River Torrens

In reply to the Hon. S.G. WADE (25 March 2015).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change): The Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation has received this advice:

1. The water quality of the River Torrens is monitored by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, in partnership with the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board.

Historically, the River Torrens would have regularly been dry throughout summer, leaving far fewer water points of lower quality along its river bed. Wildlife is quite able to utilise these lower quality water supplies.

2. Water is released for short periods, several times during summer, as part of improving the river water quality. These releases are triggered by the water quality monitoring and are aimed keeping the river system and Torrens Lake in a healthy state. As this water moves through the river there are improvements to the amenity and some reprieve for animals and birds along Linear Park.

3. Management of the River Torrens through the Linear Park is a coordinated effort between local councils, SA Water, the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, and the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board.

As well as the environmental flow programmes, the Linear Park Coordinating Committee are also overseeing a program for the removal of pest plants through the River Torrens Recovery Program.