The River Torrens

Second Stage of the River Torrens Wetlands Letter to the NRM Board

To: Alan Ockenden <alan.ockenden@adelaide.nrm.sa.gov.au>

Dear Alan
I write on behalf of the Western Adelaide Coastal Residents Association Inc. in relation to two matters.

Torrens River Task Force Report.
When the Taskforce met earlier this year and dicusssed the report and identified the most urgent Recommedations to place in front of the Minister and Government prior to Budget considerations I am sure we expected some outcomes. Not only have we never received the minutes of that meeting but we have never received a report on the meeting with the Minister or any follow up by the NRM Board.

With this early burst of summer we are sure that it will only be a matter of one rainfall or continuous hot weather and we will experience another Blue/ Green bloom and problems.
WACRA has its next General Meeting set down for 25th November and we have the Torrens River as one of our starred items for discussion .What we would appreciate is to be sent a report of the agreed outcomes, a report following the NRM board meeting with the Minister and the plan and monies allocated for addressing the Torrens River problems.

Torrens River Wetlands.....3rd Stage
Congratulations to all involved in developing the 2nd stage of the Torens River Breakout Creek Wetlands.
The responses from Community are all positive and we wait the next rains and change in seasons to watch the grasses grow and the habitat increase.
In fact there has already been a substantial increase in habitat and to walk or ride along Linnear park is a complete joy.

The next big thing is to start planning for the 3rd and final stage from Tapleys Hill Road to the outfall.We know that this will not be a simple task and will take sensitive and firm negotiations with the Riding Club.A good starting point has been the educational programs being co ordinated by Matt Catanach and the level of enthusiasm and understanding our younger generation have of the need for clean water ways.

Could you please advise us of where everything is at this time and a projected timetable for future development.

WACRA offers every support that we maybe able to bring in making a successful transition and agreement by the community to install the 3rd stage Wetlands as soon as possible.

Jim Douglas
President
Western Adelaide Coastal Residents Association Inc.