Construction starts on Bookmark Creek infrastructure upgrades
Construction will get underway in the coming weeks on $9.8 million worth of infrastructure upgrades along Renmark’s Bookmark Creek with the successful construction tender awarded to Fulton Hogan Construction.
The infrastructure upgrades are expected to deliver improved environmental flows and fish passage through the creek as well as better recreational access to the area for kayaks and canoes.
Two important sites have been chosen for improvements, with a multi-functional inlet regulator to be built near Jane Eliza Estate, and an upgrade planned for Nelwart Street Bridge, near the Bookmark Creek outlet, to improve the flow of water and allow for fish passage.
Manager Program Delivery for the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) Sarah Murphy explained the new Bookmark Creek inlet regulator is believed to be the first of its kind in Australia.
“This is a multi-purpose structure, which will include a regulator, canoe channel, canoe portage ramp and a pedestrian access bridge.” Ms Murphy said.
“The inlet regulator will also include a fishway so that native fish will be able to travel both upstream and downstream under a range of river conditions.
“The new structure aims to support the safe passage of native riverine species, such as the Murray Cod and turtles and includes a pedestrian bridge that will provide a wheelchair accessible path across the creek.”
Ms Murphy said the Nelwart Street Bridge upgrades will provide unrestricted flow of water, allowing native species to move between the creek and the river without restrictions.
“The upgrades will also provide better access for local farming equipment, delivering benefits to the local community and industries” she said. “It is exciting to reach the construction phase of the project as we know the changes will make a real difference to the creek.”
“DEW is looking forward to working with Fulton Hogan to deliver this unique project. The company has extensive experience delivering quality infrastructure projects in the Riverland, as well as across South Australia and nationally.
“We expect construction to take approximately 12 months to complete. The project will deliver widespread social and environmental benefits with improved connectivity, amenities and greatly improve the condition of the creek and its adjacent wetlands.”
The Bookmark Creek Complex is one of three locations identified as ecologically important for restoration under the Sustaining Riverland Environments (SRE) program.
SRE is a $37.6 million program funded by the Australian Government through the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and delivered by the Government of South Australia through the Department for Environment and Water.
For more information visit www.environment.sa.gov.au/sustainingriverlandenvironments
