Hugh Schuitemaker, Murray Pioneer
Significant infrastructure upgrades at Renmark’s Bookmark Creek – allowing for improved natural water flows, better conditions for native fish and other species, and greater recreational opportunities – have been completed.
Representatives from the Renmark Irrigation Trust (RIT), Renmark Paringa Council, and State and Federal Governments last Thursday attended the opening of the Jane Eliza Regulator, on Bookmark Creek.
Renmark Irrigation Trust CEO Rosalie Auricht said the opening of the Jane Eliza Regulator was another great day for the river system, and marked a “very satisfying last leg of a long journey to restore Bookmark Creek”.
“When the Trust signed the partnership agreement in April 2016 at a site on Bookmark Creek to return some of the recovered Commonwealth water for the environment to the Renmark area, a long-term irrigator said to me ‘this is one of the best days of my life, now our children have a future,” Ms Auricht said.
“Today feels the same. This well-designed regulator has met community expectations and is testament to what is possible when the community, the trust, the council, governments and environmental groups work together.
“It proves that caring for our waterways also means building a healthier, more vibrant future for everyone. We can now look forward to a healthy Creek flowing around Renmark, then re-joining the river.
“The last of the constraints has been removed providing free flow between weir pool 5 and 4. Now native fish and other aquatic life can flourish.”
Renmark Paringa Mayor Peter Hunter said the upgraded infrastructure would benefit the surrounding environment, and local recreational enthusiasts.
“If we can continue to improve our environment, for us and the next generations, we’ll have long-terms benefits for mental and physical health, plus having a place to walk, (and fish),” Mr Hunter said.
“Our first focus needs to be about locals, our enjoyment of the river and our long-term sustainability.
“I was at those initial meetings over the years, and being able to put a local point of view forward has been very important.”
Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said locals can now paddle the entire length of Bookmark Creek unimpeded.
“It’s an anabranch that historically has been a drainage facility, and now it’s an environmental asset,” Mr Whetstone said.
“It’s a great initiative for the community, and now the regulator has been opened, it’s really up to the community to be the eyes and ears of what it means.
“(It’s) a perfect example of how we can put the wheels in motion to support the environment and natural habitat.
“It’s an outstanding piece of infrastructure.”
SA Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Lucy Hood said “from a canoe channel to new fishway, we’re seeing how innovative design is bringing with it a host of environmental, social and economic benefits – helping the Murray River to thrive”.
“The new multi-purpose infrastructure has already seen an increase in flows along the creek, which is vital to the native fish and other species in the area,” Ms Hood said.
“Recreation and tourism will also benefit from the upgrade, providing an even more enjoyable experience for those wanting to get active and pick up a paddle.”
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said “this project is a great example of how water infrastructure can benefit the environment and the community”.
“The Albanese Government is committed to investing in South Australia, that’s why we invested in these important infrastructure upgrades,” Mr Watt said.
“Turtles and native fish can travel upstream and downstream for the first time in decades, and canoe-ists and kayakers can easily paddle the entire creek.
“Our Government is delivering $37.6m to South Australia’s Riverland communities through the Sustaining Riverland Environments program.”
Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone claims reports from Adelaide media regarding this improper content reposted to his Instagram account were fuelled by “petty politics”.
This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 29 October 2025.
