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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-04-02 Daily Xml
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HEYSEN TRAIL

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (15:05): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Environment and Conservation a question about the Heysen Trail.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: The Heysen Trial is a South Australian icon, not only a testament to the state's past but also to this day a great way to experience our natural environment. Even I, sir, someone not known to engage in an awful lot of physical activity, have been seduced into walking a very short stretch of it.

The Hon. J.M. Gazzola: How much?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Very short, and it took a whole day. It might take the Hon. Mr Gazzola only 30 minutes, but it took me a whole day. So, it must have rather broad appeal. It is important therefore to ensure that the trail is maintained for our cultural heritage and the use of avid and occasional walkers alike, and so it does not lose its unique ability to persuade Norms (like me) to get up off the couch and enjoy the pleasures of walking along the easier sections of the trail. Will the minister inform the chamber of recent work to upgrade the Heysen Trail?

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health) (15:06): We do not plan to make it all downhill, I am sorry. I thank the honourable member for his important question.

An honourable member interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Yes—bad humour on the other side of the chamber. Obviously, he got out of bed on the wrong side today. Poor old Mr Grumpy! I am pleased to report that a section of one of South Australia's iconic trails has recently received a significant—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Mind you, he could do with a good walk, too, Mr President. A bit of a walk along this trail or, in fact, anywhere at all, would do the honourable member a world of good. I am very pleased to report that this section of one of South Australia's iconic trails has recently received a significant $90,000 upgrade. The upgrade of a four kilometre section of the Heysen Trail in Deep Creek Conservation Park will be completed and open for use by South Australia's enthusiastic walkers—and even those who are not so enthusiastic—by Saturday 12 April. This work, enhancing a very badly eroded section of the trail, will significantly improve the walking opportunities in this very beautiful part of Fleurieu Peninsula. The works also include look-out areas, with natural stone seating formed into the edge of the trail.

The trail alignment provides walkers with access to cool valleys and spectacular views of Backstairs Passage and the Boat Harbour Creek Gorge. The new pedestrian counter on the new section of the trail will keep track of walker numbers, giving us a much clearer picture of the number of people venturing along the trail.

Deep Creek Conservation Park visitor numbers are growing, with more than 40,000 visitors attracted last financial year, many of them taking in the spectacular coastline scenery of Cape Jervis looking out to Kangaroo Island. Completion of the upgrade comes just ahead of the anticipated release of the forthcoming strategy of the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) to better manage more than 7,000 kilometres of trails in South Australia's protected areas.

The Chief Executive of DEH, Allan Holmes, will walk a section of the trail next Thursday to inspect the new work first-hand. Like many South Australians (including me), he is a keen walker. Deep Creek is one of the most popular destinations for Adelaide residents seeking a day trip, taking in Waterfall Gully, Para Wirra and Granite Island.

An estimated 40 per cent of visitors suggest that walking is their main activity when visiting South Australia's protected areas. I would like to thank the many members of the Friends of the Heysen Trail group who help manage this iconic outdoor attraction. The Heysen Trail stretches 1,200 kilometres from Cape Jervis to Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges and passes through national parks, state forests and several towns offering walkers very attractive overnight accommodation.

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