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One of Adelaide’s premier walking trails is now safer to use and will be better protected from extreme weather events thanks to a now complete $5 million upgrade.

Around 600,000 people per year use the 3.8 kilometre Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit walking trail and large sections of it were extensively damaged during severe storms in 2016.

The upgrade includes three kilometres of reinforced trail, more than 200 metres of new elevated boardwalk, revegetation and planting and improved signage.

Advising that the upgrade will make the walking trail more accessible, South Australian Minister for Environment and Water, David Speirs stated “Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit is one of South Australia’s most popular walking trails and the upgrades will improve durability and increase safety for the public.

“The trail suffered significant damage from storms in September 2016 and needed significant repair and restoration.

“We want our parks and walking trails to be accessible to as many people as possible and these upgrades will protect the area so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

“With people looking for alternative exercise options during COVID-19 restrictions, the trail is more popular than ever.”

South Australian Deputy Premier, Vickie Chapman said the popular walking trail to Mount Lofty Summit starts at the Waterfall Gully car park and climbs through the park’s steep hills providing spectacular views over Adelaide, adding "around 600,000 people use the trail each year and we hope many more will enjoy what the park has to offer now the upgrades are complete.

“Given the extent of the damage and the nature of the terrain these upgrades were challenging but pleasingly for the public the trail remained open throughout construction other than the few weeks when it was considered too dangerous for public access.

“I’d encourage anyone who’s up for a steep walking challenge to go and check out the newly completed trail, while continuing to adhere to guidelines and keeping a safe 1.5m distance from other walkers.”

The $5 million upgrade included:

• 220 metres of elevated boardwalks – materials delivered via helicopter
• 3000 metres of exposed aggregate concrete trail - 1600 tonne of concrete of which 200 tonne was delivered via helicopter
• 60 metres of creek-bank reinstated
• Replacement of directional and interpretative signage
• Revegetation and planting along trail

Images: Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit walking trail courtesy of David Speirs/Facebook.

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