Sturt Gorge Recreation Park

In reply to the Hon. M.C. PARNELL (11 May 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 manages and maintains the Sturt River Flood Control Dam as part of its four-hectare landholding which is bounded on all sides by the Sturt Gorge Recreation Park.

SA Water has worked very closely with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) on the development and implementation of the Sturt Gorge Recreation Park Management Plan (2008), including providing public access to the dam wall since 2007. This access has proven to be very popular amongst local residents and bushwalkers.

SA Water and DEWNR have recognised the benefits of an adequate crossing of the gorge at Sturt Gorge Recreation Park to both SA Water's operational business as well as the visitor experience at the park. The two organisations have been working on improving the gorge crossing and are seeking advice on potential engineering solutions to bridge the spillway.

Given that SA Water is planning unrelated dam upgrade works at the site in the short to medium term, both agencies have agreed to work together on the design of the crossing as part of the broader dam upgrade works. This will maximise efficiencies and limit any potential duplication and conflicting requirements. As with all works of this nature, any alterations to the dam wall will need to meet rigorous engineering standards to ensure the safety of users, the ongoing stability of the wall and maintaining flood capacity.