South Australian Reserves
The Wilderness Society in South Australia is campaigning for a better nature reserve system. South Australia needs a parks system which is adequately resourced, and where park areas are fully protected. We are opposed to the “joint proclamation system” where some three-quarters of our National Parks are proclaimed to allow mining inside the park.
Mining access in our Parks system has been shown to lead to the introduction and/or increase in feral animals and weeds. Only about 5% of the state is in fully protected reserves, and lack of resources for management is a problem in all reserves.
The Wilderness Society campaigns against mining in National Parks and Conservation Parks and is running specific campaigns in a number of key areas.
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Coongie Lakes
The spectacular Coongie Lakes wetlands in the arid north of South Australia are recognised as being internationally important (listed under the “Ramsar” Wetlands Convention) and the lakes are home to tens of thousands of water birds and a wide variety of species. However, cattle and petroleum industries also have interests in the area, and Coongie has been the subject of a long campaign to protect it. A major breakthrough was achieved in mid 2003, but the campaign continues. more »
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Yumbarra
In 1999 Yumbarra Conservation Park in the south of the Yellabinna system was stripped of its strictly protected status and reproclaimed to allow mining inside the park. It was to be a “test case” to show how mining could take place in National Parks. A mineral exploration license was granted in early 2000 and exploration begun. However, with mineral exploration stalling, the campaign to protect Yumbarra continues. more »
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Yellabinna
The Yellabinna dune system in the west of South Australia is the largest mallee wilderness in Australia. Over half of the Yellabinna system is in declared nature reserves (Yellabinna Regional Reserve, and Yumbarra and Pureba Conservation Parks), but mining access is allowed throughout the whole area. more »
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Great Australian Bight Marine Park
Both the SA State and Commonwealth governments have proclaimed marine parks in the Great Australian Bight. However, in their current format, these parks are inadequate to protect the unique marine life and ecosystems along the world’s longest south facing shoreline. more »
For more information, please contact:
Greg Ogle
South Australian Campaign Coordinator
Email Greg Ogle
Created: 04 Sep 2003 | Last updated: 04 Sep 2003