Yorke Peninsula Council advises that a section of the Par Lake walking trail, Yorketown, is no longer accessible to the public, and will be re-routed.
The walking trail was an initiative of Yorketown Progress Association and opened in 2015 after Council, at the request of Progress, won a State Government grant.
The trail exists on land belonging to Council, Council leases, or under Council’s care and control. One section, however, was established on private property with the consent of the owners at the time.
“From what we can gather the Progress Association and staff discussed the path with the then-owners who were all in favour of the project,” CEO Andrew Cameron said.
Several properties have since changed hands and issues arose including the need for the new owners to have public liability cover for their sections of the trail.
One landowner offered to gift their part of the trail to the community, and has indicated that offer remains open for discussion if circumstances change; however, an agreement could not be reached with all landowners.
“Council was hopeful of working with all parties to find a suitable solution,” Mr Cameron said.
“Unfortunately, an agreement to suit all parties could not be reached so Council staff made a decision to remove infrastructure (watering systems) and are working to re-route the trail.”
Mr Cameron said the situation emphasised the importance of executing land-access agreements and placing easements over titles.
“Staff at the time accepted a handshake and good faith, and this has been a learning opportunity to avoid similar situations in the future,” he said.
“Council sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused to those who enjoy walking the trail.
“We are working to reroute the trail and ask that people do not enter the private land.”