Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2018-11-13 Daily Xml

Contents

Motions

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (16:32): I move:

That this council requests His Excellency the Governor to make a proclamation under section 27(3) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 excluding allotment 63 in approved Plan No. D93043, Out of Hundreds (Parachilna), from the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

The Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is renowned for its natural and geological significance and is a major part of the South Australian identity. The Department for Environment and Water has reached an agreement with the lessees of Willow Springs Station, a neighbouring pastoral property, for an exchange of land between the Willow Springs Station pastoral lease and the park. This exchange proposes that Willow Springs Station surrender approximately 1,350 hectares for addition to the park.

This parcel contains significant intact conservation values, as well as quite stunning scenic ranges. Inclusion of this parcel in the park will reinforce the park's national significance. In exchange, an area of approximately 900 hectares, known as Appealina paddock, is proposed to be excised from the park for inclusion in the Willow Springs Station pastoral lease. The excision will result in minimal impact on the park as the area consists mainly of degraded land systems. However, this provides good grazing opportunities for Willow Springs Station.

The deed was signed between former minister Hunter and the lessees of Willow Springs to give effect to this commitment to exchange the land. To allow this land exchange to proceed, the Appealina paddock must first be excised from the park. An alteration to the boundary of a national park, where land ceases to be included in the national park, requires the resolution of both houses of parliament. This matter was considered by the parliament last year and was approved. However, the land swap was not able to be concluded ahead of the state election in March 2018. In consequence, the Appealina paddock is still part of the park.

On advice from the Crown Solicitor, fresh resolutions are to be required because the effect of the prorogation and then dissolution of the previous parliament was almost certain to cause the previous resolutions to lapse. Parliament is therefore being asked to provide a fresh resolution supporting the proposed excision, following which the Governor can be asked to make the required proclamation formally, giving effect to the alteration of the park's boundaries. The agreed area from Willow Springs Station can then be added to the park. I commend this motion to the house.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. I.K. Hunter.