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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-07-02 Daily Xml
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OPERATION FLINDERS FOUNDATION

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:07): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government a question about the Operation Flinders Foundation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: Most members of this chamber would be aware of the work of the Operation Flinders Foundation with young people at risk in the northern Flinders Ranges. In recent years the excellent work of the small staff of Operation Flinders, and a legion of volunteers, has been built on with the development of a number of chapters of the foundation in suburban and regional areas. The chapters consist of two groups: first, a group to raise funds to send a local team to Operation Flinders for the following three years; and, secondly, a group that identifies suitable participants and ensures that mentoring is available after they return from the exercise.

The foundation continues to aim to give as many young people as possible throughout South Australia and beyond access to its world standard Wilderness Adventure Program. As word spreads of its effectiveness, it is hoped that more chapters will be established to give young people the chance to participate in this unique and rewarding program. The initiative and vision of the foundation is to be commended, and I note that it has strong support across South Australia and the great majority of the community of the northern Flinders Ranges.

At this point it is appropriate to indicate that I have been an honorary ambassador for Operation Flinders for a number of years and was involved in the establishment of the Gawler chapter of the foundation.

In recent months significant restrictions have been placed on the exercises conducted by the foundation on the Angepena pastoral lease near Copley following representation to the government by the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association (ATLA). The most recent exercise, due to commence last week, was cancelled due to a decision by the Pastoral Board that such exercises be subject to an agreement between Operation Flinders and ATLA. Eighteen months of negotiation between Operation Flinders and ATLA have led the foundation board to determine that this would make the exercises unworkable. My questions to the minister are:

1. What action will the government take to ensure that Operation Flinders can continue to undertake its exercises in the northern Flinders Ranges, the ideal location for such endeavours, in the most meaningful and beneficial manner for the young people to whom it is dedicated?

2. Is the government concerned that the determination of the Pastoral Board will create a precedent in relation to the ability of other pastoral leaseholders to conduct non-pastoral activities, such as tourism ventures, on their properties?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:10): That is an important question from the honourable member, and I am sure all members of this council who are aware of the work of Operation Flinders would support the ongoing activities of that body. Obviously, the government would be keen to see that continue. I am aware that there have been some issues involving the landowner in relation to those areas.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: Landowners.

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: Well, the collective—the pastoral body that has the operation. I will refer that question to my colleague in another place and bring back a response, because clearly my colleague has responsibility for those issues. I think it would be fair to say that all members of the government would wish to see some outcome that enabled Operation Flinders to continue in full and continue to provide the benefit to those people who use that operation.

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