Greening Program - Phoenix Park Wetlands
The currently underutilised Phoenix Park Wetlands will be redeveloped into a functional, attractive and serene public open space through the Port Pirie Greening Program.
The Port Pirie Greening Program is funded by the Government of South Australia as part of a four-year, $5.7 million partnership that aims to minimise lead exposure pathways, beautify the community and increase biodiversity.
Further benefits are improved visual appeal of the identified locations, increased environmental benefits and the improved health and wellbeing of the community.
Phoenix Park Wetlands is one of the two largest individual sites within the built area of Port Pirie likely to contribute to the movement of dust, hence its suitability to the Port Pirie Greening Program. It was identified in the Greening Port Pirie – Landscaping Concept Design which was released for community consultation in January 2024.
Overall redevelopment of the Phoenix Park Wetlands will include:
A new two-way entrance with adjacent footpath, including:
- New pockets of landscaping and mulch to verges for dust suppression
- New native tree plantings
- New bitumen two-way entry into Phoenix Park
- New pedestrian footpath adjacent to road into Phoenix Park
- Upgraded shared path
- New wayfinding.
New lawn with shade trees and car parks:
- New pockets of landscaping and mulch to verges for dust suppression
- New bitumen carriageway
- New car park adjacent to lawn with new trees
- New lawn with shade trees
- Log fence between car park and lawn
- New table sets provide picnic opportunities for families.
Levee with ground covers and coir logs:
- New ground cover to verges for dust suppression
- New native shrubs plantings
- Looped gravel maintenance road
- Coir logs to protect levee from heavy water flows and sediment movement.
There will be a staged implementation of redevelopment of the Phoenix Park Wetlands. Greening, irrigation and some pathways to minimise lead dust in air are the primary focus of the early works as part of the Port Pirie Greening Program.
Design works have been completed and plant shrub and tree propagation is underway. On-ground works are expected to commence this month and will include support from the Pirie Work Hardening Program. This program is a valuable opportunity for participants to obtain a qualification and tickets while gaining real life work experience.
Tendering for packages of works including civil and earthworks, are underway and works expected to commence later this year.
More information on specific control measures including dust suppression will be released to the public as works commence.
Phoenix Park Wetlands is ideally located, surrounded by educational institutions, sporting and leisure facilities and a shopping centre. It has been highlighted as a good community project with education and training prospects and the potential to create a functional, attractive and serene public open space.
COMMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND MINING THE HON TOM KOUTSANTONIS MP
The Malinauskas Government’s $5.7 million investment in greening projects in Port Pirie is an investment in the state’s future, and the redevelopment of Phoenix Park Wetlands is another example of the Greening Program delivering real benefits to Port Pirie residents.
The South Australian Government recognises this great city has an important part to play in our state’s future. New and improved green spaces like Phoenix Park will help reduce the movement of lead dust and give current and future residents great destinations to meet, play and relax.
I congratulate Port Pirie Regional Council on the effort that has gone into making sure the Port Pirie community is actively engaged in shaping the city’s future green spaces.