Breakout Creek Stage 3 Redevelopment

Consultation has concluded

Now Closed

This online engagement was hosted on YourSAy from 1 September to 27 September 2020. Below is a record of the engagement.

We want your feedback on the draft design of the Breakout Creek Stage 3 Redevelopment.

What’s being decided?

The Breakout Creek Stage 3 Redevelopment, between Tapleys Hill and Seaview Roads, will rebuild the River Torrens (Karrawirra Pari) from an artificial channel to a more natural one through realigning the channel, removing weeds and establishing native vegetation. 

The redevelopment will open the space up for community use, create habitat for threatened fish and bird species, and improve water

Now Closed

This online engagement was hosted on YourSAy from 1 September to 27 September 2020. Below is a record of the engagement.

We want your feedback on the draft design of the Breakout Creek Stage 3 Redevelopment.

What’s being decided?

The Breakout Creek Stage 3 Redevelopment, between Tapleys Hill and Seaview Roads, will rebuild the River Torrens (Karrawirra Pari) from an artificial channel to a more natural one through realigning the channel, removing weeds and establishing native vegetation. 

The redevelopment will open the space up for community use, create habitat for threatened fish and bird species, and improve water quality.

The community helped to establish nine key design principles which were used to guide the preparation of the concept plan for Breakout Creek Stage 3 Redevelopment. You can read more about the principles, key features of the design and view the project map in the Project Information Overview tab.

The aims of Stage 3 are to:

  • create a high quality community space of regional and Kaurna significance that enhances recreational and tourism opportunities through the interaction of people, nature, the river, the coast and culture
  • improve river water quality and provide habitat for threatened species through plant selection and innovative design.

Stage 3 follows the highly successful redevelopments of Stage 1 (1999) and Stage 2 (2010), during which the River Torrens channel was widened and deepened, weeds removed, and 200,000 native species planted. These areas are now home to many native birds, threatened fish and other species. The background section below has more information about the previous stages of the project.

Running between Tapleys Hill and Seaview Roads, Stage 3 is the longest stretch and finishes the naturalisation of this artificial channel, connecting the river and the sea.

The project is a collaboration between Green Adelaide, the City of Charles Sturt, the City of West Torrens, the State Government’s Planning and Development Fund and the Australian Government. The project is committed to working with the Kaurna Nation.

Watch the following video explaining the project to help inform your feedback.

Get involved

To provide your feedback, read the Project Information Overview and the draft design.

Have your say by:

  • Joining the online discussion
  • Completing the online survey
  • Joining in our community information session
  • Emailing your feedback to DEW.BreakoutCreek@sa.gov.au

Please note: Your submissions may be made publicly available in full on the Department for Environment and Water’s website unless you indicate on the submission that you wish for these to remain confidential.

How can your input influence the decision?

Your input will be considered in the final design of the Breakout Creek Stage 3 Redevelopment.

What are the next steps?

The final design of the Breakout Creek Stage 3 Redevelopment will be available online later in the year.

Contact details

For more information:

E: DEW.BreakoutCreek@sa.gov.au

Closing date: 5pm, Sunday 27 September



Background

Stages 1 and 2

In 1999 a section of Breakout Creek along the River Torrens (Karrawirra Pari), upstream of Henley Beach Road, was developed from an artificial channel to a more naturalised one by the then Torrens Catchment Water Management Board. Known as Stage 1, this 500m section was a success and provided motivation for works on the channel between Henley Beach and Tapleys Hill roads (Stage 2), which were completed in 2010.

Stage 2 works included widening and deepening the channel, removing weeds and planting more than 200,000 native seedlings. This opened up the space to community use with access to blue and green spaces with high biodiversity value in the urban landscape. Recent research highlights the positive impact high biodiverse areas have on community health and wellbeing, and with the creation of habitat for threatened fish and bird species, native fauna benefits too.

Stage 3

The success of this new-look River Torrens led to community support for the final redevelopment of artificial channel from Tapleys Hill Road to the outlet; a 1.7 kilometre length of the Linear Park, of which half is within the City of West Torrens (eastern half) and the other in the City of Charles Sturt (western half).

Stage 3 concept plan

A Breakout Creek working group (made up of the former Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, City of Charles Sturt, City of West Torrens and SA Water), invited the community to provide ideas in 2015, to help create a concept plan to improve the environment of Breakout Creek between Tapleys Hill Road and Seaview Roads.

This feedback was pivotal in creating nine key design principles which provided insight into how the space was currently used and how it could be better used by all, while incorporating features to draw more people to the space.

The working group has since coordinated technical assessments of the plan, which included a detailed engineering survey, hydraulic analysis of the channel and geotechnical and soil contamination investigations. The results show there are no major issues. At the same time, the City of West Torrens undertook significant redevelopment of Apex Park, which adjoins Linear Park on the south, to accommodate stables and an arena for the Lockleys Riding Club.

Over the past couple of years, there has been significant engagement with the Kaurna Nation on the redevelopment plan. Kaurna are keen to see this project proceed and to be engaged from design to construction and maintenance.

