Information

We would like your feedback on the proposal to grant a lease to TreeClimb SA Pty Ltd (TreeClimb) for an initial term of four years with one right of renewal for a further four years for a portion of Blue Gum Park / Kurangga (Park 20).

TreeClimb is an inner-city aerial adventure park that has operated in Blue Gum Park / Kurangga (Park 20) since 2018. The facility includes climbing platforms, suspended courses, flying foxes, and an Ecohut arrival and check-in point.

TreeClimb provides opportunities for active recreation, outdoor adventure, and nature-based experiences for residents, school groups, and visitors. The leased area allows continued public access at ground level and operates alongside other park users and shared paths.

Following endorsement by Council to exempt this proposal from an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process, the terms and conditions of the draft Key Lease Terms was supported by Kadaltilla / Adelaide Park Lands Authority (Kadaltilla) on 30 October 2025, and Council endorsed the draft Lease for the purpose of commencing community consultation at its meeting of 25 November 2025.

Blue Gum Park / Kurangga (Park 20) is located in Adelaide’s Park Lands and forms part of the National Heritage-listed Adelaide Park Lands and City Layout.

The current lease between TreeClimb SA Pty Ltd and the City of Adelaide commenced on 1 November 2018 and is due to expire on 31 October 2026.

Council has previously undertaken an assessment and endorsed an exemption from the Expressions of Interest process under Section 13.1 of the Adelaide Park Lands Leasing and Licensing Policy 2016 due to exceptional circumstances. These circumstances include the unique nature of the TreeClimb aerial adventure course, the fact that all infrastructure is wholly owned, installed, and maintained by the tenant, and the difficulty of replicating the operation without significant cost or disruption to the Park Lands.

The exemption also reflects the operator’s strong compliance history and its demonstrated alignment with Council’s strategic objectives for active recreation, wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and sustainable use of the Park Lands.

Under the Local Government Act 1999 (SA), councils are required to undertake formal community consultation for any lease or licence over community land with a term exceeding five years. As the proposed lease term is longer than five years, Council is required to undertake public consultation under Section 202(2) of the Act.

Why is Council consulting on this lease?

Lease consultation is a statutory requirement under the Local Government Act (SA) 1999 when the term of the lease is greater than 5 years. The draft Lease is for an Initial Term of 4 years with an option for one right of renewal of 4 years.


Who is the proposed tenant and the term?

The proposed tenant is TreeClimb SA Pty Ltd, for an initial term of four years with one right of renewal for a further four years.


How will the land and trees be cared for under the Adelaide TreeClimb lease?

Caring for the Park Lands and trees is a key requirement of the Adelaide TreeClimb lease. The operator must regularly inspect trees used in their activities; have tree health independently assessed each year by an arborist, avoid any intrusive works to trees, and immediately report any damage. All infrastructure must allow trees to grow naturally, and a Council-approved risk management plan is reviewed annually to ensure ongoing protection of the land.


What is the process if Adelaide TreeClimb wants to add or change structures on the site?

Any new structures or changes proposed by Adelaide TreeClimb require approval from Council through a landowner consent process. Proposals are assessed for impacts on tree health, the environment and safety.


What happens after consultation?

Submissions are summarised and provided to Kadaltilla and Council to inform final decisions.

Maps

Mao showing the leased area and location of the Ecohut

The leased area is bordered in yellow. The location of the Ecohut is shown in red.

Key Lease Terms

Category

Details

Proposed Proponent

TreeClimb SA Pty Ltd (ACN 612 016 145)

Rent

Rent to be determined in accordance with mutual negotiations with the proposed proponent and in conjunction with a market rent review

Rent Review Mechanism

Rent reviewed on each Review Date using either fixed 4% increase or CPI, whichever is the greatest.

Additional Costs

Proposed Proponent must pay:
• All rates and taxes
• All outgoings relating to ownership, management, and operation of the premises
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas, telephone, etc.)
• Legal costs (half of preparation, all variation/extension, breach enforcement).

Special Conditions

• Public access to amenities during business hours and ground-level lease area access at all times unless Council consents otherwise
• Biodiversity preservation obligations (no drilling through trees, annual arborist inspections, report damage)
• Risk Management Plan to be prepared before commencement and updated annually
• Council may relocate lessee with 3 months’ notice for commercial reasons

Proposed Lease Term

Initial term: 4 years (1 Nov 2026 – 31 Oct 2030).
Renewal: one right of renewal for a further 4 years (1 Nov 2030 – 31 Oct 2034).

Permitted Use

Auxiliary services to the Lease Area Permitted Use, including information centre, amenities, and small-scale provision of pre-prepared food/beverages. Lease Area use includes tree-top adventure course with suspension lines, bridges, flying foxes, and climbing obstacles.

Bank Guarantee

Equivalent to three months’ rent (incl. GST), continuing and irrevocable, to be replenished if rent increases or part is drawn. Released one month after expiry if no contingent obligations remain.

Maintenance

Lessee responsible for all repairs (including structural repairs to alterations), replacement of damaged Council equipment, cleaning, graffiti removal, pest inspections, vegetation maintenance.

Works Conditions

Lessee must not alter premises without Council consent and must provide details of proposed works. Proposed proponent pays Council’s costs for approvals and must refurbish premises prior to expiry.

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - active

    Community Consultation

    9 February - 3 March 2026

  • Timeline item 2 - incomplete

    Reporting of consultation results

    Kadaltilla - 26 March 2026

    Council - 28 April 2026

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    Lease Finalisation

    May - June 2026

Who's listening

Have questions or want to learn more about the proposed lease, contact:

Contact Information
Name Jacque Opie, Community Leasing Coordinator
Phone +61882037289
Email j.opie@adelaidecitycouncil.com

Other ways to provide feedback

  • Email

    Email your feedback to ouradelaide@cityofadelaide.com.au

  • Written Submissions

    All written submissions should be delivered to the City of Adelaide Customer Centre, 25 Pirie Street Adelaide, or posted to:

    Community Consultation, Blue Gum Park / Kurangga (Park 20) TreeClimb Commercial Lease , GPO Box 2252, Adelaide SA 5001

  • Speak with a staff member

    You can organise to meet with or speak to a with a staff member by emailing your request and contact details to j.opie@adelaidecitycouncil.com