Management Plan Draft Amendments 2016

Management plan draft amendments 2016

Onkaparinga River Reserve Management Plan 2004 Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks Management Plan 2001 Hallett Cove and Marino Conservation Parks Management Plan 2010 Anstey Hill Recreation Park Management Plan 2006 O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park Management Plan 2008 2 Contents

Your views are important 4

Why are these amendments proposed? 5

1 Establishing the Mount Lofty Ranges as an international mountain biking destination. 7

2 Providing a safer and more enjoyable alignment for horse riding on the Tom Roberts Trail. 11

3 Creating bush camping areas in national parks close to Adelaide. 13

4 Encouraging more people to walk in parks. 15

Invitation to contribute 17

References 17

Management plan draft amendments 2016 3 Your views are important

Adelaide is blessed with a network of 29 parks that surround the public consultation. This ensures that the community’s views about city. They are essential for the conservation of South Australia’s proposed changes to park management plans are understood unique natural environment. They are also valuable community before any changes are considered. assets – providing places for nature based tourism, recreation, learning, relaxation and recuperation. This document has been prepared to seek the community’s views about proposed amendments to five park management plans: People have expressed a desire to enjoy a broader range of Onkaparinga River Reserve Management Plan 2004, Morialta and recreational activities in seven parks around Adelaide: Black Hill Conservation Parks Management Plan 2001, Hallett Cove Onkaparinga River National Park; Morialta, Black Hill and Hallett and Marino Conservation Parks Management Plan 2010, Anstey Hill Cove Conservation Parks; and Onkaparinga River, Anstey Hill Recreation Park Management Plan 2006 and O’Halloran Hill and O’Halloran Hill Recreation Parks. Recreation Park Management Plan 2008.

The management of these parks is guided by five park Feedback on these draft amendments will help in the development management plans: Onkaparinga River Reserve Management Plan of final amendments. Once developed, the final amendments will 2004, Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks Management Plan be submitted to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and 2001, Hallett Cove and Marino Conservation Parks Management Conservation for adoption under Section 38 of the National Parks Plan 2010, Anstey Hill Recreation Park Management Plan 2006 and and Wildlife Act 1972. O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park Management Plan 2008. These park management plans set out our how parks will be managed and I encourage you to make a submission on these draft amendments. specify what type of activities will be allowed They are available at Guidance for making a submission can be found on page 17. http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parkmanagement

Currently, some of the activities that people have proposed cannot be undertaken because they are prohibited by a park management plan. Park management plans may be revised and amended to ensure that they reflect the community’s aspirations. A key part of John Schutz the amendment process is the release of a draft amendment for Director of National Parks and Wildlife

4 Why are these amendments proposed?

During 2015, over 11,000 people participated in a series of discussions, workshops, surveys, and park discovery days to identify and discuss ways to generate greater use, appreciation and enjoyment of Adelaide’s national parks. Enjoying Adelaide’s National Parks – Co-designing our future park improvements, summarises the outcomes of this process (DEWNR 2015 a).

National parks already support a broad range of recreational Providing a safer and more enjoyable alignment for horse riding on activities, however cycling, horse riding, camping, and dog walking the Tom Roberts Trail. This can be achieved by permitting horse are currently prohibited in some parks. riding on a designated route through Onkaparinga River National Park. To reflect the community’s aspirations for the enjoyment of parks, a Creating bush camping areas in national parks close to Adelaide. suite of amendment to five park management plans are proposed. This can be achieved by designating areas for camping in Anstey These amendment are proposed to achieve the following Hill Recreation Park and Onkaparinga River National Park. outcomes: Encouraging more people to walk in parks. This can be achieved by Establishing the Mount Lofty Ranges as an international mountain enabling the designation of tracks or trails for walking with dogs biking destination. This can be achieved by providing scope for the on a lead in Morialta Conservation Park, Black Hill Conservation construction of mountain biking trails in Anstey Hill Recreation Park and Hallett Cove Conservation Park. Park, Morialta Conservation Park, Black Hill Conservation Park, Onkaparinga River National Park, and O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park. South Australia’s vision for mountain biking in the Mount Lofty Ranges is set out in Establishing the Mount Lofty Ranges as an International Mountain Biking Destination (DEWNR 2015 b).

