FAQs

Park management plans are the main strategic documents used to manage protected areas in South Australia. They set the strategic direction, contain information on park values and threats, and outline the objectives and strategies for how parks will be managed.

The parks covered in this plan will be managed to achieve the objectives of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (the Act). These objectives ensure that the parks are managed primarily for conservation, while supporting public use, enjoyment and education about the parks’ purpose and significance.

In accordance with the Act, the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water is responsible for preparing a management plan after the constitution of a reserve. The parks in this plan are yet to have an adopted management plan, they have similar ecological and geographic features and are subject to the same range of issues. Developing one management plan for these parks will support a consistent approach to biodiversity conservation and public visitation in parks across the Murraylands.

Park management plans are strategic documents that provide a high-level overview of how parks will be managed. Under the Act, a park must be managed in accordance with the provisions in the relevant park management plan. The draft plan identifies 2 themes, each with objectives and strategies that outline management priorities. The specific actions required to deliver the strategies are planned at the park operations level in accordance with resources available.

Kinchina Conservation Park and Monarto Woodlands Conservation Park have historically allowed the riding of mountain bikes, riding of horses and walking of dogs on designated trails prior to dedication as conservation parks in 2016. A trails map for these parks can be found on the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia website. 

Ferries McDonald and Monarto conservation parks have relatively higher conservation values as they support more threatened plant and animal species and protect vegetation associations that are poorly represented in South Australia’s protected area network. Permitting dog walking, mountain biking and horse riding as an activity in these parks is not envisioned in the plan.

At the conclusion of the 3-month consultation period, feedback received will be collated, analysed and used in developing the final plan. 

Community feedback and the final plan will be submitted to the Parks and Wilderness Council for advice before being submitted to the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water for adoption in late 2025.