A proposed trail at Witton Bluff in Adelaide's southern suburbs has been referred to the Coastal Protection Board with the Minister for Environment and Water receiving complaints from the local community concerned with how the local council has handled the project.
The project was to be considered by the Coastal Protection Board, however, the City of Onkaparinga reneged on this commitment.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said after being contacted by concerned residents and given the sensitive nature of the surrounding environment it was entirely appropriate for the Board to look at the project.
"I am very disappointed with this position of Council which calls into question the environmental merits of the project," Minister Speirs said.
"I have heard concerns from a number of locals, including those involved in coastal conservation and advocacy.
"As Minister for Environment and Water it is important I listen to these concerns and I believe the Coastal Protection Board should look into this project.
"The State Government has contributed funding towards this project, however, it is reasonably expected that the delivery of this project will be in accordance with environmentally sustainable practices.
"Given my concerns, I have written to the Coast Protection Board requesting it inquire, under 36 (1) of the Coast Protection Act 1972, into the Witton Bluff Base Trail. I request that Council provide the Board with any necessary support and information for it to conduct its inquiry.
"In the meantime I have requested the Witton Bluff Base Trail project be temporarily placed on hold."
