Sturt River Linear Park Master Plan
Ecosystems and river corridors are typically managed by multiple stakeholders. The Sturt River Linear Park Master Plan seeks to bring these stakeholders together in a coordinated manner to realise the clear vision established for this significant public asset.
Fundamental to the vision for the Sturt River Linear Park is the development of a continuous trail to provide exciting and diverse recreational, cultural and natural links which extend the Yurebilla Trail from the hills to the sea. This is a significant challenge, given the extensive weed infestation in the upper reaches, the steep and rocky terrain within Sturt Gorge, and the mechanically engineered nature of the concrete river channel in the lower reaches.
URPS was a key member of the Swanbury Penglase-led consultant team in the development of this master plan. In this role we successfully negotiated the planning drivers for the effective management of the area across jurisdictions; provided the necessary input into the tourism and recreational planning components of the project; and managed extensive consultation with a variety of stakeholders.
This PIA award-winning master plan successfully balances key positive environmental outcomes with contemporary and achievable recreational initiatives. The plan also builds on Indigenous and European cultural history by providing links to specific places of interest along the Linear Park and promoting these through interpretive signage, maps and brochures.