Nuyts Archipelago

In reply to the Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black) (24 June 2024). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Minister for Workforce and Population Strategy): I have been advised of the following

EP Cruises held three separate licence/permits to undertake a pilot tour program in the Nuyts Archipelago Wilderness Protection Area from 2020-2023 that were issued seasonally:

1. Commercial tour operator licence

2. Filming and photography permit (including drone usage)

3. Marine mammal interaction permit

There were several breaches of the special conditions in the EP Cruises permitting package each year. The breaches were judged to be minor and were addressed during the season with the operator and/or in review at the completion of each year.

DEW issued licences to EP Cruises on the express basis that future access to St Francis Island was not guaranteed, as the draft management plan for Nuyts Archipelago and Investigator Group Wilderness Protection Areas in development would determine access arrangements for the Nuyts Archipelago Wilderness Protection Area.