Have your say about the future of South Australia’s oldest national park
Belair National Park – South Australia’s first national park – is turning 130 this year and its evolution is set to continue with the prospect of even more ways to enjoy its open space.
Situated only 25 km from Adelaide’s city centre, the park has undergone a number of phased upgrades over the past decade and now the site of the former Belair Golf Course and Country Club is set to be reimagined.
The 51-hectare site was reclaimed in 2018 with the vision to increase the array of activities already being offered, and to meet the needs of future generations of park users.
Here’s everything you need to know, including how you can have a say:
What’s already on offer at Belair National Park?
Not only does Belair National Park welcome its local community and its furry friends on a daily basis, for many Adelaidians the park is a special place where friends and family come together and memories are made.
Its uniqueness may well be attributed to it being home to Old Government House and the State Flora nursery, but it also contains 39 tennis courts, horse riding opportunities and a diversity of landscapes ranging from woodlands, waterfalls, lakes, creeks and geological formations to discover.
If you’ve not been to Belair National Park, discover it with these 10 things to see and do.
What’s being proposed?
A draft master plan was released in early February, which guides infrastructure upgrades and access for all in the former golf precinct.
The draft master plan was developed in consultation with a Belair Community Reference Group to ensure the future use of this precinct meets the community’s expectations and the objectives for the park.
Key features of the draft master plan includes:
- removal of the Belair Function Centre, following the investigation of numerous unsuccessful management options
- a new home ground to be established for Sturt Lions Football Club on up to 10 hectares of the southern boundary of the precinct
- the short-term lease of a local mountain bike hire and skills training business to operate from the old clubhouse in the precinct
- a new shared-use trail and proposing a mountain bike flow and jump trails to support a growing interest in this recreational activity.
An amendment to the Belair National Park Management Plan is also proposed to facilitate greater enjoyment through tourist accommodation, heritage and recreational use.
Since the master plan was released, a large amount of feedback has been collected on the various proposals, primarily through the YourSAy website.
Your voice counts
The YourSAy website is where you can share your thoughts or find out a bit more about what’s being proposed at the former Belair Golf Course precinct.
Every voice counts, so don’t delay – join an online discussion, complete a survey or get up to speed with the frequently asked questions. You have until 5 pm, Tuesday 4 May.
Better still, head along to Belair National Park between 1 pm and 3 pm on Saturday 20 March for the second community drop-in session. You’ll be able to speak with park staff to find out more, or share your thoughts of the draft master plan.
When will I know what has been decided?
Belair National Park has such a close connection with so many South Aussies so careful consideration and consultation is being undertaken to help guide the next stages of upgrades.
It’s expected that an outline of what we have heard will be available in late May on the YourSAy website.
Love Belair National Park? Plan your next visit with thisitinerary, brought to you by ranger Brent Lores.