Management plan draft amendments 2016 5 6 1. Establishing the Mount Lofty Ranges as an international mountain biking destination

The Mount Lofty Ranges has potential to become an international To enable cycling to be authorised on designated trails, an mountain biking destination. The South Australian Government amendment will be required to the following park management is working with cyclists, local government and stakeholders to plans: realise this opportunity. South Australia’s vision for mountain biking in the Mount Lofty Ranges is set out in Establishing the Mount • Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks Management Plan Lofty Ranges as an International Mountain Biking Destination 2001 (DEWNR 2015 b). • Onkaparinga River Reserve Management Plan 2004

A key strategy towards this vision is to expand the existing network • O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park Management Plan 2008 of trails into Onkaparinga River National Park, Morialta • Anstey Hill Recreation Park Management Plan 2006 Conservation Park, Black Hill Conservation Park, Anstey Hill Recreation Park, and O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park. Cycling in parks is confined to designated trails which are located and constructed in line with best practice principles. This ensures that cycling is environmentally sustainable and compatible with other recreational activities.

Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks Management Plan 2001

Existing text Proposed Text

1.1 Recreation and Tourism - Where appropriate, mountain biking may be allowed on Background (page 22) designated trails.

In recent years, an increasing number of visitors are utilising the more remote walking trails within the parks for mountain bike riding. This activity often conflicts with the enjoyment and safety of walkers and can lead to accelerated track erosion. While mountain bike riding is prohibited within the park, it is difficult to monitor and a comprehensive solution may lie in making other nearby locations available to the sport.

1.2 Zoning – Conservation zone (page 23) Within this zone, public motor vehicle access is confined to tracks and carparks that are open to the public. Rock climbing, Management in conservation zones principally cycling and dog walking on a lead, may be authorised in addresses the need to prevent the occurrence of weed designated areas. species, soil pathogens, and the processes of erosion. Bushwalking, nature study and rock climbing in approved sites are suitable activities within these zones, as impact is considered to be minimal. Detailed vegetation and habitat audits will be conducted prior to any developments, consistent with passive use, to ensure species of significance are conserved. Activities involving use of 4WD vehicles, trail bikes, mountain bikes and horse riding remain prohibited within conservation zones.

Management plan draft amendments 2016 7 Onkaparinga River Reserve Management Plan 2004

Existing text Proposed Text

1.3 Zoning (page 13) Within this zone public motor vehicle access is confined to tracks and carparks that are open to the public. Where appropriate, dog Walking trails and direction and interpretive signs are walking, cycling and horse riding may be authorised on permitted. Works undertaken for the provision and designated trails. maintenance of a fire access track system and to improve or achieve conservation goals are permitted. The use of the area by visitors with dogs, horses, private motor vehicles or cycles (including mountain bikes) is prohibited. Special permits for exceptional circumstances may be granted by the District Ranger.

1.4 4.6 Recreation and Tourism, Mountain-bike riding: Appropriate on designated tracks and trails 4.6.1 Visitor Use (page 32)

Mountain-bike riding: Not appropriate

1.5 4.6 Recreation and Tourism, Private motor vehicle use (including cycling) is confined to 4.6.2 Vehicle Access (page 33) designated tracks and carparks that are open to the public.

Public vehicles are excluded from reserve tracks for several reasons, including; dangerous, highly variable track conditions, fragile soils, steep terrain, to reduce the spread of weeds and soil pathogens, to limit noise intrusion, to improve public safety on steep trails (particularly walkers threatened by speeding motor bikes and mountain bikes), to limit the risk, frequency and possible consequences of fires and to maximise visitors’ experience of natural conditions.

