RIVER TORRENS LINEAR PARK

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (14:58): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Urban Development and Planning a question about the River Torrens Linear Park.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA: The safety of the River Torrens Linear Park has come under question since the tragic death of two young babies. From these unfortunate deaths arose calls from the public for improved safety along the trail either side of the River Torrens. Will the minister advise the council on any plans that the state government has for improving pubic safety within the River Torrens Linear Park?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (14:59): I thank the honourable member for his question. Like all members, I was saddened to hear of the tragic drowning of 10 month old Gracie Walkley and five month old Leonardo Legrand.

These deaths, just six months apart, within the River Torrens Linear Park, promoted the state government and the Local Government Association to order an immediate safety assessment by a consulting firm. The consultant's report identifies key deficiencies along the 70 kilometres of trail on both sides of the River Torrens from the hills to the sea. Having identified those risks, the state government, the LGA and the nine councils that the park traverses have asked the Public Space Advisory Committee, which is chaired by Martyn Evans, to report back as soon as possible on three key issues. These issues comprise:

agreements that clarify responsibilities for the trail and the park;

clear funding regimes for priority upgrading work on the trail and the park and for future maintenance and insurance arrangements; and

a linear park local action plan to reflect the natural environment of the trail and the park, with consistency of paths and signage across council boundaries.

The state government has not been sitting idle while waiting for the outcome of the safety assessment. Work continues on improving and maintaining the linear park, with the recent completion of the Seaview Road underpass at Henley Beach South, where the Torrens River meets the sea. The government has also helped fund upgrading and improvements to the section that runs through Underdale, a section of the park that would have been lost to the public if the opposition had had its way.

The safety assessment of the entire 35 kilometre length of the River Torrens Linear Park and its 70 kilometres of trail on either side of the river is an important first step in identifying risk to public safety. The Rann Labor government acted in 2006 to ensure that linear park land cannot be sold, yet responsibility for the capital maintenance on the trail remains unclear. However, once the Public Space Advisory Committee has prioritised the work required to upgrade safety, the state government has the financial capacity to assist local governments in meeting these priorities. There will be some shared costs, but some of those funds could be met through the Planning and Development Fund. So far, the Planning and Development Fund has approved funding for more than $34 million in projects for open space and Places for People initiatives during the course of this government, some of which have included work on the River Torrens Linear Park.

As you may be aware, Mr President, the River Torrens linear trail runs from Paradise in Adelaide's north-east to the seaside suburb of Henley Beach. During that trek, the river winds through nine councils, namely, Charles Sturt, West Torrens, Adelaide City, Walkerville, Norwood, St Peters and Payneham, Port Adelaide-Enfield, Campbelltown, Tea Tree Gully, and Adelaide Hills.

While the state government has overall responsibility for the linear park, local councils have direct responsibility for care and control, and they have continued to maintain this internationally-renowned, uniquely South Australia public asset. We are grateful for this, but it is time to put in place some clear strategies and responsibilities for the linear park's management. More work is now being done to ensure material gathered during last year's safety assessment is provided to all nine councils and the state government to assist in the preparation of an action plan.

However, no matter what we do to improve some of the safety measures along the trail, there is one thing that must not be forgotten: a river is an inherently dangerous place. We as governments, state and local, can work together to reduce the dangers. However, if we are to retain the beauty and natural landscape of the park, the fact is that it remains a watercourse with two banks sloping down to the river.