Frequently Asked Questions

Wilderness protection areas are generally large and unmodified areas that retain their natural character by remaining relatively free from the effects of modern technology and not seriously affected by exotic animals, plants or organisms. Wilderness protection areas are proclaimed under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992.

Wilderness protection areas play a crucial part of natural resource management in South Australia by protecting biodiversity, assisting with natural resource management, and providing valuable ecological, evolutionary and climatic reference and research areas for the future. They offer insight into Australia’s pre-European condition, hold significant cultural connections for Aboriginal people, and provide opportunities for future generations to experience and enjoy untouched natural landscapes.

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.

Since the Nuyts Archipelago and Investigator Group wilderness protection areas were proclaimed under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992 in 2011 they have not had a management plan. The draft plan has been developed to set the strategic management of the parks.

The draft plan provides the strategic high-level direction for how the parks will be managed. It focuses on 3 key themes, each with an objective and a range of strategies that inform management activities. Key priorities are based around retaining wilderness values by conserving habitat and breeding areas, minimising impacts to wildlife sensitive to disturbance, preventing physical damage to the landscape and managing biosecurity risks.

Management zones are areas created within a park for particular management purposes. Land within management zones must be kept and maintained in accordance with the conditions outlined in the management plan.

Two management zones have been defined in the draft plan:

• Island Visitation Zones provide opportunities for on-island nature-based tourism and recreation experiences during day-light hours
• Island Wilderness Zones provide secure areas and breeding sites for wildlife where access for tourism and recreation is not permitted.

Access to all islands for any purpose requires prior approval from the Department for Environment and Water, which is consistent with other islands off the Eyre Peninsula. Applications will be assessed to identify alignment with management zones, identify potential risks and to ensure strategies are in place to minimise impacts.

Approvals will include conditions to minimise disturbance to wildlife and the environment, manage the number of people, keep visitors safe and ensure biosecurity protocols are in place. Other conditions or approvals such as permission in accordance with the Wilderness Protection Regulations 2021, a scientific research permit or a commercial tour operator’s licence may also be required.

Supporting researchers to increase understanding of wildlife populations and island ecology will inform biodiversity conservation and the actions required to support the resilience of species to key threats. 

Working with the tourism sector will ensure delivery of high-quality visitor experiences that are sustainable and will explore opportunities for collaboration across the public and private sector. 

Engaging with First Nation groups will provide the most appropriate pathway to recognising and protecting cultural values and opportunities for cultural tourism.

The draft plan is intended to set the direction for strategic management of the parks as outlined in the themes, objectives and strategies. It is not intended to address every issue or cover every aspect of management in detail. The specific actions required to manage the parks in accordance with the plan will be developed and monitored at the park operations level. This approach ensures that the plan is flexible and able to guide a range of future management challenges and opportunities.

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

Submissions on the draft plan 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 the first half of 2024.