June 2026 News Update
Dear members
We hope you are enjoying this sunny weather after some recent good rains and are looking forward to the days getting longer since the winter equinox.
It’s also time to renew your membership of Friends of Willunga Basin from July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Being a member of Friends of Willunga Basin Inc (FOWB) means being part of a passionate community that actively protects and enhances the region’s unique cultural, ecological, and economic identity.
For just $20 per year (single or family), you’ll gain access to exclusive insights, opportunities to shape the future of Willunga Basin, and the chance to be part of a dynamic and proactive community. Membership runs from July 2026 to June 2027, so now’s the perfect time to join or renew!
Join and pay online using the form here, or contact us for other payment options.
UPCOMING EVENT
Notification to all members
Friends of Willunga Basin, Annual General Meeting
Will be held on Tuesday 18 August 2026 starting at 7pm
At The Willunga Hub, 1 St Peters Tce, Willunga, 5172
Guest Speaker: Brad Martin, OzFish, Adelaide
JUNE UPDATE
Wave Park Development Application
The City of Onkaparinga’s Council Assessment Panel (CAP) granted planning consent for a recreation and tourist accommodation facility that includes a wave pool at Lot 3 Tuit Road, Aldinga, in late April 2026. The decision is being challenged in the Environment, Resources, and Development (ERD) Court, and the next hearing date will be in August 2026.
The community legal challenge against the Wave Park continues with in excess of $200,000 already spent. A page for donations has been set up by the organisers - every contribution is genuinely appreciated and you may remain anonymous. Please consider donating and/or share the link below: Aldinga Wave Park Challenge
Aquatic Centre Aldinga Bay
FOWB has written to City of Onkaparinga and State Government in support of the community action group calling for an aquatic centre in Aldinga since 2020. A petition was read in State Parliament in November 2022 and 805 residents and community organisations completed an online survey as part of the study in December 2023.
Although the State Government have not funded the project, community groups have continued to lobby for land to be set aside for the aquatic park.
The Office of Sport and Recreation has written to Renewal SA requesting consideration of future aquatic centre opportunities in the Aldinga catchment, and the ‘green triangle’, on the corner of Bowering Hill Road and Port Road, west of the proposed rail corridor, was assessed and rated the most suitable. For more information: Aquatic Centre Aldinga Bay Action Group
Wangkuntila -Aldinga Conservation Park
(Formerly Aldinga Conservation Park and the Washpool)
On 5 June 2026, John Edmeades from the Friends of Wangkuntila-Aldinga Conservation Park (FOWACP) convened a meeting to discuss the foreshore adjacent to the washpool and concerns about vehicles on this part of the beach. Invited guests included the new local MP Jenni Mitton, Friends of Willunga Basin and Aldinga Bay Residents Association (ABRA) committee members.
Tom Gara (President FOWACP and FOWB committee member) talked about the history of the washpool and pebble bank. John Edmeades educated us on a unique and dynamic coastal ecosystem worth protecting, particularly in the context of anticipated further development. We discussed the work by Ben Taylor for Nature Glenelg Trust and his recommendations for restoration of the washpool. On the recommendation of Jenni Mitton we have invited the new Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Emily Bourke, to pay a visit.
Murray Darling Basin
The Murray Darling Basin Management Plan 2026 review called for stakeholder and community response to the review. Our submission’s primary focus was the importance and critical need for increased water flow into the lower lakes and southern regions of the Murray River. For further information: Murray Darling Basin Management Plan 2026 Review
Revocation of Green Space in Onkaparinga
We have responded to the community land revocation proposal at 39 Hopkins Court, Woodcroft as we are very concerned about the potential, irreversible loss of green space that is not only essential to the wellbeing of the community but critical to the survival of environmental flora and fauna that comes with revocation of publicly owned land. We are concerned that once the land has been purchased they will be at liberty to deviate from any original, identified proposal and if sold, it could be used for purposes which conflict with the interests of the community and the environment.
Friends of Willunga Basin believe that green space must be conserved and maintained. If you would like more information: Community land revocation proposal Woodcroft
Swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula
FOWB, made a written submission to the Swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula – Draft National Recovery Plan, our submission expressed the need for a more collaborative approach to management of swamps on the Fleurieu , that would engage both the State and Federal Governments, community-based land care – environment groups, Conservation Council. We fully supported Glenelg Nature Trust as the prime consultants based on their experience and record of success in wetlands revitalisation. For more information or how to get involved check out: Swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula Draft National Recovery Plan
Onkaparinga Have your Say
Willunga Creek Flood Mitigation and Environmental Flow Project
Council has been looking to increase natural water flow in the Willunga Creek and reducing flooding. The original Willunga Creek alignment through the township was significantly modified many years ago. If you’d like more information or have something to add please check out: Willunga Creek Flood Mitigation & Environmental Flow Project
Affordable Housing Strategy
Council resolved to adopt the revised Affordable Housing Strategy on Tuesday 28 April 2026. We had responded to the draft and if you are wanting more information check out the report: Onkaparinga Affordable Housing Strategy
Future use of a portion of Pear Tree Paddock
Council is considering granting a lease of up to 5 years to the Willunga Recreation Park Incorporated to establish an RV park on a portion of land, commonly known as Pear Tree Paddock in Willunga for overnight stays. If you’d like to have your say on a proposal to establish a low-cost RV Park in Willunga engagement it’s open until 7 July 2026: Future-use Portion Pear Tree Paddock Willunga
