Ministerial Statement

BONYTHON, MR C. W. (WARREN)

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:05): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. P. CAICA: I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the passing of one of our state's—indeed, the nation's—most passionate conservationists and champions for the environment, Warren Bonython AO. A scientist and explorer who worked all over the world, Warren's name is synonymous with support for many environmental causes and especially for his achievements in and promotion of bushwalking in South Australia.

Over many years, Mr Bonython took part in a number of amazing treks, including on Mount Everest and an attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro at the age of 75, but it was South Australia's arid landscapes that held a truly special place in his heart. Warren Bonython became famous when he and expedition partner, Charles McCubbin, became the first people to walk the 2,500 kilometre crossing of the Simpson Desert, carrying their own supplies by pushing and pulling a two-wheeled cart. He also traversed the length of the MacDonnell Ranges, the Larapinta Trail and Lake Eyre and, of course his exploits in walking his beloved Flinders Ranges are the stuff of legend.

A key part of Warren Bonython's legacy is the Heysen Trail, his role being pivotal in the planning and development of the trail, which of course extends from Cape Jervis to Parachilna Gorge. This was Warren's vision of a long-distance walking trail in South Australia to rival America's Appalachian Trail or England's Pennine Way. I understand that at a meeting in 1969 he proposed the concept of a long-distance walking trail from Cape Jervis, on the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula, to the Northern Flinders Ranges, with the concept beginning to gain support in early 1970 with the government establishing a body called the Long Distance Trail Committee.

The committee's remit was to investigate and develop a walking and horse-riding trail of a length and general route that we now recognise as the Heysen Trail. The first section of the Heysen Trail was opened in 1976 and stretched nine kilometres through the Cleland National Park, but that was only the beginning. The Heysen covers more than 1,200 kilometres and is valued locally, nationally and internationally.

Warren Bonython's passion and commitment have helped to promote the importance of caring for our natural environment and inspired generations of South Australians, especially through his close involvement with the Conservation Council, the National Trust and as a founder of the National Parks Foundation in 1981. He was also founding president of the Friends of the Simpson Desert National Park.

Warren was decorated with the Order of Australia for services to conservation in 1980, and all South Australians are the beneficiaries of the rich contribution he has made. At this difficult time, our thoughts are with Warren's wife, Bunty, his three children and six grandchildren and great-grandchildren.