As Adelaide Plains grows, planning is needed to foster liveable and sustainable outcomes for Thompson Beach. Let us know what you see for the future of Thompson Beach!

On this page: Background / Have your say / Documents

A plan for the future of Thompson Beach will look at lifestyle, business, tourism and the environment. We are creating this plan with the community, and working towards supporting local facilities and services that are reasonably convenient and accessible, maintaining our enviable lifestyle.

Actions identified will be those that Council working with the local community can deliver, lead, or advocate for.  The plan will align with Council’s Growth Strategy and Action Plan and Tourism and Economic Development Strategy 2022 – 2024, as well as the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park – Winaityinaityi Pangkara’s Management Plan.

Why we need to plan

Thompson Beach is a destination known for recreation and leisure. The coasts is an area of national and international importance and supports migratory shorebirds and waders.

Tourism is a low impact economic development opportunity and a key visitor attraction is the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park – Winaityinaityi Pangkara (the Bird Sanctuary).

Background

• Our region’s coast contains landscapes, marine parks and habitats of national importance. This area is considered one of the most ecologically intact mangrove and saltmarsh systems in South Australia and provides a unique coastal experience.
• Thompson Beach has around 200 residents and this number is growing. Visitors come to fish, crab and view wildlife at the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park – Winaityinaityi Pangkara (the Bird Sanctuary).
• It has a limited range of facilities for residents and visitors.
• The Esplanade allows people to walk, drive, and cycle the length of Thompson Beach. Informal feedback indicates there are some safety concerns for people of different abilities walking. Council is investigating bituminising The Esplanade.
• There are various walking trails between Thompson Beach and Bakers Creek inside the Bird Sanctuary, an important coastal conservation area.
• Widninga is the Kaurna name for Thompson Beach.

What is being proposed at Thompson Beach?

• A whole of settlement approach to recreation and shared trails linking to Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park - Winaityinaityi Pangkara.
• A foreshore park precinct near Ruskin Road/Esplanade.
• Alterations and outdoor areas at The Shed, including bus parking.
• Investigating whether there is a need for an off-leash dog park and if so where.
• Trail connections to and within Thompson Beach, including at Bakers Creek.
• Enabling greater walking/cycling safety when accessing the foreshore and residential areas, including investigating traffic calming options.
• Considering community transport options.

The community’s feedback on these proposals is sought during consultation.

Have your say

Consultation is open from 24 January 2024 and closes at 9am on Wednesday 6 March 2024.

Next steps

Following consultation, directions for Thompson Beach will be documented in a Thompson Beach Plan. Draft directions will be discussed with representatives from the Thompson Beach Progress Association prior to Council’s formal consideration.

When a Plan is adopted, it is anticipated further tailored consultation would be associated with progressing each action. This is likely to include working closely with the Thompson Beach Progress Association. The Plan would also inform Council’s annual business planning, advocacy, and other initiatives by Council.

Frequently asked questions