New conservation park for Adelaide's southern suburbs
A new 177 hectare conservation park has been created in the southern suburbs running alongside the Field River to the south of Sheidow Park and north of Reynella.
The newly gazetted Kauwi-marnirla-Field River Conservation Park 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.
Director, National Parks Programs with National Parks and Wildlife Service Jason Irving said the new park presents an opportunity to protect and restore a significant portion of a unique metropolitan river system at Field River.
“Protection of the valley will improve the ecological, heritage and recreational outcomes of the area,” Jason said.
Chief Executive Officer of Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife Ian Darbyshire said for over 50 years, the Foundation has focused on landscape resilience and restoration, drawing on both scientific knowledge and First Nations wisdom in restoring and managing land.
"The Kauwi-marnirla-Field River Conservation Park is a primary example of the important work achieved through the collaborative efforts of government, indigenous, corporate and community groups to preserve our native land and wildlife habitats. It sets the benchmark for future projects to extend and protect our parks and protected areas as well as safeguard natural habitats," Mr Darbyshire said.
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.
