National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has encouraged nature lovers and the locals of Fleurieu Peninsula locals to have their says heard on a proposed Management Plan for Parks of the Central Fleurieu Peninsula.
The draft Management Plan is to be subject to public consultation for three months.
According to NPWS, the parks of central Fleurieu Peninsula are those between the townships of Yankalilla, Ashbourne and Victor Harbor.
It said there were 15 parks within the region including the Hindmarsh Valley National Park, which was proclaimed in 2021.
“The strategies outlined in the plan were developed by the Department for Environment and Water with input from First Nations people, key stakeholders, park managers and technical experts,” it said.
“The parks have similar ecological and geographic features and are subject to similar issues. Establishing one management plan will allow a consistent approach to biodiversity conservation and public visitation across the area.”
NPWS said some of the parks in the region contained the Fleurieu Peninsula Swamps, which were listed as critically endangered under the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
“There are 119 plant species and 37 animal species within the parks that are listed as threatened under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972,” it said.
Executive Director of NPWS, Mike Williams said he welcomed and encouraged input from the public on the future management of the area.
“Their views will help us to develop a strong and adaptive strategy for the whole of the area,” Mr Williams said.
“This approach will help strike the balance between continuing to provide opportunities for visitor access and conserving the area’s many threatened species,” he said.
He said the plan included a strategy for conserving the region’s native flora and fauna, particularly their endemic and threatened species.
“Many of the parks contain walking trails and other opportunities for visitor access,” Mr Williams said.
“A strategy for continuing to provide low-impact opportunities for recreational experiences is also outlined,” he said.
“Feedback received will be considered during the development of a final plan.”
He said that once complete, the final plan is to be adopted under Section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.
More information about the draft Management Plan can be accessed on the yourSAy website via this PS News link . The submissions close Monday 28 August.
