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South Australia is incredibly fortunate to have such an abundance of beautiful and unspoilt natural open space.
Letter from the MinisterHon Ian Keith Hunter MLC
South Australian Minister for Environment
Bunyeroo Gorge - Flinders RangesIan Smith
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Since coming to Government in 2002 we have focussed on growing our State’s public reserves. As a result, South Australia’s public and private protected land area is now equivalent in size to the State of Victoria, and is the highest percentage of any Australian mainland jurisdiction.
We have more than 300 national parks across the State, every one of which is unique. So, whether you love sea views, the bush, caves, open grassland, spectacular geological features, rivers and wetlands, waterfalls, salt lakes or deserts, we have something for you.
It goes without saying that bushwalking is a fantastic form of exercise that helps us get away from the stress of our everyday lives. Studies have shown that spending time in green, open spaces is good for people of all ages, both physically and mentally. Importantly, bushwalking also encourages a connection with nature and a sense of belonging that often leads to people taking ownership of parks, which is vital for the future of our parks and reserves.
It makes sense that if we love something and feel connected to it, we want to protect it for future generations to. This is why my
Government has placed such a strong focus on getting more people enjoying and helping shape our parks.
For example, in March 2014, the South Australian Government committed to investing $10.4 million to upgrade and improve facilities in the national parks located in Adelaide’s northern and southern suburbs.
Around ten percent of our national parks are located within or immediately adjacent to the Adelaide metropolitan area, making them easily accessible to residents and visitors, and an enormous asset to the city. To encourage as many people as possible to explore and enjoy these parks, we are engaging widely with the public.
We have held community forums, undertaken online surveys, organised discovery days in selected parks, and even held a primary school competition inviting students to design their ideal park using the computer game Minecraft.
The results and feedback will help us better understand how the public wants us to invest this money to ensure that our parks continue
Remarkable Rocks, Flinders Chase National Park, AustraliaMagspace
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to address the public’s expectation and offer people what they want.
We are also well under way in establishing the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, a truly exciting initiative that will deliver great environmental and recreational benefits. When complete, the Sanctuary will run 60 kilometres along the Gulf St Vincent coastline, making it one of the State’s longest continuous stretches of coastal reserve, and a haven for bushwalkers and birdwatchers alike.
This particular section of coast is an important part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, where, at the peak of the migration season in summer, more than 25,000 birds gather, with many coming from places as far away as Alaska and northern Asia.
As with our other projects, we are also engaging closely with the public in order to maximise conservation, as well as enjoyment and tourism opportunities. In addition to forums, community meetings and roundtables, we have put together “the Collective”, a leadership team who will shape the development and management of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary.
The members of the Collective have been chosen based on their expertise, experience with birds and nature, and also because of their links to the local area, either as traditional owners, residents or business owners. This diverse group of people will contribute their skills and expertise to shaping the sanctuary. It’s also particularly exciting because it’s the first time that the principles of co-design and collective impact are being applied to an environmental project in South Australia.
And finally, the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, a multi-day walking trail on the south-west of the island, is another great example of how we are improving the variety of nature experiences here in South Australia. Once completed in June 2016, the KI Wilderness Trail will offer walkers a five day adventure walk, with four custom-designed campsites located at key points along the trail.
You’ll be able to enjoy the island’s unforgettable natural environment and take in many of its famous landmarks and attractions, including the Cape du Couedic light house, Admirals Arch, Remarkable Rocks and Kelly Hill Caves. The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is set to rival other
Kangaroo Island Lighthouse Cape, South Australia PCW
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Hon Ian Hunter MLC Ian was born in Broken Hill and grew up in the Adelaide suburb of Holden Hill. He graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Science (Honours), majoring in microbiology and genetics.
After graduating, Ian worked as a Research Assistant at Flinders Medical Centre, and was the State Secretary of the Australian Labor Party. Ian was elected to the Legislative Council in 2006 and became a Minister in 2011.
Ian is currently Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray and Minister for Climate Change. Ian’s policy interests include science and science education, climate change and environmental sustainability, reconciliation and social justice.
The cave of Admirals Arch, Adelaide, South AustraliaTing_149
world-famous multi-day walks, such as New Zealand’s Milford Track and Tasmania’s Overland Track.
As you can see, South Australian parks and reserves have something to suit all bushwalking tastes and interests. We are constantly exploring new ways to improve facilities and offerings, while at the same time ensuring that all South Australians and visitors enjoy, appreciate and protect our beautiful environment.
So please come and visit our parks and spread the word about how great they are.
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