City Council contractors are building two new boat ramps on the edge of the Torrens Lake, and also upgrading a short section on Botanic Creek in your eastern Park Lands.
The City of Adelaide has engaged Civil Tech to build the two new boat ramps on opposite sides of the Torrens Lake;
on the north side of the Lake, at Pinky Flat in Park 26, east of the Montefiore Rd Bridge; and
on the south side of the Lake in Helen Mayo Park; west of the Montefiore Rd Bridge, near the Riverside Rowing Club.
The two locations, marked in yellow, either side of the Montefiore Rd bridge. To the right (east) on the north bank at Pinky Flat (Park 26); and to the left (west) on the south bank, in Helen Mayo Park in Park 27.
Work has been under way for several weeks:
A City of Adelaide spokesperson told us:
At Pinky Flat, Council is delivering a $200,000 renewal of the existing boat ramp to enhance access and safety for river users.
The project involves the replacement of infrastructure that has reached the end of its service life, with a new, more durable concrete ramp.
To facilitate the works, a cofferdam* has been installed to manage water levels and ensure safe construction conditions.
This initiative forms part of Council’s broader asset renewal program, aimed at maintaining and improving key community infrastructure.
Works are progressing on schedule and are anticipated to be completed by June 2025.
“cofferdam”: a temporary, watertight structure built within a body of water to allow the enclosed area to be pumped dry, creating a safe and dry working environment for construction or repairs.
The old boat ramp at Pinky Flat, pictured in 2014
The work in Helen Mayo Park is not as large:
The Council spokesperson told us:
“At Helen Mayo Park (Riverside Rowing Club Landing), key elements of the project include:
Replacement of the timber decking with composite timber
Replacement of the landing step
Rectification of long-standing erosion issues behind the landing
Installation of root barriers and gabions to reduce the impact of reeds
Gentle regrading of the grass bank
Installation of a new kerb along the asphalt path to protect the path edge from stormwater runoff
The Riverside landing was identified for renewal through Council’s Urban Elements Asset Management Plan, and the project is being delivered as part of the Council’s asset renewal program to improve safety, functionality, and long-term resilience for community use. The works are expected to be completed in approximately six weeks. The project was approved under delegated authority in line with Council’s endorsed budget.”
The old boat landing at this site, pictured in 2016.
The contractor
The same contractor, Civil Tech has undertaken other projects in your Park Lands in recent years. They include:
Meanwhile, across town on Botanic Creek
A different contractor, “Urban Renew” has begun rehabilitation works in the Botanic Creek watercourse in Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka (Park 14), near Rundle Road.
Work commencing on Botanic Creek on the northern side of Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka, where it disappears under Rundle Road. Pic: Kadaltilla / Adelaide Park Lands Authority
These works are expected to take approximately 3–4 weeks.
The project aims to address what City of Adelaide describes as:
ongoing erosion and sediment build-up
poor public amenity
limited vegetation and habitat value
minimal water quality benefit
Kadaltilla / Adelaide Park Lands Authority advises that the work will involve:
Desilting – removing built-up sediment
Erosion protection – using rock to stabilise vulnerable areas
Hydraulic control structures – installing rock riffles (Park 15) and a weir (Park 16) to slow water flow
Revegetation – planting native species to enhance biodiversity and amenity
Tree protection – minimising impacts to existing trees.
