Work has officially begun on one of South Australia’s biggest new green-space projects, with more than 13,500 trees set to be planted as part of the creation of the Northern Park Lands.
The first stage of the ambitious project will transform more than 10 hectares along the Gawler River/Kadlitpari, rejuvenating an area equivalent to around 6.5 Adelaide Ovals.
Around 2,400 native trees, grasses and other plants will be established along the river, creating new habitat for wildlife and strengthening the natural corridor running through the region.
It marks the first on-ground work for the Northern Park Lands, which will eventually span up to 1,000 hectares — around 39 per cent larger than the Adelaide Park Lands.
The project is planned to create a continuous green corridor and network of public open spaces connecting the Hills Face with the Gawler River/Kadlitpari.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Emily Bourke said beginning the enormous project with restoration of the river corridor was significant.
“This project builds on invaluable work that has been undertaken by passionate community groups, local land managers and Traditional Owners to revive the river corridor and protect biodiversity,” Minister Bourke said.
Over the first four years of the Northern Park Lands project, more than 13,500 new trees are expected to be planted.
Work beginning this week will initially involve preparing the first 10-hectare site, including weed control and removing invasive shrubs, before revegetation begins.
There will also be opportunities for locals to get involved through community planting days in the future.
The restoration work follows the Gawler River/Kadlitpari Restoration Guide, which aims to restore river and floodplain ecosystems, improve connections between habitats and ensure Aboriginal heritage and cultural values are protected.
The river has already undergone decades of restoration work by local groups and landowners.
The Food Forest owner Graham Brookman said the condition of the river was dramatically different when he arrived in the area about 40 years ago.
“The river was a complete shambles, full of cactus, boxthorn, old tyres. We have taken thousands of tyres out of the river and our community group has made its business to bring the river back to life,” he said.
“We are tremendously excited about this project.”
A masterplan for the broader Northern Park Lands is currently being developed in consultation with the community.
The park lands will sit within and alongside the Kudla Growth Area, which has been earmarked in the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan to accommodate urban growth over the next 30 years.
Once established, the huge green corridor is intended to provide new public open space alongside expanding northern communities while protecting and restoring habitat across the region.
