Labor promises to spend $1m to link Minkarra walking trails in Happy Valley

Labor says it will link two popular walking trails in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, providing a safe route for families and cyclists that has been “decades in the making”.

Walkers, joggers and cyclists can look forward to stretching their legs on a longer trail in the southern suburbs, linking Glenthorne National Park and Minkarra Park with views of the newly opened Happy Valley Reservoir, if Labor wins the state election.

Labor has pledged $1m to complete the final stage in the Minkarra Park master plan, linking northern and southern trails, in partnership with Onkaparinga council.

Labor’s environment spokeswoman Susan Close said trail users currently stepped out on to a busy road (Happy Valley Drive) or took their chances dodging golf balls by cutting through the Flagstaff Hill Golf Course.

“The investment in this project will provide a unique drawcard in the southern suburbs,” she said, providing a safe environment for users to “immerse themselves in nature”.

Map showing the proposed additional walking track linking two existing tracks to complete the Minkarra Park trail. Picture: Supplied.

Labor candidate for Davenport Erin Thompson said the “much anticipated” completion of the continuous 4km trail had been in the works for two decades.

“The opening of the Happy Valley Reservoir has provided the perfect time to finish the Minkarra Park-Happy Valley Central Link trail and deliver on the promise of a combined dynamic natural environmental in nature recreational precinct,” she said.

“The trail will be a regional gem, providing a unique experience linking the reservoir to existing trails through red and blue gums – all enhancing community’s natural beauty.

“Runners, young families, and keen cyclists will all be able to enjoy the Minkarra Park-Happy Valley Central Link trail.”

Natasha Drury of Morphett Vale with her daughter Briella, 8, and son Harley walking on the Minkarra Trail at Flagstaff Hill. Picture: Brenton Edwards

The trail is expected to consist of a 2.5m wide multi-use path and boardwalk with protective fencing along land privately owned by the golf club.

Natasha Drury of Morphett Vale said she often took her children Harley, 10 and daughter Briella, 8, to Minkarra Park because her son really enjoyed the skate ramp, but they also liked spending time in nature.

“Having that extra walking trail would be good, so if you’re going for a long hike you’d to be able to go all the way and then with the reservoir opening up as well, people who want to go on long walks can explore the whole place,” she said.

Originally published as Labor promises to spend $1m to link Minkarra walking trails in Happy Valley