Development of a Laratinga Trails and Boardwalks Masterplan

Overview Mount Barker District Council is seeking to engage a suitably qualified consultant to review the existing Laratinga Wetland trails and boardwalk layout and infrastructure, along with associated access issues and opportunities, and to develop a masterplan to inform future development, upgrades and renewals. About Laratinga Wetland is a highly popular and well used community and environmental asset, with over 8,000 people accessing the wetland via its trails each week. The existing Laratinga trail network and boardwalks were constructed when the wetlands were first developed in the late 1990s. The boardwalks are now at end of life, with one section having been closed to public access for over 2 years. The boardwalks consist of one main section that crosses basin 3 and includes a viewing platform, and two smaller sections in basins 1 and 2 (see Attachment 1, Laratinga Wetlands Trails map). Council has conducted a condition audit and commissioned a quote to replace the existing structures as they were originally designed but upgraded to comply with current standards. The quote to do this came in at close to $2M, which prompted the need for a cost benefit analysis to ensure community funds are invested appropriately and community benefit is maximised. The water regime in the wetland is changing to an ephemeral system as part of a major upgrade to the Mount Barker Wastewater Treatment Plant. This change will require lagoons to be dewatered for a period, which would enable work on boardwalks and other infrastructure to occur before the ephemeral system is implemented. This is currently scheduled for 2028. Purpose The review is intended to ensure access to the wetland is safe, equitable and maximises community and environmental outcomes. Before proceeding with any infrastructure works, Council has determined that a review of the layout and design of the whole Laratinga trail network and user needs should occur, to ensure whatever is implemented is fit for purpose and identifies appropriate community use, access and safety, as well as achieving environmental objectives, including the needs of birdlife and other fauna. Scope The scope includes: Review of the existing Laratinga Wetland trails and boardwalk layout and infrastructure Review of associated access issues and opportunities Development of a masterplan to inform future development, upgrades and renewals of the trails and boardwalk infrastructure Enquiries Any queries are to be submitted via VendorPanel, and a response will be provided in the same manner.