FAQs
What is a park management plan?
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.
Why has a new draft management plan been developed covering 5 parks?
In November 2021, the proclamation under Section 29(3) of the NPW Act was made to change the classification of Deep Creek from a conservation park to a national park.
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.
Apart from Talisker Conservation Park, the other parks in this plan are yet to have an adopted management plan. The parks in this plan have similar ecological and geographic features and are subject to the same range of issues. The planning process provided an opportunity to develop one management plan to support a consistent approach to biodiversity conservation and public visitation in parks across the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula.
What are the key priorities for management of these parks?
The primary management focus for these parks will be biodiversity conservation, while also supporting public use and recreation within Deep Creek National Park, Talisker Conservation Park and Ballaparudda Creek Recreation Park.
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 such as hiking and camping will be maintained.
Any new basic facilities that are consistent with the values of the parks may be developed in the future if the level of demand warrants the investment and park zoning permits it.
The plan recognises the important role Ngarrindjeri People play in the management of the parks, in particular how traditional knowledge can guide its implementation.
In addition, 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.
When will the management plan be finalised?
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 towards the end of 2024.