THE plan to bring recreation and water sports to Warren Reservoir has hit a snag, but council is still confident it would boost tourism in the Barossa.
Minister for Water and the River Murray, Paul Caica, has written to Barossa Council and said maintaining the quality of drinking water is the highest priority and recreation will not be permitted on the water body.
Barossa Council decided in September last year to look into using the reservoir for passive recreational use, which includes rowing, swimming and other non-motorised activities.
A 250-metre section of the Warren Reservoir is currently open to permit fishing as a result of the closure of a historical fishing area at the South Para Reservoir, but any other access to the water for recreation is restricted.
In his letter to council, Mr Caica said SA Water was solely responsible for the reservoir, which is used for both irrigation and drinking water.
“SA Water’s management of reservoirs and surrounding reserves is founded first and foremost on water quality and protection,” he said.
“In order to enforce protection, as well as enhance service delivery and minimise risk, SA Water has a public access policy which restricts recreational access.”
He said this policy is in line with interstate water authorities.
“Recreational access is generally located where there is minimal risk to the potable water supply, and not usually permitted at direct-supply potable water sources,” Mr Caica said.
“While there may be a level of interest amongst some groups to access reservoirs, the state government supports SA Water’s policy of limiting public access to reservoirs and associated lands.”
An SA Water spokesperson confirmed the company’s position on recreational access to the reservoir.
“One of SA Water’s key objectives is to protect source water quality through the minimisation of unnecessary risks, therefore we have in place a public access policy,” the spokesperson said.
“This policy ensures that source water quality is managed in line with the multi barrier approach outlined in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and makes sure that public access to our reservoirs is well managed.
“Considering the importance of protecting potable water supplies and following the advice received from the state government’s chief scientist, SA Water’s policy regarding recreational access to the Warren Reservoir is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.”
While the state government has thrown water on the concept, Barossa Council is not backing down.
It says recreational activities on the reservoir would draw more visitors to the southern Barossa, and complement the region’s growing reputation for walking and cycling.
Barossa mayor Brian Hurn still believes the idea has merit.
“There is enormous potential to bring people into the area, with economic spin-offs for neighbouring towns,” Mr Hurn said.
“While concerns have been raised about potential contamination issues arising from unrestricted public use of the reservoir, we understand there are reservoir systems that are used for passive recreation, which is why we want to explore the issue further.”
Mr Hurn said the proposal warrants further investigation with key stakeholders to measure the potential economic impact.
“If elected members are supportive, Council will prepare a discussion paper on the tourism and community opportunities that exist, and seek to meet with the Minister to outline our case,” said Mr Hurn.
Barossa Council was to consider if it would support making a discussion paper at its meeting yesterday morning, after the Herald went to print.
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