Beetaloo Reservoir

216 Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (9 September 2020). In relation to the Beetaloo Reservoir:

(a) Are there plans to transfer management of the reservoir from SA Water to National Parks and Wildlife SA?

(b) If so, what is the reasoning behind the decision?

(c) How much money has been spent on maintenance of the land surrounding the reservoir by SA Water since 2010?

(d) What plans are or will be in place to ensure the same level of funding and maintenance is provided by National Parks and Wildlife SA?

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Minister for Environment and Water): The Marshall Liberal government recently launched the Parks 2025 investment strategy, a collection of investment initiatives designed to build the capacity of national parks across our state to conserve our natural landscapes and wildlife, boost the state economy and strengthen local communities.

The strategy includes a project to establish a new adventure-based tourism destination in the Southern Flinders Ranges. This includes linking and constructing new nature-based tourism facilities across Mount Remarkable National Park, Telowie Gorge, Wirrabara Range, Spaniards Gully Conservation Park and Beetaloo Reservoir Reserve.

Associated with the delivery of Parks 2025, consideration will be given to the most appropriate management arrangements for Beetaloo Reservoir Reserve.

I am advised that from July 2010 until June 2020, approximately $2.4 million has been spent on land management activities in Beetaloo Reservoir Reserve including prescribed burning and other fire management activities, track maintenance, fencing, pest animal and weed control, and habitat improvement works. There is year-to-year variation in money spent due to the annual variability of financially significant activities such as prescribed burning.