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 (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 northern Mount Lofty Ranges.

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. 

The parks included in the plan have been proclaimed primarily for the protection of high conservation values. Key priorities focus on maintaining and enhancing ecosystem health and protecting threatened species by focusing on the management of threats including total grazing pressure, inappropriate fire regimes, phytophthora, weeds, pest animals and the impacts of climate change. Current infrastructure and opportunities for people to experience and appreciate nature through low-impact activities will be maintained. New walking trails may be considered in the future to expand bushwalking opportunities, or to redirect people for ecological reasons. Existing visitor facilities will be maintained and new basic facilities may be developed in the future if the level of demand warrants the investment. Maintaining and building relationships with volunteers, researchers and adjacent landholders will support their continued involvement in park management opportunities and help to achieve effective outcomes.

At the conclusion of the 3-month consultation period, feedback received will be collated and 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 2024.