The Australian and South Australian governments will together invest $4 million to revitalise valuable wetlands at Breakout Creek in the River Torrens to improve the health of the river, protect native species and deliver benefits to the local community.
The Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley, said that the Australian Government is investing $2 million into the project through its $100 million Environment Restoration Fund.
“We all share in the beauty of our unique environment and we all share the responsibility of protecting local areas,” Ms Ley said.
“Healthy wetlands such as these remove sediment and nutrients, and provide protection from the effects of extreme weather such as coastal storm surges and floods.
“The work at Breakout Creek wetlands will not only improve the immediate environment but will minimise polluted inflows into the Gulf St Vincent, which will in turn protect vital habitat for shorebirds, reduce the loss of sea grass and the erosion of beach and coastal dunes.
“We know that working with the local organisations delivers successful outcomes and the previous $1million investment in sites upstream is already improving water quality and biodiversity through weed removal, revegetation and water sensitive urban design. The local community is also benefitting through improved access to green spaces.”
The joint investment will support the implementation of Stage 3 of the Breakout Creek concept plan, developed by the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resource Management (NRM) Board in collaboration with the City of Charles Sturt, the City of West Torrens and SA Water.
The South Australian Minister for Environment and Water, David Speirs, welcomed the joint investment and the collaborative work that helped to bring about the final stage of this major project.
“This exciting third and final stage of Breakout Creek will be the culmination of several years of NRM community work creating a plan to redevelop this section of the River Torrens into a multi-use, high value environmental and recreational destination,” Mr Speirs said.
“Alongside the Australian Government, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board has given their in-principle support to co-contribute up to $2 million towards the project.
“The NRM board has been committed to the redevelopment of Breakout Creek since their completion of Stage 1 in 1999, and is pleased to be working with the Australian Government over the coming months to establish and agree on final funding arrangements.”
