At close to 1000ha, a new park north of the city will be almost 40 per cent larger than Adelaide’s famous Park Lands and represents the most significant investment in public open space in Greater Adelaide ever.

Part of the new Greater Adelaide Regional Plan, the Northern Park Lands will feature natural open space, new sport and recreation facilities and a new railway station, as well as three interconnected linear parks with shared-use paths that will provide a continuous loop around Gawler.

A 70ha Village Green sport and recreation area - the equivalent of 31 Adelaide Ovals - is proposed for the heart of the development.

The playing fields will include ovals, courts and clubroom facilities and will be home to numerous local sporting clubs.

Located along the electrified Gawler Railway line, the park will feature public transport connections as well as car parking.

Preliminary consultation has already commenced with local sporting clubs and the Town of Gawler to ensure the Village Green and Recreation and Sporting area can become a vibrant multi-sport precinct servicing the needs of the northern suburbs and greater Gawler region into the future.

More than 760ha will be preserved for natural green open space that supports greater biodiversity and increases habitats for native animals.

Located next to the Kulda growth area south of Gawler, the Northern Park Lands will provide an uninterrupted journey from the hills face to the Gawler River, via Karbeethan Reserve.

The State Government has committed $53 million towards the first stage of the Northern Park Lands. Funds generated through future land developments – as well as council contributions – will help establish and maintain the park lands.

Legislation will be introduced to establish a new statutory authority, named the Northern Park Lands Trust, that will establish the new park lands.

The Trust will be similar to the West Beach Trust model which has proven successful in protecting the local environment whilst also creating popular recreation areas.

The Northern Park Lands will require some land acquisitions and utilise the development of government-owned land for open space with increased vegetation.