South Australian Government invites community feedback on draft management plan for Yorke Peninsula parks

South Australian Government invites community feedback on draft management plan for Yorke Peninsula parks

The South Australian Department for Environment and Water in partnership with the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park Co-management Board has developed a draft management plan to guide the future direction of parks in the region.

The community is encouraged to have their say on the future management of Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park and 11 conservation parks across Yorke Peninsula with the draft plan now open for consultation through the State Government’s YourSAy portal.

The draft plan sets the strategic direction for management of the parks and includes four management themes, each with their own objectives and strategies.

The themes include:

• Honouring and advancing Narungga cultural and spiritual connection to Country

• Healthy land and sea

• Embracing the spirit of Narungga Country

• Understanding our shared histories

The plan covers three island parks and nine mainland parks, including one of the most visited parks in South Australia, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. All of the parks are located on central and lower Yorke Peninsula:

• Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park

• Carribie Conservation Park

• Minlacowie Conservation Park

• Ramsay Conservation Park

• Warrenben Conservation Park

• Goose Island Conservation Park

• Bird Islands Conservation Park

• Leven Beach Conservation Park

• Point Davenport Conservation Park

• Thidna Conservation Park

• Althorpe Islands Conservation Park

• Troubridge Island Conservation Park

National Parks and Wildlife Service Regional Manager for the Yorke and Mid North Craig Nixon said Narungga Traditional Owners, key stakeholders, technical experts and park managers provided input and guidance on the objectives and strategies outlined in the plan.

Craig notes “this plan builds on the previous management plans and amendments, and incorporates the traditional knowledge, culture, and spirituality of Narungga People, particularly for Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park.

“The parks in this plan will be managed to improve the integrity of important ecological communities, to strengthen Narungga culture and heritage and protect important sites, to minimise impacts to the natural ecological processes that support life in the parks, and to enable people to experience the natural, cultural, and heritage aspects of the parks.

“Partnering with Narungga and continuing to provide high-quality nature-based experiences are key directions specific to the management of Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park.”

Chair of the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park Co-management Board Doug Milera said Narungga Country extends across Yorke Peninsula from north of Port Broughton at the top of the peninsula to Cape Spencer in the south.

“This, our traditional place, is sacred and contains our connection and belonging across the land and sea,” he said.

"It is just as important today as it has been in the past that we endeavour to safeguard, preserve and protect what is now known as Yorke Peninsula.

“Also, just as important is preserving the way of life, culture, and history of my people, and allowing for developmental opportunities and economic prosperity for future generations.

“The co-management board is proud to present this draft plan to direct the management of Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park and the eleven conservation parks across Narungga Country. As co-managers for Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park we continue to care for land and sea in partnership with the Department for Environment and Water.

“We welcome visitors to share these parks with us, to continue to enjoy them, and to look after them together.”

To have YourSAy visit www.yoursay.sa.gov.au

Submissions close at 5pm on 30th November 2022.

Image courtesy SA Dept Environment and Water