Proposed Conservation Plan to Impact Recreational Hunting in South Australia’s Coastal Lakes

As South Australia’s coastal lakes are being eyed for transformation, a proposed management plan by the Department for Environment and Water aims to designate these locations, often bustling with activities such as birdwatching, bushwalking, and duck hunting, into conservation parks. 

This shift, intended to maintain a balance between conservation and recreational activities, has elicited a range of responses from various stakeholders, according to a report by ABC Australia.

Presently, these locales, stretching from Lake Bonney SE and Lake George, and encapsulating Lake St Clair, Lake Eliza, Lake Hawdon North, and Mullins Swamp, are vibrant with recreational pursuits. However, should the proposed plan come to fruition, activities like duck hunting would be prohibited in these newly minted conservation parks.

Jason Irving, the National Parks and Wildlife Service national parks programs director, underscored the need for a harmonious balance. 

“Our hope is that this proposal will be seen as a protective measure for areas of significant conservation value, while still maintaining the existing uses that may not align with a conservation park, such as hunting,” he said. 

Irving made it clear that hunting would still be permissible in other areas outlined by the plan, thus ensuring continued access for hunting enthusiasts.

Alongside potential restrictions, the plan also features proposed enhancements to the infrastructure of these locations, including the addition of toilets, signage, official campsites, and walking trails to improve the overall visitor experience. 

Irving was effusive in his praise of the lakes, calling them “fantastic community assets” and expressing a desire for continued public usage.

However, the announcement has prompted some pushback, particularly from hunting groups who are concerned about potential limitations. Field and Game Australia’s hunting and conservation manager, Glenn Falla, conveyed his disappointment. 

“We see this as a personal affront to hunting,” he said, expressing concern that the spaces spared from the conservation parks are largely inaccessible due to encircling private lands.

Conversely, Craig Wilkins, the chief executive of the Conservation Council SA, applauded the plan for its thoughtful balance between conservation and recreation. 

Wilkins lauded the proposed shift towards conservation parks while acknowledging the importance of preserving spaces for activities like hunting. For new conservation parks to be successful, he highlighted the necessity of adequate resources and staffing.

The public is invited to share their thoughts on the South East Coastal Lakes Project, with consultations remaining open until July 3. 

This debate takes place against the backdrop of a wider discussion, as a South Australian parliamentary committee is concurrently examining the future of duck hunting in the state. This has made the trajectory of these much-loved coastal lakes an unfolding narrative of widespread interest.