by Shane Sody

The new $13 million, 3.2 hectare wetland in the southern part of Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16) has been officially opened.

The wetlands, the largest earth-moving project within your Adelaide Park Lands for 60 years, has been under construction for more than a year.

The project has accomplished multiple goals. It is primarily intended as a flood migitation measure to protect near-city southern suburbs such as Goodwood, Wayville and Unley from the risks of flooding. However, it has also resulted in a beautiful urban environment - one which willl increase biodiversity and will be greatly appreciated by Adelaide residents and visitors alike.

The project was jointly funded by State and Local governments. Five local governments (the Cities of Adelaide, Burnside, Mitcham, Unley and West Torrens) contributed 50% while the State Government (through the Stormwater Management Authority) contributed the other 50%.

Project director Peta Mantzarapis says, “This wetland is a key part of South Australia’s flood mitigation system and will provide greater protection for properties and critical infrastructure in the event of a major flood.

“We have seen the devastating damage that can be caused by flooding which occurred interstate in recent months.

Fronting the cameras at the official opening on Friday 6 May 2022, from left: Federal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham, Chair of the Brown Hill and Keswick Creeks Stormwater Board Judith Choate, and Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Susan Close.

Ms Mantzarapis continued: “The Victoria Park wetland will deliver a range of environmental and community benefits such as improved water quality to downstream areas and receiving waters of Gulf St Vincent, enhanced biodiversity, and amenity for park users on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.”

The wetland was one of the stops on APA’s Guided Walk on Sunday 15 May 2022. Despite light showers on the day, most of the 38 participants were impressed with Adelaide’s newest Park Lands feature.

The series of lakes that make up the wetlands stretch almost across the entire width of Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16), from Beaumont Road in the west, almost to Fullarton Road in the east.

Read more about the project here: https://bhkcstormwater.com.au/stormwater-management-in-the-south-park-lands/

If you are coming to visit the wetlands, take some more time to explore the rest of Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16) using our Trail Guide. A full tour on the route of our Trail Guide takes in 16 different sites, and will take up to two hours.