Land dispute resolved allowing for Coast Park project path to run through Brighton
ONE of the last unfinished sections of a path along Adelaide’s coastline can now go ahead after the resolution of a long-running North Brighton land dispute.
ONE of the last unfinished sections of a path along Adelaide’s coastline can now go ahead after the resolution of a long-running North Brighton land dispute.
Holdfast Bay Council has released concept plans for the Coast Park project, which runs along the foreshore through land owned by Minda.
It follows the conclusion last month of a stoush between the council and disability support organisation over disputed land on the site of Somerton Surf Life Saving Club.
The 500m path would run from Repton Rd in the north to Gladstone Rd in the south.
The council consulted the community about the draft concept plans in 2015.
However, the project was put on hold while Holdfast Bay and Minda negotiated over land on the site of the Somerton Surf Life Saving Club.
Minda in 2011 discovered that part of the clubroom had been on its land since the 1980s.
A a deal was struck last month, which saw Minda transfer to the council about 160sq m of land that the club’s beachfront clubroom sits on.
Mayor Stephen Patterson said the council would work to ensure it minimised any environmental impact.
“We will be aiming to retain valuable remnant vegetation and habitat, and we will continue to rehabilitate the dune system with indigenous plantings and sensitive weed control,” Mr Patterson said.
The path will feature a mix of exposed concrete and boardwalks.
The council will build a viewing deck and steps down onto the beach, splitting off from the middle section of the main path.
A carpark at the northern end will make way for the path and a timber deck out the front of the surf lifesaving club, to allow for outdoor dining space.
The project was estimated in 2014 to cost $4 million, however the figure could change during the design process.
Holdfast Bay hopes the State Government will pick up the tab for the project’s cost, however maintaining the path would be the council’s responsibility.
Councillor Rosemary Clancy said the community had been crying out for the path for a long time.
“In all my years on council this is the one project that ratepayers ask me about the most,” she said.