Construction of a 1.8 hectare, $1.7 million wetland project in the City of Marion will provide far reaching benefits for the entire south western region of Adelaide. The Project has a number of important aims including conservation, passive recreation, environmental education, and improved water quality.
The Warriparinga Wetland was opened by the Premier, John Olsen, last December. Water has been diverted from the nearby Sturt River to create the Wetland. It will be filtered through rock weirs, a trash rack and native vegetation before re-entering the river at a man made waterfall further downstream.
Walking trails and boardwalks will enable people to experience first hand a diverse ecosystem of indigenous trees, reeds, animals and birdlife. The Wetland is a joint project of the Patawalonga Catchment Board, Marion Council, the State Government and local community groups.
Close consultation with local Aboriginal representatives has ensured the design does not interfere with sites significant to the Kaurna people. Marion’s General Manager Environment, Don Donaldson, said that Warriparinga Wetland demonstrates Council’s strong commitment to the environment.
“At Warriparinga we now have a significant urban wetland which is also a community asset as well as an open space facility,” he said.