Consultation has concluded

  • Breakout Creek - 30 June 2021 announcement

    You may have been involved in our online engagement, from 1 to 27 September 2020, where the community was asked to provide feedback on draft designs for stage 3 of the Breakout Creek redevelopment.

    The extensive engagement included local residents, various stakeholders and the broader South Australian community. We thank you for your input.

    Community feedback helped design the project which includes 15 hectares of public land unlocked for community use.

    Once construction is complete, you can expect to see, land and water revegetation, seating, picnic areas, access trails, viewing decks, boardwalks, Apex Park access upgrades, public art and a learning place about Kaurna culture.

    Visit Green Adelaide to view the final designs and learn more about the redevelopment. Questions? Email Green Adelaide at DEW.BreakoutCreek@sa.gov.au.

    Construction will begin in spring this year.

    The project is a $12 million partnership between Green Adelaide, the City of Charles Sturt, the City of West Torrens, the South Australian Attorney-General’s Department through the Planning and Development Fund, the Australian Government through the Environment Restoration Fund and SA Water. The project is committed to working with the Traditional Owners of the Adelaide plains, the Kaurna people.

  • Project Information Overview

    Now Closed

    This online engagement was hosted on YourSAy from 1 September to 27 September 2020. Below is a record of the engagement.

    Below is a summary of the project, including project visuals and key features, which is also available as a Project Information PDF download.

    This project involves the redevelopment of Breakout Creek from a fenced-off channel dug in the 1930s to a highly biodiverse area, opening up more opportunities for community use and improving water quality.

    Project Stages Map

    Design Principles

    The community was previously involved in developing nine key design principles that were used to guide the preparation of a concept plan for Breakout Creek Stage 3 Redevelopment. These design principles have been carried over to the draft design.

    1. Naturalise the watercourse and create habitats for aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity
    2. Improve water quality by introducing biofiltration wetlands while maintaining flood conveyance
    3. Enhance the general amenity with a greater diversity of landscape treatments and interpret the local environment and culture
    4. Improve recreation opportunities for a range of active and passive recreation
    5. Provide equity in access and use and introduce opportunities for river crossing
    6. Increase personal safety for users with good lighting and clear sightlines
    7. Retain a space for horses and interpret the historic associations with the site
    8. Enable ongoing maintenance and management with designs that are durable and sustainable
    9. Propose practical design outcomes that address the needs of stakeholders and community

    Key features of the draft design

    The Breakout Creek Stage 3 redevelopment draft design has been prepared taking into account the design principles, redevelopment of Apex Park, input from the Kaurna Nation, technical feasibility studies, new approaches to water quality improvement and improved continuity with the upstream environment.

    Enhanced water quality treatment

    A more natural watercourse and wetland system will be formed to treat water, whilst also managing high flows.

    Vegetated wetland on both banks adjacent to the main channel will treat stormwater that currently discharges directly into the main channel.

    Native wetland vegetation will be established within the main channel, to slow and treat water coming down the river.

    It is not anticipated that biting insects will be an issue because the wetlands will support a diversity of species that will regulate their growth.

    The existing concrete channel under Seaview Road will be retained and landscaped with naturalistic rock installations.

    The main watercourse will be widened, and native wetland vegetation established to treat in-stream water.

    The existing stormwater outfall infrastructure will be retained and landscaped with naturalistic rock installations.

    Naturalising the watercourse will improve water quality for native plants and animals at the site as well as improving the quality of water flowing into the Gulf. This will have positive impacts on the growth of seagrass, and on the experience of beach users. The approach will be consistent with Stages 1 and 2 of Breakout Creek and will provide an attractive and interesting environment for the community to experience.

    Restoring and experiencing native habitats and biodiversity

    Naturalising the main watercourse, creating wetlands and planting native vegetation will create habitats that support aquatic and terrestrial native animals including macroinvertebrates, ­fish, birds, and frogs.

    Specially selected plants including reeds and rushes will provide hiding and breeding spaces for native ­fish and will encourage birds to the area that have lost most of their habitat in the Adelaide region – such as the Australasian Bittern. Deeper areas will provide habitat for larger fi­sh, such as the endangered Freshwater Cat­fish. Faster-flowing meandering areas will oxygenate the water and create habitat for flow-loving macroinvertebrates and ­fish, and shallow zones will support habitat for wader birds. The riverbanks will also be revegetated with bushland habitat to further support biodiversity restoration.

    Creating more natural habitats will enable people to connect with nature and in doing so experience a range of physical and mental bene­fits. Viewing decks and boardwalks will allow people to get close to the water, watch birds and enjoy the natural setting. Interpretive signage will provide the opportunity for people to learn more about the site’s biodiversity and nature play opportunities will provide immersive and fun experiences.

    Increased recreational opportunities

    The project will unlock 15 hectares of public land for community use and benefi­t. A range of opportunities for passive and active recreation will be provided for. Walking, cycling and running will be supported by the enhancement of the linear trail with improved sightlines, and two river crossings- one near Apex Park and the other near Seaview Road. Rest areas with seating will also be provided.

