Have your say on reservoirs

Members of the Barossa community are invited to share their priorities for the expansion of recreational opportunities at the Warren and South Para Reservoirs, as the State Government implements plans to open the areas for public access by the end of the year.

SA Water will host drop-in sessions to gather community feedback at the Williamstown Soldiers Memorial Hall on Wednesday 5 June from 1pm to 8pm, and Friday 7 June from 1pm to 7pm.

SA Water’s General Manager Customers, Strategy and Innovation Anna Jackson said it is important that residents and local businesses have the chance to learn about, and provide feedback on, the range of activities planned for the sites.

“South Para and Warren Reservoir Reserves are areas of beauty that play a vital role in delivering water to customers in the Barossa region, and it is important for us to explain the process of getting the balance right between outdoor activities and protecting water quality,” Anna said.

“We’ve already seen the economic and tourism benefits on the Fleurieu Peninsula with Myponga Reservoir recently opening for recreational activities, and we want to hear from the community about how we can complement the Barossa’s many attractions.

“There is clear demand for new spaces to get out and enjoy nature, and we hope opening these sites will be a welcome addition to attractions and experiences already on offer in the Barossa Valley.”

Mayor of the Barossa Council Bim Lange said he’s confident the public would have some big ideas.

“As a Council we’ve been working hard to progress recreation and eco-tourism outcomes in the Southern Barossa; in the future we’d like to see a range of complementary activities, such as mountain biking and trails, to broaden the region’s appeal and attraction,” Mayor Lange said.

“The opening of the Warren Reservoir for recreational fishing and on-water activity has been an enormous success, and this is a chance to explore new and exciting recreation opportunities.

“We’re keen to work closely with SA Water, the State Government and other stakeholders to deliver outcomes that will not only benefit the Barossa but South Australia more broadly.”

For more information, please visit reservoirs.sa.gov.au or contact SA Water’s Michael McCarthy at [email protected].