19 April 2006

 

Work started in the Piccadilly Valley this month on a $1.5 million project that will result in higher quality water into downstream watercourses and the Happy Valley reservoir.

 

SA Water’s Acting Chief Executive John Ringham says that metropolitan Adelaide and the greater Adelaide region relies heavily on water from the Mount Lofty Ranges.

 

“We are collaborating with the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management (NRM) Board and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to find sustainable options to ensure the highest levels of water quality for now and in the future,” Mr Ringham said.

 

This project forms part of the Cox Creek Nutrient Mitigation Program and detailed studies have been completed, identifying recommended actions for farms and downstream catchment works.  Implementation of these actions has begun through a collaborative effort between SA Water, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board and the EPA.

 

In close cooperation with project partners, SA Water is taking the lead on two major components of the program with a sedimentation basin being constructed at land above Brookes Bridge on Swamp Road and a wetland at the Woodhouse Scout Activity Centre.  This includes the revegetation of about 13,000 native seedling trees, shrubs and reeds.

 

“Contractors have already commenced initial site preparation and survey works,” Mr Ringham said.

 

“SA Water will continue working closely with the SA Branch of Scouts Australia on the Woodhouse Wetland which will include interpretive signs, viewing platforms, fish ladders, water monitoring station, walkways and bridges for visitors to Woodhouse Scout Activity Centre.”

 

Scouts SA Chief Executive Officer Dan Ryan says Scouts SA is excited to be part of such an exciting environmental project.

 

“This project has obvious benefits to the improvement of Adelaide's water supply, but also has environmental educational opportunities for youth and we are pleased to be working with SA Water on the Woodhouse Wetland," Mr Ryan said.

 

The construction will be undertaken from April to late May 2006.  During this period, there will be a minor increase in traffic along Spring Gully Road and Piccadilly Road (between Swamp Road and Spring Gully Road), Piccadilly.

 

Mr Ringham said that this project supports South Australia’s Strategic Plan and is a practical demonstration of the State Government and SA Water’s commitment to working with the community to improve water quality in South Australia and to a sustainable future for South Australian communities.”

 

“This important project is one of the key ways we can show that commitment.”