impression of planned coast path at Sandpiper Place. Picture: Supplied

“The settlement with CEPG enables the Linear Park to be built for all members of our Charles Sturt and wider Adelaide communities to use as a beautiful connector across our coast. Accessible for young kids, those with prams, wheelchair/mobility aid users, cyclists and everyone in between, this shared path will enable access and connection and will showcase the unique and special environment we call home.”

A CEPG spokeswoman said the court action was brought about due to concerns the group had with the council’s public consultation policies.

“We welcome the settlement and will continue to work with State Government and the council to achieve fair and environmentally sound outcomes along the coast,” she said.