A property on the western slopes of the Southern Flinders Ranges will be included in the national parks system after being bought by the state government.
The 1610-hectare property, bought from a private vendor, is located about 13 kilometres north east of Port Pirie.
It provides the connecting link between Telowie Gorge Conservation Park, the Napperby block of Mount Remarkable National Park, and the new Wirrabara Range Conservation Park.
Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Hunter said the “excellent condition” of the land was “testament to the family who owned and managed the property” across many years.
“The acquisition of this property presents an unprecedented opportunity for the people of SA, with significant benefits for conservation, nature-based tourism, the regional economy and in recreational value to the Port Pirie community,” he said.
“Once added to the parks system, it will create a continuous protected area spanning close to 8000 hectares in the Southern Flinders Ranges.”
The area provides suitable habitat for a number of state rare and vulnerable flora and fauna, including the Rough Bush-everlasting, Scarlet Robin and Regent Parrot.
The land area consists of two main gorges which provide stunning walking opportunities.
The Heysen Trail follows the crest of the range on this block’s eastern boundary, offering spectacular views along the spine of the range down to the Spencer Gulf.
Its strategic location will allow more effective conservation outcomes across the landscape, such as increasing the conservation buffer around the southernmost colonies of the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby.
It will also enable more effective fire mitigation works to be undertaken in an area which has seen devastating wildfires in recent years.