Ghost Mushroom Lane

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (15:16): My question is to the Minister for Forest Industries. Will the minister inform the chamber about the start of the Ghost Mushroom Lane in the Limestone Coast?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:16): I thank the honourable member for his question and his interest in Omphalotus nidiformis. I am not sure if he realised that he was interested in Omphalotus nidiformis, but that is the name of ghost mushrooms, something that I have spoken about in this chamber before, and I am sure I will do so again.

I am delighted to report that our forests in the Limestone Coast will once again be a key tourist attraction for the region with the unique Ghost Mushroom Lane. I am sorry to see that those opposite are not interested in this unique part of the world which I am so happy to be able to call home, in terms of the Limestone Coast. Ghost Mushroom Lane is a temporary event open to the public between May and June each year.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: Ghost mushrooms get their name because they have an eerie glow and these mushroom cup-shaped fruiting bodies grow on pine stumps and other rotting wood, and can grow as big as 20 centimetres. The chemical in the mushroom responsible for the glow can be poisonous if ingested, however, it poses no harm simply to the touch.

I am advised that, although it has been a slow start to the season due to the warm autumn weather, the mushrooms are now emerging in good numbers. The rate of growth is so good that I understand the event is expected to formally open this Friday night, 5 May. It is a unique event and provides a family-friendly night walk through a pine forest to view the luminescent glow of the ghost mushroom.

It really is a magical experience for all ages, and I encourage members to consider a visit over the coming weeks. This event is one of the many benefits highlighted through ForestrySA's community service obligation programs. In the Limestone Coast these are delivered under an agreement between ForestrySA and the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) and together with DEW and ForestrySA private partners, including OneFortyOne Plantations, collaborate to deliver this showcase event at the beginning of each wet season.

There is a lot involved in terms of planning and preparation, and I would like to thank all of those who are involved with this. It is a truly remarkable project. It is estimated that over 100,000 people have enjoyed visiting this since its inception back in 2017, and it is expected that over 10,000 visitors to the site will occur this year. I look forward to being able to update this place at a later date about the success of this year's event and the economic benefit to the region.