| Home | Park | Management Plan | < | Contents | > |
The conservation park status of a reserve implies that it is managed primarily for conservation while simultaneously providing recreation opportunities. The Park's location near the second largest city in South Australia and adjacent to a major highway as well as its Western myall/chenopod vegetation association are the primary considerations for management.
Potential exists for a variety of passive activities in the form of bird-watching, photography, observation of nature, astronomy and bush rambling.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service, together with the Friends of the Whyalla Conservation Park, endeavour to manage the Park in a manner which will permit such uses of the reserve without causing degradation of the habitat or excessive disturbance of its wildlife.
In order to maintain the integrity of the Park's natural assets, management activities will concentrate on the primary issues, that is control of vandalism and development of appropriate infrastructure and visitor facilities. Control of pest plants and animals are also important considerations and there are many smaller peripheral areas requiring attention.
Whyalla Conservation Park is relatively small and has traditionally been managed remotely, currently by the North District of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The benefit of an active and motivated Friends group has been the salvation of the Park, and in its future management may well enjoy a level of activity and attention to detail not afforded other similar areas. The Friends group also contribute significant financial resources through fund-raising activities. This support is likely to be on-going for the duration of the existence of the Friends Group.
It is necessary, therefore, to define clearly the roles of DENR and the Friends of Whyalla Conservation Park group and how these roles fit with management of the Park.
DENR is ultimately responsible for the management of Whyalla Conservation Park and its integrity as a reserve. The role of the Department is to oversee and approve park programmes and activities in the Park in accordance with the plan of management. This will be done cooperatively with the Friends group.
The Friends group appoints a committee, which includes the DENR staff member nominated by the District. The committee attends to the everyday management and carrying out of programmes and activities within the Park. The committee plans activities twelve months ahead. Detailed planning of intended works is an integral part of this. The DENR staff representative is responsible for ensuring adherence to Department standards, objectives and policies (such as best practice, Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare).
The Friends members carry out most routine maintenance work. The group organises a regular presence in the Park as a check on visitor activities and facilities.
DENR staff have little input on a day-to-day basis due mainly to the presence and energy of the Friends group. District priorities and the location of the Park are also factors. DENR negotiates a minimum level of ranger involvement, which will include work planning and presence at a number of activities each year.