by Shane Sody

South-east city residents have expressed concern about the state of the $13 million dollar wetlands in the southern part of Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16).

A lack of rain over the past few weeks has shrunk the lagoons. Some of the finishing touches to pathways and stairs still have not been completed, more than eight months after the official opening.

Stephen Meehan says he's very disappointed in the recent state of the wetlands.

Mr Meehan has pointed out that:

• two stairways around the wetlands are both closed due to damage

• the watering system appears to have been incorrectly installed above ground (creating a potential tripping hazard) and seems to have been ineffective because lawn areas have died off; and

• numerous barriers are still blocking pathways, after many months.

"What started out to be a fantastic and welcome addition to Victoria Park, now looks completely unfinished. We walk through the parklands almost daily and we cannot believe the state of disrepair" Mr Meehan says.

"With the first big rain in July, all the lower walkways and bridges were under water and public access was blocked off. These have not yet been re-opened."

APA's joint Park Ambassadors Doug McEvoy and Rose Wight have also expressed some concerns.

The wetlands were officially opened in May 2021. The Brown Hill and Keswick Creeks Stormwater Board has a contractual obligation to maintain the site for the first 12 months, before handing it over to the City of Adelaide later this year.

Project director at the Board, Peta Mantzarapis is preparing a public information sheet about the state of the wetlands.

Ms Mantzarapis says work to fix the problems identified by Mr Meehan is due to commence by the end of January. Signage is being prepared and will go up in the next few weeks.

Dogs v water birds

One issue that might be beyond the control of the Brown Hill and Keswick Creeks Stormwater Board is the behaviour of dogs (and their owners). The City Council has the powers to prescribe where and when dogs should be on-leash.

There have been many reports of large dogs running over newly planted small plants, and chasing water birds. There seems to be a lack of signage to advise dog owners to keep their pets on a lead.

Doug McEvoy says "there's little doubt that out of control dogs will be affecting the breeding behaviour and survival of several of the new bird species that have made their home there (eg ducks, plovers).

Tree canopy

Separately, local residents group 'Reimagine Victoria Park' is hoping to get more canopy trees planted for shade, both around the wetlands and elsewhere in Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16).

APA has backed efforts by the 'Reimagine Victoria Park' group to take up this issue with the City Council.

We hope and expect that after autumn rains, the wetlands will look a lot healthier.

We are offering a Guided Walk in the southern half of Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16) on Sunday 16 April 2023 from 2.00pm to 3.30pm. The Guided Walk will include not only the wetlands but also:

• the area of remnant native grassland, habitat for the rare chequered copper butterfly;

• the South Park Lands Creek; and

• open woodland off Greenhill Road

Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/organisers/6347982efd14efb4c6187387

You can take your own self-guided tour of Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16) at any time, using our Trail Guide on your smartphone or tablet.