Port Noarlunga Aquatic Reserve

I seek leave to make an explanation before asking the Minister for Environment and Conservation about the Port Noarlunga Aquatic Reserve.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I understand that the Port Noarlunga Aquatic Reserve was first proclaimed in 1971 and has been under some pressure from outflows from the Christie Creek and the Onkaparinga catchment. Recent publicity indicates that the Onkaparinga council has been driving some reform of the estuary to improve the quality of the outflow of water into the reserve. I refer to the Friends of (Living) Christie Creek website where they claim that Transport SA has caused some damage to the estuary and sand has been carted for the northern metropolitan beaches.

I looked at the website for Adelaide’s Living Beaches, and I note that it does not extend as far south to include that particular reef. My questions are:

1. Is the government engaged with the council on issues to do with the potential damage from stormwater and waste water outflows?

2. Why does the Adelaide Living Beaches strategy not include this section of our coastline?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO(Minister for Environment and Conservation): I am aware that work has been done in the past to improve the outflows from both the Christie Creek and Onkaparinga catchment area into this particular reserve.

However, other than that, I do not have any specific details.

I also do not have any details with me today on the alleged damage by Transport SA, but I am happy to take those questions on notice and bring back a response.

Thursday 19 June 2008

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (25 July 2007).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health): I have been advised:

1. The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board (AMLR NRM Board) established the Christie Creek Taskforce in late 2005. The City of Onkaparinga is represented on the taskforce. The role of the taskforce is to engage and work with the community and other stakeholders oversee and to provide advice to AMLR NRM Board on the development and implementation of integrated natural resource management strategies for the Christie Creek catchment. In particular, a key focus has been minimising impacts on the catchment and the coast and marine environment. The government is also engaged with the City of Onkaparinga on the Water Proofing the South project. It is anticipated that the project will increase the reuse of recycled water in the Onkaparinga region and help reduce the volume of stormwater and effluent discharged to the gulf.

2. Adelaide's Living Beaches strategy covers the continuous stretch of sandy metropolitan coastline, from Kingston Park (Kingston Park headland) in the south, to North Haven in the north. Adelaide's Living Beaches strategy focuses on the management of the continuous sandy beach system. Port Noarlunga aquatic reserve is outside of the continuous sandy metropolitan coastline, and subject to different coastal process, and is therefore not covered by the strategy.