The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is calling for feedback on a proposed park management plan to transform the Cleland Conservation Park in the Adelaide Hills into a National Park.
Executive Director of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Mike Williams said the area, currently known as Cleland Conservation Park, also incorporated the Cleland Wildlife Park precinct, Waterfall Gully and Mount Lofty Summit.
Mr Williams said the Cleland National Park Draft Management Plan 2021 would set the strategic direction for parks management and included five management themes: Conserving and enhancing wildlife; Enriching experiences at Cleland Wildlife Park; Providing a variety of visitor experiences; Managing fire; and Collaborating to progress shared outcomes.
“These proposed changes will better conserve our natural environment as well as enhance our reputation as a world-class eco-tourism destination,” Mr Williams said.
He said the consultation followed the Government’s proposal earlier this year to convert Cleland Conservation Park into a national park, as part of the biggest expansion of national parks in the State’s history.
“Under the proposed management plan, the construction of overnight accommodation facilities will be allowed within the Cleland Wildlife Park footprint,” he said.
“This will reaffirm Cleland Wildlife Park as a world-class eco-tourism destination.”
Mr Williams said a Conservation Dividend would be required in addition to the lease or licence for these activities and would be used to contribute to approved conservation programs.
He said that as part of the upgrade, nearby Eurilla Conservation Park would be incorporated into the Cleland National Park.
Consultation is open on the YourSAy website and will close on 25 January 2022.
The 25-page Draft Management Plan can be accessed on the Yoursay website.