1.6 4.6 Recreation and Tourism, Delete 4.6.2 Vehicle Access (page 33)

There is widespread support for continuing to restrict all vehicles (as defined above) to the boundary of the reserve. However, it is possible to identify a section of the reserve that may provide recreation opportunities for visitors utilising a regional trails network. Such a route would need to avoid steep terrain and any potential user-conflict situations.

1.7 4.6 Recreation and Tourism, Cycling is permitted on designated trails within each park. 4.6.2 Vehicle Access (page 33) Canoeing is permitted within the Onkaparinga River Recreation Park. Cycles are currently only permitted on a marked trail within the recreation park and canoes are permitted within the estuary.

8 Anstey Hill Recreation Park Management Plan 2006

Existing text Proposed Text

1.8 Figure 2 (Page 3) The park is managed in line objectives for recreation parks as set out in the 4 Zoning and (page 7) National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

All of section 4 and all of Figure 2. Facilities for car parking, camping, walking, cycling, and horse riding may be developed within the park. These are carefully planned and located to ensure that they do not compromise park values. The division of the park into zones is not required.

1.9 8 Managing Tourism and Recreation, Illegal activities including vandalism, unauthorised vehicle entry, rubbish 8.1 Visitor Use and Access (Page 18) dumping and littering, have occurred in the park. Management strategies, based on available resources, are implemented to address these matters. Illegal use of the park, including damage to park property, unauthorised vehicle entry, mountain bike riding, rubbish dumping and littering, occurs. Management strategies, based on available resources, will be implemented to address these matters.

1.10 8 Managing Tourism and Recreation, Public motor vehicle access is confined to tracks and carparks that are 8.1 Visitor Use and Access (Page 18) designated and open to the public.

Vehicle access into the park is provided for DEH management purposes only.

1.11 8 Managing Tourism and Recreation, Anstey Hill Recreation Park is recognised as offering unique opportunities for 8.2 Cycling, (page 19) cycling that are close to Adelaide. As such, it can help to establish the Mount Lofty Ranges as an international mountain biking destination. Cycling may be Entire Background, Objective, and Strategies authorised on designated tracks and trails.

Objective Enable cycling on trails where this is environmentally sustainable and compatible with other recreational activities.

Strategies

• Identify and designate trails and tracks that are appropriate for cycling.

• Close and rehabilitate areas that have been used illegally by cyclists and that are not appropriate for cycling.

• Encourage trails users to adopt and promote an agreed code of conduct for track and trail use.

O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park Management Plan 200

Existing text Proposed Text

1.12 8 Managing tourism and recreation, Trails may be designated for cycling use. 8.1 Visitor Access and Use, Bike Trails, (page 17)

No trails have been formally designated for this use, but bike riders have been allowed to use the shared-use trail. This use can continue for the term of this management plan, subject to ongoing monitoring.

Management plan draft amendments 2016 9 10 2 Providing a safer and more enjoyable alignment for horse riding on the Tom Roberts Trail.

Horse riding in parks is not permitted unless specifically authorised. This will create a safer route for riders that avoids a section of Horse riding is appropriate on trails within parks when the activity public road. An amendment to the Onkaparinga River Reserve is unlikely to impact environmental values or conflict with other Management Plan (DEH 2004) is proposed to enable a specific trail recreational activities. An opportunity has been identified to to be designated to allow horse riding. designate a trail in Onkaparinga River National park to enhance use of the Tom Roberts Trail.

Onkaparinga River Reserve Management Plan 2004

Existing text Proposed Text

2.1 4 Management prescription Within this zone, public motor vehicle access is confined to tracks 4.1 Zoning (page 13) and car parks that are open to the public. Where appropriate dog walking, cycling and horse riding may be authorised on Walking trails and direction and interpretive signs are designated trails. permitted. Works undertaken for the provision and maintenance of a fire access track system and to improve or achieve conservation goals are permitted.

