Consultation opens for new recreation opportunities in Mount Remarkable National Park

Part of the $10 million Remarkable Southern Flinders Ranges project, community consultation is now open on the proposed changes through the YourSAy website.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Executive Director Mike Williams says the upgrades are part of the South Australian Government’s record $130 million investment to revitalise South Australia’s national parks.

“The Southern Flinders precinct has some of the state’s most beautiful views and this project will enable all to better enjoy our national parks,” Mr Williams said.

“It is a key region to reinvigorate our regional communities and enhance South Australia’s reputation as a world-class eco-tourism destination.

“We know how much South Australians love our national parks which is why we are investing record amounts to improve visitor experiences while conserving our natural environment.”

Proposed amendments to the park’s management plan include:

• Broadening the areas where cycling tracks may be developed across the park
• Expanding the Visitor Use Zone (VUZ) in Mambray Creek to allow for improvements to the existing camp offering. A new VUZ is also proposed for the Willowie section of the park to reflect the use of the area as a point launch point with parking facilities to access local mountain bike trails and picnic areas.
• Making allowances for low-impact, guided 4WD tours under certain circumstances
• Outlining principles for small scale ecologically sustainable tourism accommodation development near Mambray Creek and Warren Bonython Link, including a requirement for a dedicated payment as part of any tourism accommodation lease to fund conservation outcomes in the park, and
• Managing total grazing pressure from feral animals and kangaroos to prevent detrimental effects to native vegetation and on-park plant diversity.

Mr Williams said the project would encourage more people to visit our parks which will boost regional tourism, create more than 70 jobs and help improve mental health and wellbeing.

“This process will seek to maintain strong protection for the values of the park, while allowing for the upgrade and expansion of trails, campgrounds and visitor facilities in appropriate locations,” Mr Williams said.

“I am pleased the amendments also consider principles for tourism accommodation, including a requirement for tourism operators to provide additional funding to support on-ground conservation efforts in Mount Remarkable National Park.

“This is just one of the exciting projects we are delivering across South Australia to reinvigorate our national parks to increase visitor numbers and improve conservation.”

As part of the proposed changes, amendments will be required to the park management plan for Mount Remarkable National Park.

During the consultation period members of the public will have an opportunity to make a submission on the draft plan during the three-month statutory consultation period.

To find out more visit www.yoursay.sa.gov.au.