The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) has announced that a new ranger district has been created in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.
Minister for Environment and Water, David Speirs said that with park ranger numbers rising by nearly 50 per cent in the past three years, the new South Metro District would be based within Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta.
He said six rangers would be appointed to service Shepherds Hill Recreation Park; Sturt Gorge Recreation; Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta; Marino Conservation Park; Hallett Cove Conservation Park; Onkaparinga River National Park and Onkaparinga River Recreation Park; and Moana Sands Conservation Park.
Mr Speirs said that as World Ranger Day was celebrated on 31 July, there were now 138 rangers employed across the State compared with 93 in early 2018.
He said there were also 111 volunteer rangers now spread across seven National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) regions.
“We recognise the important role rangers play in park conservation and maintenance,” Mr Speirs said.
“With parks visitor numbers at record highs across the State, rangers have been busier than ever.”
He said the new district would also host a team of project firefighters from September to May every year, to provide extra support to the district in the lead-up to and duration of the bushfire danger season.
“The new South Metro District marks an exciting step as part of the Glenthorne Masterplan implementation and recognition of the important value of these parks to the southern suburb community for outdoor recreation and nature conservation,” he said.
“We want to continue to improve visitor experiences and ensure an increasing number of people continue to enjoy and visit our parks across South Australia, and park rangers play a crucial role in this,” Mr Speirs said.
