Funding promised for Witton Bluff Base Trail between Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga

LOBBYING by local activists has brought completion of the Witton Bluff Base Trail between Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga one step closer.

Christies Beach Business and Tourism Association chairwoman Gail Pounsett and Port Noarlunga Business and Tourism Association chairwoman Jeanette Howell at Witton Bluff. Source: File

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LOBBYING by local activists has brought completion of the Witton Bluff Base Trail one step closer.

Labor MPs Katrine Hildyard and Chris Picton have announced the State Government, if re-elected, would give $2.7 million to complete the 1.37km walking and cycling trail, linking Christies Beach to Port Noarlunga.

Christies Beach Business and Tourism Association president Gail Pounsett said the completed trail was vital for the local economy to boost tourism and increase job opportunities.

“This is something we’ve worked really hard on,” Ms Pounsett said.

“We’re hoping to get some Aboriginal artwork so it can be something interesting and iconic that people want to come and see.”

Port Noarlunga Business and Tourism Association president Jeanette Howell also said jobs were a necessity and activating spots like the coastal trail would strengthen employment opportunities.

“Evidence shows all around Australia where they have a coastal path it boosts their economy through tourism,” Ms Howell said.

She identified the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk in Sydney as a role model. Its sculpture park had proved to be a major attraction — so “we’d like one too”.

Waves pound Witton Bluff. Source: File

Ms Hildyard, as the MP for Reynell, said she and Onkaparinga Council wanted community input on design and execution.

“The community got together around this so I think people will be keen to continue to work together and make it a reality as quickly as possible,“ Ms Hildyard said.

Speaking on behalf of his Kaurna electorate, Mr Picton said the completed path would attract tourism and visitors to the south.

The estimated start and completion times have not been announced.

Reynell candidate for SA Best Jo Mausolf said her party would like the trail to be completed and would research how to accomplish that — but did not specify a monetary amount.

“SA Best will complete the Witton Bluff base track at the earliest opportunity,” Ms Mausolf said. “It’s important that it is (completed).”

Liberal candidates Laura Curran and Simon McMahon could not comment before deadline.  

Onkaparinga’s city operations director Kirk Richardson said as well as the approved budget of $150,000, a further $2.5 million in funding would go towards construction with the approval of elected members as part of the annual budget.