Almost 725 hectares are being added to three popular South Australia’s parks, in a move the state government says will provide more access and better protection to the natural attractions for all visitors.
Murray River National Park and Maize Lagoon Conservation Park in the Riverland, as well as Sceale Bay Conservation Park on the Eyre Peninsula, will be expanded.
The expansions are in addition to 1,246 hectares recently added to eight other parks across the state, and the creation of two new national parks at Nilpena and Worlds End.
Murray River National Park is a popular camping location that provides recreational activities and offers an opportunity for visitors to interact with nature and experience the River Murray floodplains.
The SA Government says the state's stunning countryside will be better protected. PIC: KathyB-Photos / Pixabay
Maize Island Conservation Park is home to one of the state’s first village settlements along the River Murray, including ruins of some original dwellings and old horticultural plantings.
Sceale Bay Conservation Park supports significant wading birds, including migratory species – the Australian pied oystercatcher, Sanderling and fairy tern – that are subject to international protection agreements between Australia, Japan and China.
SA’s Deputy Premier, Susan Close, said the expansions would provide enhanced protection of threatened species and increased opportunities to connect with nature.
“Murray River National Park and Maize Island Conservation Park provide habitat for nationally threatened birds, including the regent parrot, southern bell frog and blue-faced honeyeater,” she said. “South Australia’s national and conservation parks are home to an abundance of native animals and plants that we must protect now to ensure they remain sustainable in the future.”
The new additions align with the state and federal governments’ 30 by 30 commitment, which aims to protect 30% of Australia’s landmass and marine areas by 2030 in an effort to halt further biodiversity loss.
The Department for Environment and Water manages about 23 million hectares of national parks and wilderness protection areas, which comprise about 22% of the state’s land.
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