NGAUT NGAUT CONSERVATION PARK

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:06): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Environment a question about Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA: South Australia's extensive network of conservation parks and reserves are an important part of the government's commitment to conservation. While the philosophy behind the conservation efforts is the same across the board, as you know, Mr President, each park requires a different strategy to manage its unique environment. A case in point is the Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, which is located on the east bank of the River Murray about 15 kilometres south of Swan Reach. Will the minister update the council on the latest efforts to manage this conservation park?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health) (15:07): I thank the honourable member for his important question. I am pleased to inform members that a draft management plan for this park was released today, and we are now seeking public comment on that plan. The aim of the plan is to help conserve and protect the Aboriginal heritage found in the park as well as remnant native vegetation that provides a habitat for native animals.

Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park was first proclaimed in 1976, with a small area of river frontage added in 2005. At the same time, this government recognised that the local Aboriginal people were obviously the best people to administer the protection of their own cultural heritage. In 2005, I signed a co-management agreement with the local Aboriginal communities, represented by the Mannum Aboriginal Community Association.

Aboriginal heritage is vitally important to this state's history and must be conserved for future generations, particularly for cultural use and the important business of local Aboriginal people. This agreement has enabled the local Aboriginal people to have a more active role in managing their cultural heritage, which includes ancient rock art engraved on the cliff faces, as well as nearby archaeological sites, which are indicative of prior habitation, such as smoke stained rock shelters, old hearths, middens and canoe trees.

This agreement, signed in 2005, required a new management plan to be developed for the park, reflecting the change in the management structure. The draft management plan was prepared in consultation with the co-management committee and is now available for public comment until Friday 11 July 2008.

The draft management plan addresses the following issues: conservation and restoration of remnant native vegetation; conservation and restoration of the park's natural hydrological systems; control and eradication of introduced plants and animals; protection and preservation of Aboriginal sites, objects and remains; providing visitors with safe access to the park; and opportunities to enjoy the park's natural and cultural values without disturbing ecologically or culturally sensitive areas.

Comments on the draft plan should be addressed to Jason Irving, Manager of Policy and Planning at DEH. The draft plan is available from the DEH information line. As I said, submissions close on 11 July.