South Australian reservoir opens for kayaking and cycling

December 9, 2019

South Australia’s South Para Reservoir has officially opened for kayaking, cycling and fishing, a move aimed at boosting tourism and benefitting local businesses.

Hundreds of people from all over South Australia converged on the reservoir just south of the Barossa Valley to help celebrate the milestone at a community event.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall advised “we’re excited to be delivering this hugely popular commitment to open up our reservoirs, which have been kept closed for far too long.

“Opening up reservoirs at other locations around South Australia has proven to be an outstanding success, bolstering the South Australian economy and growing jobs.

“We’ve already seen the benefits that opening the Myponga reservoir has delivered to local communities and businesses, and it will be exciting to see similar rewards here too.

South Australian Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said South Australians are particularly keen for water-based activities such as kayaking and fishing on our reservoirs.

Minister Speirs added “it’s clear that South Australians take pride in the state’s natural environment, and with demand rising for more access to these spaces, I’m extremely proud to join the Barossa community today in opening another reservoir for recreational access.

“We’ve heard a particularly positive response for action-based activities like kayaking and fishing throughout our conversations with locals, and it is exciting that these activities are now on offer for everyone to enjoy.

“Combined with existing access at the nearby Warren reservoir, having new access at South Para will provide a real boost to the local economy and tourism scene on offer in the Barossa region.

“In time, an expanded network of trails will connect the South Para and Warren reservoir reserves to conservation parks and nearby plantation forestry to provide an integrated experience for those who are a bit more adventurous.

“As a government we’ve made significant inroads in opening reservoirs for public access, and we’re certainly not slowing down, with fishing now available at Myponga and community feedback being sought as we prepare to open the gates at Hope and Happy Valley reservoir reserves too.”

Holding a capacity of around 45 billion litres, water stored in the South Para Reservoir is transported to the nearby Barossa Reservoir where it is treated and delivered as safe, clean drinking water to approximately 85,000 customers across the region.

12th November 2019 - South Australian beach drowning inquest calls for enhanced warning signs and lifesavers to operate over longer hours

4th November 2019 - South Australian Government extends Sports Voucher program to swimming lessons

26th September 2019 - Myponga Reservoir receives 10,000th visitor

20th September 2019 - South Australian Government ends plans for 2026 Commonwealth Games hosting

10th September 2019 - YMCA South Australia moves to combat childhood obesity

6th August 2019 - New Panel to chart future for South Australian sport

2nd August 2019 - South Australia launches new National Parks and Wildlife Service

12th June 2019 - Report urges caution in opening up South Australian reservoirs to recreation

5th February 2019 - South Australian Government launches funding for regional sport and wellness initiatives

11th August 2014 - New facilities boost recreation in South east Queensland lakes and dams

16th May 2014 - Recreational review of Queensland dams reaches major milestone

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.