South Australian Government announces new Field River Conservation Park  

The South Australian Government has announced a new 177 hectare conservation park to be created in the southern suburbs running alongside the Field River to the south of Sheidow Park and north of Reynella.

In total, consisting in kind and direct financial support, about $13 million is being invested in the establishment of the park.

The newly gazetted Field River Conservation Park – Kauwi-marnirla will be a focal point for conservation groups and a community open space.

A management plan will be created for the new park, which will include provisions for new signs and walking trails.

The Aboriginal co-name, Kauwi-marnirla translates to place of ‘two good waters’ and is pronounced ‘Cowee-ma-rni-rla’.

The increased management and protection with conservation park status will ensure native species and habitats are better protected.

The proclamation of the new park provides a significant opportunity to protect, restore and re-wild the metropolitan river valley corridor along the length of the Field River catchment adjacent to the Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta.

The Federal Government is contributing $4 million from the Disaster Ready Fund to support the work of the Kaurna Firesticks Team who will help manage the park including through fuel reduction works, seasonal cultural burning and targeted ecological restoration.

In addition, the SA National Parks and Wildlife Service has provided almost $4 million which includes the purchase of the land.

The Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife has provided $922,000 in-kind support, the Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation has provided $430,000 in-kind support and Green Adelaide provided $1.2 million and a further $2.7 in-kind support. The City of Marion has provided $90,000.

The park will be managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in conjunction with Kaurna practitioners who will help deliver land management services that utilise traditional knowledge and practice.

An Aboriginal works team will carry out weed control, carbon sequestration opportunities and delivery of prescribed burns. This offers Kaurna the opportunity to reconnect with the cultural and environmental values of country.

Image. Field River Valley project site near Southern Expressway Credit: Green Adelaide