Hunting and Conservation

285 The Hon. S.L. GAME ().6 July 2023). Can the Minister for Environment and Water advise:

1. Does the minister agree that hunters in South Australia have contributed to the conservation of wetland ecosystems, and that consequently biodiversity has been advanced by their actions?

2. Considering that all land tenures are governed by National Parks and Wildlife Act, which includes provisions for biodiversity, why does the department choose not to favour game reserves over national or conservation parks?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Climate, Environment and Water has advised:

1. Many groups, including hunting organisations, contribute to the conservation of wetland habitats and biodiversity in South Australia.

2. When the opportunity to proclaim a new reserve arises, the category of the new reserve is assessed on its characteristics and the aspirations and expectations of the community regarding biodiversity conservation and recreational access. In the last five years we have made six new parks: Mullins Swamp Conservation Park, Hindmarsh Valley National Park, Wapma Thura- Southern Flinders Ranges National Park, Nilpena Ediacara National Park, Balparudda Recreation Park and Glenthorne National Park- IItyamaiitpinna Yarta. In that same time frame we have made 25 additions to existing parks.