    A pathway loop, from the Military Road cul-de-sac on the northern bank, will be graded to meet disability access standards.

    Walking trails, boardwalks, viewing decks, interpretive signage, nature play and the horse agistment area will create a varied and interesting environment for people to visit and enjoy. Improving the connection with Apex Park, the beach, the upstream trails and the City will provide the ability to link a visit to the site with other outings and “make a day of it”.

    A place for horses

    One of the challenges of the redevelopment is to reach a balance between the nine design principles, of which retaining a space for horses is one. This draft design includes a horse agistment area in the south-western segment adjacent Apex Park. This allows horses to occupy a space along the bank, provides horse access to the purpose-built equestrian arena in Apex Park, and enables the community to see and interact with the horses.

    The agistment area will be fenced on all sides for the safety of the horses and the public and to prevent erosion of the watercourse by hooves and pollution from horse dung. The reduction in reduced agistment area is required to meet the other design principles, such as naturalising the watercourse, improving water quality, improving recreation, and providing equity in access and use of Breakout Creek. Funding for the project was on based on achieving the nine design principles and so it is important that a careful balance is achieved between them.

    Project partners will continue to look for solutions and design refi­nement to maintain horse agistment viability and make the maximum use of available space. Elements currently being considered include horse-feeding yards, pasture management features/assistance, and smaller complementary paddock areas. This will maintain the integrity of the design principles, meet project funding requirements, and provide something for everyone.

    Working with Kaurna to create a place of shared connection

    This project is being undertaken on Kaurna Country and the River Torrens (Karrawirra Pari) and Gulf St Vincent have important cultural and environmental values to the Kaurna People.

    The project team and representatives of the Kaurna Nation have been working closely in the development of the project.

    Workshops and site visits have been held to understand Kaurna values of the land and waters and how these may be incorporated into the draft design, as well as future opportunities for the engagement of Kaurna People.

  • Community update

    The design for Breakout Creek Stage 3 is being finalised following the feedback we’ve received from the community. The following features are now incorporated into the design, which is based on the nine design principles developed with the community in 2015.

    Naturalise the watercourse and create habitats for aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity

    Areas with plantings adjacent to the river will provide habitat to enhance aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity. This will include planting threatened species and designing habitat to encourage threatened birds The wetland areas will also provide a nursery habitat for fish.

    Improve water quality by introducing biofiltration wetlands while maintaining flood conveyance.

    Wetlands will be placed adjacent to the main channel and filter all stormwater entering the Breakout Creek channel area. Additional slow-flow areas will be built into the main channel and revegetated to provide water quality benefits.

    Enhance the general amenity with a greater diversity of landscape treatments and interpret the local environment and culture

    Kaurna cultural heritage is incorporated in the design, with focus on a cultural space on the northern bank adjacent Military Road. Kaurna-inspired nature play opportunities will be scattered throughout the site.

    Improve recreation opportunities for a range of active and passive recreation

    A range of active and passive recreation and accompanying facilities were suggested during the consultation which will be incorporated in the design. These include picnic sites, BBQ facilities, seating, boardwalks, riverside platforms, bird hides, bicycle facilities (such as maintenance stations and bike parking), and a variety of path options.

    Provide equity in access and use and introduce opportunities for river crossing

    Pathways are being designed so they are accessible for all users, including people who use a wheelchair or walker. Multiple entry points are being provided, such as from Apex Park and the northern bank adjacent to Military Road, with a path connecting the two. Car parking is provided in key locations. Consultation identified support for the two river crossings that link the north and south sides of the river, at the Apex Park and Military Road locations as shown in the draft design for consultation.

    Increase personal safety for users with good lighting and clear sightlines

    Safety design features are incorporated to help ensure the safety of all users of all ages and abilities on the shared-use pathways. The path will be widened on both sides of the river and the lighting upgraded. Some paths will be realigned to increase sight lines. Relatively compact plant species will be selected to keep an open feel to the space.

    Retain a space for horses and interpret the historic associations with the site

    A horse agistment space will be retained in the south-western area (as shown in the draft design for consultation). The design consultants and project managers will continue to work closely with the Lockleys Riding Club to make the best use of this space, and how this space, and the horses, connect to Apex Park.

    Enable ongoing maintenance and management with designs that are durable and sustainable

    The design team will continue to work closely with the local government project partners to ensure the longevity of the paths and other features that are built.

    Propose practical design outcomes that address the needs of stakeholders and community

    The design team is working closely with construction experts to ensure the ease and efficiency of the build phase of the project.

    A foundation principle of the Breakout Creek Stage 3 project is a close working relationship between the project team and representatives of the Kaurna Nation. A message from the Kaurna Nation:

    “Karrawirra Pari (River Torrens) is a point of shared connection. With your participation and continuous support we can rejuvenate the spirit of the river and build a sense of cultural connection to this landscape for us all to enjoy.”

  • Survey summary available

    Thank you for submitting feedback for our Breakout Creek Stage 3 redevelopment.

    We have released a Summary of survey feedback on the draft design for you to view.