Hope Valley Reservoir

Dr HARVEY (Newland) (15:23): On 13 December last year, the Marshall Liberal government delivered on our election commitment to open up the Hope Valley Reservoir to the public for the first time in its near 150-year existence, giving residents in our community in the north-east access to a wonderful open green space that everyone can enjoy.

Seeking community input was crucial in designing recreation and public access, and we did this by engaging with the local community through mail-outs to hundreds of residents and doorknocking houses in nearby streets. Following these early engagement activities and two community drop-in sessions, a community reference group was established, giving the community a voice in how we utilise the reservoir.

Eight meetings were held and some key design principles were established, such as the protection of infrastructure and drinking water supplies, creating recreation areas and trails that encourage a healthy lifestyle, managing the privacy of neighbouring properties, and finally, protecting and enhancing the natural environment and wildlife.

I would really like to take this opportunity to thank those members of the community reference group who gave up much of their own time to be involved in this important process. I was quite fortunate to be able to go along and present certificates to thank those members, on behalf of the Minister for Environment and Water, at a sneak peek tour of the reservoir prior to the opening.

After partnering with the community reference group to give the local community an interest in shaping public access and recreation, it was no surprise to see over 2,000 people attend the opening day. The opening event was a fantastic sight. We were able to see hundreds of people on bikes and walking along the paths and along the dam wall. There are fantastic views across the water when you are walking along the 800-metre heritage dam wall.

A number of shelters were constructed along that wall and they provide an opportunity for visitors to rest and take in the fantastic sights. There is also the opportunity to learn a bit about the history of the reserve, with signage and photographs detailing the 150-year history of the reservoir and also the traditional Kaurna owners of the region.

With over 4.9 kilometres of trails that link up with the existing pathways from the O-Bahn bikeway, the Hope Valley Reservoir provides fantastic opportunities for cycling, jogging and walking. Residents are able to explore the eastern and western sides of the reserve or complete a full loop of the reservoir. In fact, I have taken the opportunity to complete that walk a number of times.

I am due to go for a run along there and burn off some of that Christmas cheer. In fact, my youngest daughter, who is seven years old, is describing me as having 'a jolly belly' following Christmas, so I think the reservoir will certainly provide a great opportunity and excuse to get out there and exercise to impress my children. My kids were very impressed by the reservoir. They thoroughly enjoyed the fresh air and being able to walk around and ride their bikes along the tree-lined footpaths. They were able to take in the scenery over the water—and this is all from a spot right in the heart of suburban Adelaide.

Plenty of other facilities have been constructed to enable people to enjoy the reservoir. There are several picnic tables around the reservoir reserve and families and friends are welcome to pack a picnic basket and take in the ambience. Toilet amenities, parking spaces, signage and several entrance and exit points have been built to provide easy access to the reserve. It is certainly fantastic to see what has been created to date, but it is also important to note that this is only the start, with nature play space and fitness equipment to be installed in the not too distant future.

We want people to have an enjoyable experience while ensuring the protection of the water quality is not compromised. I know the Minister for Environment and Water has worked closely with SA Water to ensure that SA Water infrastructure assets are protected, and that operational and maintenance requirements are maintained and coordinated with new public uses.

Indigenous vegetation buffers have been establishing and we have a long-term landscape rehabilitation and tree replacement that will provide more indigenous trees and vegetation for animal habitat. There is certainly the intention to involve volunteer groups and a local friends group in that process as well. This is ultimately about improving the environment within that reserve. With sweeping views over the water and across the Mount Lofty Ranges, the Hope Valley Reservoir is a unique open space for people to be active and enjoy the fresh air and outdoors right in the heart of the north-eastern suburbs.

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