ANGOVE CONSERVATION PARK

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:26): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation a question regarding fire prevention in Angove Conservation Park.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: In January this year a bushfire occurred in Angove Conservation Park at Tea Tree Gully, which in itself was not of catastrophic significance. However, fire crews and vehicles had significant difficulty accessing the park to fight the fire; as a result, the fence line had to be cut so that firefighters could gain access. Of even more concern to local residents are reports from a number of emergency services personnel that there is no access on the northern side of the conservation park for emergency vehicles.

Although over a number of years concerned local residents have contacted the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources about these issues, and the need for fire protection maintenance, only limited action has been taken. Local residents have submitted petitions to the Tea Tree Gully council and the federal member for Makin regarding these issues and are also lobbying for the establishment of a second entry and exit point to allow a quick evacuation of the area and easy emergency services access if and when required. My questions are:

1. What action, if any, was taken by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources when residents contacted the department regarding fire prevention maintenance, particularly given the recent fire in the park?

2. Will the minister ask his department to investigate the possible installation of a second point of entry and exit to Angove Conservation Park on its northern boundary?

3. Given the continuing hot weather we are having as we move into autumn, will the minister request that the department urgently refresh the firebreak around the perimeter of the park?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:29): I thank the honourable member for his most important question. I am advised that a fire management plan has been developed for the parks in the Hills Face Zone, which includes Angove Conservation Park. The plan has been developed to guide fire management activities within that park.

Fuel reduction is undertaken annually within Angove Conservation Park in accordance with that plan, I am advised. I am also advised that, following representations, the government will meet with local residents, the CFS and MFS in the coming weeks to discuss their concerns and current bushfire mitigation strategies. I would be very surprised if those matters ventilated by the member are not discussed then.