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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-05-04 Daily Xml
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TreeClimb Kuitpo Forest

The Hon. T.T. NGO (14:58): I have a question to the Minister for Forest Industries. Can the minister tell the chamber about the recently opened—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. T.T. NGO: —Kuitpo Forest TreeClimb in the Mount Lofty Ranges?

The PRESIDENT: I didn't really hear the question, but if you did, minister—Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister heard the question. I am going to allow it.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:59): I thank the honourable member for his question about the recently opened Kuitpo TreeClimb in the Mount Lofty Ranges. I am delighted to be able to update members about the latest attraction, recently opened by ForestrySA, TreeClimb at Kuitpo Forest, which is less than an hour away from Adelaide—in Kuitpo, who would have thought?—situated in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

This new attraction's opening has been eagerly anticipated by children and adults with a keen sense of adventure. The Kuitpo Forest TreeClimb is an adventure like no other, I am advised, providing visitors with the opportunity to climb high into the forest canopy and experience a bird's-eye view of the forest below. The attraction features seven elevated treetop courses, each with varying levels of difficulty, providing a challenge for everyone from beginners to experienced climbers. The site is situated within 15 aerial acres of Kuitpo Forest, adjacent to the Chookarloo Campground and picnic area.

The course has been designed to be eco-friendly with minimal impact on the forest environment. The platforms and equipment have been carefully installed to ensure the safety of climbers, and also to protect the trees and wildlife that call the forest home. In addition to the thrill of climbing high into the trees, the Kuitpo Forest TreeClimb also offers an educational experience. Visitors who attend Kuitpo Forest TreeClimb can learn more about the importance of preserving the forest environment and the various species that inhabit the area. The attraction also includes interpretive signage, providing visitors with information about the flora and fauna of the forest.

Not only is the Kuitpo TreeClimb tailored for users of all skill levels but it is also suitable for all ages, which makes it an ideal family activity. A visit to Kuitpo TreeClimb makes for a perfect school holidays activity, and I understand that during the most recent school holidays this proved to be the case, with many of the sessions totally booked out. Both children and adults alike will enjoy the challenge of the courses while also learning about the importance of conservation and sustainability.

I understand that the course has been constructed using sustainably-planted timber, with some of it coming from ForestrySA forests, which is certified to a responsible wood standard for sustainable forest management. This means that all trees are taken from a ForestrySA forest and are replanted, allowing for sustainable production into the future. This recently opened site is in addition to some of the other exciting activities on offer at Kuitpo Forest, and complements the other activities such as mountain bike trails, camping facilities and orienteering. This allows visitors to the region to enjoy an all-encompassing experience.

I understand the TreeClimb employs 35 full-time equivalent staff and is expected to attract over 40,000 visitors a year which, as we know, will have a beneficial flow-on effect for the surrounding businesses and local communities. I encourage members to visit the Kuitpo Forest TreeClimb in the near future and experience firsthand, if they dare, the eco-friendly adventures that are offered that are both challenging and educational, and provide visitors with a unique perspective on the forest environment.

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