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Vandalism has been a serious problem with the Park area long before it became a reserve under the NPW Act. Local elements are almost exclusively responsible for this problem. Almost the entire range of inappropriate and destructive behaviour is part of the Park's history of visitor use, including shooting, damage from trail bikes, fence cutting, destruction of Park facilities and wildlife offences. These activities have a very significant effect on the natural and heritage values of the Park and the quality of the experience of its visitors.
The BHP land immediately south of the Park is used extensively by trail bikes. This activity extends into the Park, but much has been curtailed by management and vigilance.
Formal arrangements are in place for the Park to be closed at night. The Friends roster a regular volunteer Park presence to check on activities and damage. Volunteers report offences and Park presence after dark to NPWSA staff for follow up. This strategy has been highly effective in reducing damage. Repairs are carried out quickly when damage does occur.
Damage by trail bikes has been minimised by management of established routes. This is done primarily by trial and error.
Awareness within the Whyalla community through Friends activities has also had an important effect which contributes to the decline of vandalism. There is, however, little room for complacency.
The main visitor access to the Park is currently from the Lincoln Highway. An alternative entrance is via a station track through the adjoining property from the Iron Knob road.
A network of internal tracks dissect the Park, including two easements beneath the main power line. The main feature within the Park to which visitors have access is Wild Dog Hill in the north west corner.
Internal tracks need to be rationalised in order to minimise impact and disturbance and enhance the habitat value of the Park. The established main public access makes it necessary for, vehicles to travel along the southern and western boundaries to Wild Dog Hill. Other internal tracks connect and a proportion of vehicle traffic disperses throughout the Park.
The issue of access both to and within the Park is directly linked with inappropriate vehicle activity (especially motor cycles), public safety and habitat preservation.
- Maintain the Park entry arrangements from Lincoln Highway.
- Change of main Park entry to the alternative entrance. This will include constituting a new road reserve on the station track alignment.
The close proximity of the Park to the city of Whyalla means that it is a popular area for both informal and organised recreation. Bushwalking, photography, nature study and picnicking are popular activities. Walking trails are provided and a permanent astronomical telescope mount is in place for skywatching.
School and education groups are required to submit trip intentions details for activities within the Park. This is Departmental policy. A standard form takes care of the requirements. In addition, Park activities after dark must be approved by NPWSA or the Friends.
Camping is not provided for in Whyalla Conservation Park due to its high impact and the fragile nature of this arid area. One-off camping events may be approved in some circumstances, such as for survey work.
It is recognised that a small number of visitors to the Park act in a manner detrimental its values.
Activities such as hang-gliding and rock climbing are not permitted in the Park in accordance with Departmental policy. Tracks for use by mountain bikes have not been designated due to the public risk factor whilst trail bike riding is a problem. This may be reviewed if a demand becomes apparent in the future.
Horse-riding is not provided for due to adverse impact and safety concerns on narrow tracks.
It is desirable to restrict visitor activity to specific areas within Whyalla Conservation Park. The current access arrangements dictate that visitors and vehicles must travel along the entire southern boundary and most of the western boundary to access Wild Dog Hill, where a car park, picnic facilities and a walking trail are located. Wild Dog Hill is the logical principal visitor focus in the Park.
Bins are provided at Wild Dog Hill. Disposal of litter is carried out on a rostered basis by the Friends.
The increase of visitors to the area over the past few years has meant a rise in the amount of litter, including human waste. There is no toilet provided at present It would be desirable to do so, and the Friends has the financial resources necessary, and a site has been identified.
There is a need for a visitor information near the Park entrances. The provision of a parking bay, information and picnic facilities close to the Lincoln Highway would be convenient to some travellers.
The dam area is currently used as an additional informal visitor area. The drainage line/saltbush vegetation contrast provides the basis for an interesting walking trail. The level of disturbance from previous activities and the power line mean that development of a visitor facility would have little effect.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has a duty of care to provide a safe environment for workers and visitors to the Park.
The main areas of concern with regard to safety are to do with vehicular traffic. The turnoff from the Lincoln Highway into the Park is a potential problem; particularly where southbound traffic must turn into oncoming traffic to enter the Park. Trail bike activity brings with it a likelihood of collisions, particularly where tracks enter the Park from adjoining land. Dramatic improvements in inappropriate use of the Park have resulted from the Friends volunteer presence in the Park on a regular basis and raising awareness within the Whyalla community.
Figure 2: Proposed development of a day visitor area at the dam
Figure 3: Proposed development for a caravan pull-off at the main entrance