Dempsey's Lake and Yorkeys Crossing

90 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (9 September 2015). In reference to artefacts at Dempsey's Lake and Yorkeys Crossing:

1. What is being done to protect the indigenous artefacts and paleontological and scientific artefacts at Dempsey's Lake and Yorkeys Crossing?

2. Is consideration being given to building a fence to protect this area from rubbish dumping, destruction by sheep and cattle, trail bikes and 4WD vehicles etc.?

3. Will access for scientists and palaeontologists, who want to preserve the interests of the area for scientific, academic and cultural reasons, be considered?

4. When will access be provided for scientists and palaeontologists who wish to access the site every two months?

5. Has consideration been given to providing extra protection to this area and making it a cultural tourist destination?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy):

In relation to Dempsey's Lake, which is currently managed by SA Water, a number of actions are planned or in progress to protect and conserve the Aboriginal heritage values at Lake Dempsey. Initial activities focused on targeting and managing the primary threat associated with illegal access include the following:

In conjunction with the local council, Madland Street was temporarily closed. Council has also placed earth barriers across the access tracks off the Old Tarcoola Rd and large concrete blocks are being added to these mounds to further restrict vehicle access.

Installation of a 2.4m high fence to restrict access to the rail crossing at Madland Street. Further reinforcing of the fence with horizontal steel bars is to be undertaken this financial year. Cyclone gates are proposed to be installed at the boundary of the Lake Dempsey site, these gates will be locked and will be installed with anti-tamper measures to prevent people attempting to unthread or remove the gates.

The boundary fence has been re-strung where there are posts available to do so.

Ongoing surveillance is being undertaken by SA Water operational staff of past illegal access hotspots.

Drone surveillance is planned for ongoing monitoring of the boundary fence of Lake Dempsey and its surrounds for signs of illegal access. A pilot of this approach has been undertaken. SA Water signs have been placed around the site boundary to discourage trespassing and further signs are proposed to be installed.

SA Water is progressing a scoping study to guide the management and long term protection of Lake Dempsey. The study includes reviewing the values and impacts for the Lake Dempsey site from a range of stakeholder perspectives and developing appropriate management options.

All requests for access to SA Water landholdings are assessed under the SA Water Public Access & Land Use Policy. Specifically, at Lake Dempsey any access would be subject to ensuring that the relevant provisions and approvals under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 are in place and that the views of traditional owners are taken into account so that that the access protocols are culturally appropriate and all legislative requirements are met.

The outcomes of the scoping study currently being undertaken by SA Water for Dempsey's Lake, will assist with guiding Aboriginal heritage risk management and long term protection of the site, including the identification of any additional protection measures. Under current land management arrangements, SA Water would not be supportive of making Dempsey's Lake a cultural tourist destination.