Within two years, seven SA reservoirs will soon be opened to the public for the first time or will have expanded recreational access for activities.
Hope Valley, Little Para and Barossa reservoirs will have activities such as picnicking, bushwalking and cycling available by the end of 2020, while water-based activities such as kayaking and fishing will be available at the Happy Valley, South Para, Myponga and Warren reservoirs by the end of the following year.
The activity opportunities form part of the state government's Opening up our Reservoirs policy, which is proving popular, according to Environment and Water Minister David Speirs.
"To have SA be able to go out on a kayak or drop a line for fishing at reservoirs across our state is an opportunity which will have significant environmental, social and economic benefits for generations to come," he said.
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Mr Speirs said protecting water quality in the reservoirs remained a top priority.
"This will be done through improved water treatment plants as required, detailed water quality risk assessments, as well as increased site security and water quality control measures," he said.
Representatives from the Department for Environment and Water, SA Water, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, SA Tourism Comission and SA Health are also working together to ensure all aspects - from tourism to infrastructure - are carefully factored into the planning.
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