Project > Port Augusta Waterway Development Study 

  
What we did
We worked in partnership with Wendy Davidson Enterprises and Swanbury Penglase to consult with the council and key local stakeholders, to identify environmental commercial, recreational and residential impacts and opportunities of future human activities adjacent to or within the waterway. 

Some of the main factors that were being investigated were:

• Ways to increasing the use of the river while still conserving the environment and planning for predicted changes in climate.
• Assess the issues and identify opportunities for improved waterbased activities
• Identify issues associated with foreshore developments to include future environmental issues.

What we achieved
The project found that the area could benefit from improved facilities, signage and safety/convenience features at specific points along the waterway.  A trail of information signs was proposed to give historical information about the area, the environment and the heritage value to increase tourism interest in the area.  

A need for further education of the community on the importance of protecting the environment was highlighted to help encourage their involvement in protecting the waterway.  Due to the predicted increase in extreme events caused by climate change issues were identified that require further investigation.  These relate to wastewater and stormwater; the effects on the marine environment due to the increased runoff causing increased freshwater and siltation inflow on the mangroves. This, together with a predicted rise in sea level reducing tidal water movement, could lead to substantial ecosystem shifts. One already being witnessed is the gradual demise of the mangrove ecosystem leading to significant loss of food sources and nursery breeding habitat for estuarine species. 

Contact: Wayne Brown