The use of the area by visitors with dogs, horses, private motor vehicles or cycles (including mountain bikes) is prohibited.

2.2 4.6 Recreation and Tourism, Horse riding: Appropriate on designated tracks and trails 4.6.1 Visitor Use (page 32)

Horse riding: Not appropriate

Management plan draft amendments 2016 11 12 3 Creating bush camping areas in national parks close to Adelaide

There is an opportunity to make camping in national parks more This requires an amendment to the following park accessible to people of Adelaide and visitors to South Australia. management plans. Where compatible with environmental values, areas for camping may be designated within parks. • Anstey Hill Recreation Park Management Plan 2006

• Onkaparinga River Reserve Management Plan 2004 There are areas that are suitable for camping in Anstey Hill Recreation Park and Onkaparinga River National Park. The Onkaparinga River Reserve Management Plan (DEH 2004) and the Anstey Hill Recreation Park Management Plan (DEH 2006) do not currently provide scope for camping areas to be designated.

Anstey Hill Recreation Park Management Plan 2006

Existing text Proposed Text

3.1 Figure 2 (Page 3) The park is managed in line objectives for recreation parks 4 Zoning and (page 7) as set out in the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

3.2 8 Managing tourism and recreation, Provision may be made for camping within the park. 8.1 Visitor use and access (page 18) Horse riding is not permitted.

No provision is made for camping within the park and horse riding is not permitted.

Onkaparinga River Reserve Management Plan 2004

Existing text Proposed Text

3.3 4.6 Recreation and Tourism, Camping: Appropriate in designated areas 4.6.1 Visitor Use (page 32) Campfires: Appropriate in designated areas and at designated Camping and campfires: Not appropriate times.

3.4 4.6 Recreation and tourism, Camping within designated areas may be authorised. 4.6.4 day visit areas,

Actions, (page 37) Continue to prohibit camping within the reserve

Management plan draft amendments 2016 13 14 4 Encouraging more people to walk in parks

There is an opportunity to encourage more people to walk in parks This requires an amendment to the following park by authorising specific tracks and trails for dog walking. In parks management plans. where the presence of dogs is unlikely to impact on native wildlife, it may be appropriate to authorise specific trails for the walking of • Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks Management Plan dogs on a lead. 2001

• Onkaparinga River Reserve Management Plan 2004 People have suggested that certain trails in Onkaparinga River National Park, Morialta Conservation Park, Black Hill Conservation • Hallett Cove and Marino Conservation Park Management Plan Park and Hallett Cove Conservation Park may be suitable for 2010 walking dogs on a lead.

Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks Management Plan 2001

Existing text Proposed Text

4.1 Existing Text (Recreation Zone, page 23) Dog walking on a lead may be authorised on designated tracks and trails. Dogs will be permitted only within the Morialta picnic area and along Morialta Falls Road to the Morialta Falls Carpark, and then only if restrained upon a lead and directly under the control of a responsible person. Dogs are not permitted elsewhere within either park.

Onkaparinga River Reserve Management Plan 2004

Existing text Proposed Text

4.2 Zoning (page 13) Within this zone public motor vehicle access is confined to tracks and carparks that are open to the public. Where appropriate, Walking trails and direction and interpretive signs are dog walking, cycling and horse riding may be authorised on permitted. Works undertaken for the provision and designated trails. maintenance of a fire access track system and to improve or achieve conservation goals are permitted.

The use of the area by visitors with dogs, horses, private motor vehicles or cycles (including mountain bikes) is prohibited. Special permits for exceptional circumstances may be granted by the District Ranger.

