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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-11-15 Daily Xml
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WILPENA POUND RESORT

Ms BETTISON (Ramsay) (15:10): As a member of the Aboriginal Lands Parliamentary Standing Committee, I would like to mention an event taking place this weekend in the Flinders Ranges. Celebrations will be held on Saturday and Sunday at Wilpena to mark the purchase of the Wilpena Pound Resort by the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association, with the support of Indigenous Business Australia.

The resort currently has 60 rooms and a four-star rating and is located about five hours' drive from Adelaide in the heart of the Flinders Ranges National Park, which I am advised receives over 160,000 visitors annually. The resort also provides accommodation through a 350-site campground, which is complemented by services including aircraft tours, four-wheel-drive tours, retail, food and beverage, and a visitors' centre.

This purchase is significant for advancing Aboriginal economic development opportunities in our state and helps us to underpin the strong and vibrant culture of the Adnyamathanha people. This investment is expected to create opportunities for Aboriginal workers and businesses in tourism, focusing on culture, history, stories and experiences.

Unfortunately, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Paul Caica, is unable to attend the celebration at Wilpena this weekend, but he sends his congratulations and best wishes to the Adnyamathanha people. The minister attended the signing of the co-management agreement for the Flinders Ranges National Park and assisted in ensuring funds derived through the native title processes were received by ATLA in time to help secure the purchase of the resort.

The minister has met with the chair of ATLA and other members of the community on many occasions, during which a range of heritage issues have been discussed, providing a helpful backdrop for more specific discussions about issues like Aboriginal heritage at Lake Torrens, following initial contact by delegates with the legal representatives of the traditional owners of Lake Torrens. The minister will watch with keen interest the progress expected to be made through the purchase of this iconic Flinders Ranges asset. I wish the Adnyamathanha people all the best for a tremendous celebration this weekend and for the ongoing success of the resort.

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