Residents in Adelaide’s south are set to enjoy a new 340-hectare coastal park, with the official proclamation of the Aldinga Conservation Park.
Announced by Premier, Steven Marshall, the new Park combines Aldinga Washpool, one of Adelaide’s last remaining coastal freshwater and estuarine lagoon systems, with the adjacent Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park.
Mr Marshall said the proclamation was a significant milestone for the local community and supporters.
“Importantly the Aldinga Washpool site is of considerable spiritual and cultural significance to the Kaurna people who today maintain their connection with Country,” Mr Marshall said.
Minister for Environment and Water, David Speirs said the local community had long advocated for better protection of the site.
“For years the future of the Aldinga Washpool was under threat so it’s incredibly pleasing for the local community to be able to see this important site saved for future generations,” Mr Speirs said.
He said the Aldinga Washpool included valuable habitat for at least 79 native species, including three bird species of national conservation significance.
“It is also home to swamp plants of conservation significance including threatened coastal saltmarsh,” he said.
“Prior to European settlement, the Aldinga Washpool was an important place for curing and drying possum skins by the Kaurna people.
“It is also a significant site as part of the Tjilbruke Dreaming Trail and contains registered sites under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 (SA).”
Mr Speirs said the Department for Environment and Water, SA Water, Green Adelaide, City of Onkaparinga and other working group members have been working on flood mitigation, stormwater management, weed control, revegetation plans, water quality and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
