State Government and Adelaide Uni sign MOU to establish Glenthorne National Park

NEW areas for kayaking, sailing and fishing in the heart of the southern suburbs are set to become a reality as part of a sprawling new national park in metropolitan Adelaide.

• Libs still considering Cleland Wildlife Park’s redevelopment
• Adelaide Uni flags plans for $750m Glenthorne Farm development

NEW areas for kayaking, sailing and fishing in the heart of the southern suburbs are set to become a reality as a key challenge to create a new national park in metropolitan Adelaide has been overcome.

The State Government and University of Adelaide have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) as part of a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to link several conservation parks and reserves to create a 1500ha national park.

The proposed Glenthorne National Park would combine Glenthorne Farm with O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park, Hallett Cove and Marino conservation parks, Happy Valley Reservoir and Field River Valley.

The MOU, is seen by the two parties as a major step in the transfer of Glenthorne Farm to State Government ownership. It will also pave the way for development of a long-term partnership between the State Government and the university for research on the site.

Environment Minister David Speirs told the Sunday Mail the talks would put an end to any discussion about future housing subdivisions on the Glenthorne site.

Friends of Glenthorne member Rae Campbell with Honey the koala. Picture: Tait Schmaal

For decades, concerns have been raised that the university wants to sell some of the land — handed over from the CSIRO in 1986 — for housing blocks to fund ambitious research projects.

Mr Speirs said the university would be an important partner in realising the vision of Glenthorne National Park which will be a thriving environmental and recreational precinct.

National parks are “areas considered to be of national significance due to wildlife, natural features of the land, or Aboriginal or European heritage” and are protected by an Act of State Parliament.

“Based on community input, it is envisioned the park might include picnic areas, camp grounds, walking and cycling trails, and 200ha of native revegetation, creating an urban forest that will be enjoyed for generations to come,” Mr Speirs said.

An artist's impression of Glenthorne National Park.

“It will also be the base for a southern Adelaide ranger service.”

Friends of Glenthorne member and co-founder of the Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Hospital, Rae Campbell, said the national park would be wonderful for the southern suburbs.

The 73-year-old, who has lived in neighbouring Trott Park for 38 years, said koalas in the region were increasingly becoming victims of the growth of suburbia.

“We have been trying for many years to ensure no housing went to that area,” Mrs Campbell said.

“Now there will be somewhere families can go and learn about nature.”

An Adelaide University spokesman said: “The university welcomes the signing of the MOU and we look forward to working with the State Government on its vision for Glenthorne.”

The spread of Glenthorne National Park.