A $17.3m upgrade to the Patawalonga Lake System’s south gates is now complete.
The project, which involved replacing all eight steel gates in the system, will help maintain a healthy environment for marine life and support recreational activities along the lake.
The gates allow fresh seawater to circulate through the 1.6-kilometre-long Patawalonga Lake System and flow back out to sea via the Barcoo Outlet – using the tides to flush the lake to keep it healthy and clean.
They also play an important role in controlling water levels in the lake and diverting urban stormwater to reduce flood risk in surrounding areas including Glenelg and the Adelaide Airport.
Along with replacing the gates the project also involved replacing lifting components and the electronic con
trol system which had reached the end of their serviceable life.
The new stainless-steel gates will have a lifespan of up to 50 years without the need for major refurbishment.
The upgraded electronic control system – responsible for automatically opening and closing the gates – features new inlet and outlet sensors to provide real-time, high-sensitivity data to monitor and manage water levels, including in severe weather.
Several waterways and drains flow into the system – known locally as ‘The Pat’ – including the Sturt River, Brown Hill Creek, Keswick Creek, Patawalonga Creek and the Adelaide Airport drain.
The lake is a key refuge for the local population of bottlenose dolphins, including a frequent visitor named June.
Green Adelaide has provided support to create the Patawalonga Dolphin Trail (external site), a walking trail recognising the area’s unique wildlife.
Dolphin Dock founder and researcher Marianna Boorman said visitors could follow the self-guided Patawalonga Dolphin Trail and scan the QR codes at the trail stations and picnic shelters to learn about this area and its wildlife, as well as gain some tips on protecting the region’s dolphins.
“This includes never to feed, touch, or harm dolphins and to remind people to avoid approaching or harassing them, to reel in fishing lines if dolphins are close and to dispose of rubbish properly,” Ms Boorman said.
“We are very grateful to the lake system operations team and the people who worked on the South Gates who kept an eye out for June (the dolphin who visits the Patawalonga most often), to ensure his safety during the upgrade.
“We are also very grateful to the residents and boat owners who continue to look out for him and the other wildlife in the area.”
For more information, visit the Department for Environment and Water website. (external site)
