Images via Peter Malinauskas.
The State Government has announced plans to create a new Northern Park Lands just south of Gawler, marking one of the most significant investments in South Australia’s public open spaces in the state’s history.
Once completed, the Northern Park Lands will cover 999 hectares of land, 39% more than the Adelaide Park Lands. 764 of these hectares will be preserved for natural green open spaces, supporting greater biodiversity and habitats for native animals.
To be located near the Kudla growth area south of Gawler, this development is part of the new Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP). The area will feature natural open space, sport and recreation facilities, a new railway station, plus three interconnected Linear Parks with shared-use paths, providing a continuous loop around Gawler.
At the heart of the new Park Lands is a proposed 70-hectare Village Green sport and recreation area the size of 31 Adelaide Ovals. The area will include ovals, courts, and clubroom facilities to be used by local sporting clubs.
The State Government has already committed $53 million towards the first stage of this development. The project will utilise government-owned land and require some land acquisitions to create open space with increased vegetation. Funds generated from future land developments and council contributions will support the creation and maintenance of the Park Lands.
“With new walking paths, sporting facilities and open space the Northern Park Lands will be the jewel in the crown of the northern suburbs”, said Premier Peter Malinauskas.
“This is a Government that wants to encourage more people, particularly younger generations, to get off their screens and get outdoors to be active.”
Legislation is set to be introduced to create a new statutory authority called the Northern Park Lands Trust, which will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance and management of the Northern Park Lands once established, including oversight of any development or leases.
Touching on the Trust, Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said “The Northern Park Lands Trust will be able to generate its own income which will enable this important piece of community infrastructure to be self sufficient.”
“The establishment of the Northern Park Lands Trust is a significant announcement for the Gawler region as the vision of the Northern Park Lands becomes a reality”, said Tony Piccolo, Member for Light and Labor candidate for Ngadjuri.
“The Northern Parklands resolves a decades long question over the future land use of Kudla, unlocking critical housing supply in a sensible manner that respects the early development pattern of larger rural blocks.”
As one of the biggest investments in open space in South Australia’s history, the Northern Park Lands will preserve the character of Gawler, support greater biodiversity in the northern suburbs, and offer a multi-purpose recreational environment for locals and visitors alike.
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