Management plan draft amendments 2016 15 Hallett Cove Conservation Park Management Plan 2010

Existing text Proposed Text

4.3 8 Managing tourism and recreation, The foreshore trail that passes through Hallett Cove Conservation 8.1 Visitor access and activities, Park is popular for walking. Walking dogs on a lead on this trail is Exercising dogs (page 17) not expected to have a significant impact on the landforms or native fauna of the park. Dog-walking is not considered to be a suitable activity in Hallett Cove Conservation Park and is therefore not permitted in this park. Prevention of this activity assists in the protection of fragile landforms and native fauna such as bird and reptile species. For example, permitting dog-walking in native habitat has been found to significantly reduce the diversity and abundance of bird species (Banks and Bryant, 2007). There are more than ten parks or public areas within close proximity of Hallett Cove Conservation Park where dogs can be exercised. One of these areas is adjacent to the south of the park and connects to the beach that is adjacent to part of the western boundary of the park. Clear signs and indicators are needed to ensure that people are aware that they cannot bring their dogs into the park from this area (Section 8.2 Information and Interpretation).

4.4 8 Managing tourism and recreation, Where appropriate dog walking may be authorised on 8.1 Visitor access and activities, designated tracks and trails within Marino Conservation Park Exercising dogs, Strategies (page 17) and Hallett Cove Conservation Park.

Continue to permit dogs on-lead on some of the walking trails within Marino Conservation Park subject to on-going assessment by DEH and maintain prohibition on dogs in Hallett Cove Conservation Park.

16 Invitation to contribute

This document has been released for public consultation to Submissions close facilitate community input into the proposed amendments to the 22 July 2016 Onkaparinga River Reserve, Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks, Hallett Cove and Marino Conservation Parks, Anstey Hill and Written submissions O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park Management Plans. Senior Policy and Project Officer Protected Area Management You are invited to contribute by making a submission. Department of Environment, Water and Natural resources To ensure that your submission is effective: GPO Box 1047, ADELAIDE SA 5001

• ensure your submission relates specifically to the draft E-mail submissions an enquiries amendment [email protected] • make your text concise and clear Online submissions • if you disagree with the draft amendment, state your reasons www.environment.sa.gov.au/parkmanagement and say what you would prefer as an alternative and why

• if you are commenting on the accuracy of information, please Following the closing date, each submission will be carefully provide references for your information sources analysed using criteria that are provided at www.environment.sa.gov.au/parkmanagement • highlight if you agree with the draft amendment.

As appropriate, the draft management plan amendments may be Please note that your submission will become a part of the public altered in response to submission received before being forwarded record and will be available to anyone who requests a copy unless to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation you specifically request otherwise. for adoption.

Notice of adoption will be published in the Government Gazette. The amendment and an analysis of public submissions will be made available at www.environment.sa.gov.au/parkmanagement. References

DEH (2004) Onkaparinga River Reserve Management Plan 2004, Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.

DEH (2001) Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks Management Plan 2001 Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.

DEH (2010) Hallett Cove and Marino Conservation Parks Management Plan 2010, Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.

DEH (2006) Anstey Hill Recreation Park Management Plan 2006, Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.

DEH (2008) O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park Management Plan 2008, Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.

DEWNR (2015a) Enjoying Adelaide’s National Parks – Co-designing our future park improvements www.environment.sa.gov.au/files/sharedassets/parks/visiting/enjoying-adelaides-national-parks-rep.pdf, Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources, Adelaide.

DEWNR (2015b) Establishing the Mount Lofty Ranges as an International Mountain Biking Destination (DEWNR 2015 b) www.environment.sa.gov.au/files/sharedassets/parks/visiting/cycling-mountain-biking/ establishing-amlr-international-mountain-biking-destination.pdf, Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources, Adelaide.

Management plan draft amendments 2016 17 For further information please contact: Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (08) 8204 1910, www.environment.sa.gov.au

Disclaimer While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources makes no representations and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of or reliance on the contents of this publication. Reference to any company, product or service in this publication should not be taken as a Departmental endorsement of the company, product or service.

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