WATERFALL GULLY TO MOUNT LOFTY WALKING TRAIL

Mr BIGNELL (Mawson) (14:35): Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation. What significant improvements have been made to enhance public enjoyment of the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty walking trail?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:35): Thank you very much Madam Speaker, and I thank the member for Mawson for his question and acknowledge that he has walked those trails quite often and, despite his request for me to put escalators in, I am not going to do that, Madam Speaker.

The Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty walking trail within Cleland Conservation Park is the most popular trail in the Mount Lofty Ranges and attracts approximately 400,000 users every year although, when I was up there this morning, they suggested it is a higher figure than that—but, at the very least, 400,000 users every year.

Today, Madam Speaker, I am pleased to advise members that a $1.2 million upgrade of this popular trail has recently been completed, and in doing so, delivered improved safety and amenities for users. The trail has been upgraded over the last three years in two stages to enable the trail to be kept open for the duration of the works, and to accommodate access for users.

The upgrade is central to the Cleland Conservation Park Trail Master Plan, which aims to create a sustainable trail system that provides a range of walking experiences for people of all ages and levels of fitness, which have minimal impact on the environment. I went to some months ago with the Leader of the Opposition for a walk across these trails, and for a—

The Hon. J.W. Weatherill interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: I beg your pardon? I mean, I'm an older person; I struggled a little bit, you know. I am not as fit as I used to be, but for someone of—

The Hon. J.D. Hill: Stop smoking then.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Yes, well, Madam Speaker, you lead with your chin and that's what happens! But certainly, of somewhat of a similar vintage the Leader of the Opposition did very well with respect to that walk there. But I can also say, too, that we could do that walk a lot quicker now because of the work that has been undertaken there, which in turn makes it far safer than it previously was.

The trail's new textured surface will reduce slipping and hazards for walkers, and improved drainage will reduce the chance of erosion and sediment run-off into the surrounding environment. The trail crossing on Summit Road has also significantly changed to improve the safety of users crossing the road, and additional seating has been installed along the trail for people (like me) to rest and take in the beautiful views across Adelaide.

As part of the upgrade, new trail markers have been installed. These trail markers are to encourage users to explore the diverse range of other wonderful walks available from within the park. Madam Speaker, I am also pleased that a new area that is safe for children to play—and it is extremely safe for children to play and explore—has also been created between the first and second falls as part of this upgrade.

The trail upgrade has incorporated newer design for trail construction to attain sustainability for the surrounding area, and this includes using predominantly recycled or sustainably harvested material to reduce the impact on the local vegetation. The work will also reduce the annual maintenance costs associated with managing the trail.

With such a high volume of people using parts of the trail every year, it was important to improve its safety and sustainability for the benefit of both users and the environment. This government is committed to ensuring our parks are accessible and enjoyed by people of all ages, while also ensuring that the conservation values of our parks are maintained.