South Para Reservoir Public Access

In reply to the Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (16 February 2017).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change): I have been advised:

SA Water will be planning to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the reservoir commissioning in 2018. I am advised activities will include displays of photographs, historical artefacts and records of the important and fascinating history of South Para. SA Water will work closely with the Barossa Council to ensure the activities are well promoted to the local community.

I thank the honourable member for highlighting the important role of migrants in building South Para and SA Water advises there will be recognition of workers—in particular, the many people who had left Europe after the Second World War and supported the construction efforts.

The South Para Reservoir was closed to public access in 2010 while works to upgrade the spillway were undertaken.

There are no plans to reopen South Para Reservoir to public access at this point in time. However, I am advised that SA Water can facilitate tours on request for local groups interested in seeing the reservoir.