Patrick Goldsmith, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Five troublesome parcels of unalienated Crown Land within the Yorke Peninsula Council area will stay in the care and control of the state government after discussions regarding the environmental impacts of increased visitation numbers.
Councillors voted against council assuming the care, control and management of land at Wauraltee, Balgowan South, Chinaman Wells and Bluff and Parsons Beaches on Wednesday, April 12.
Following a year of formal discussions with council, the Department of Environment and Water and other stakeholders (including the Wauraltee Beach Action Group) had requested for YPC to take control of Wauraltee and similar beaches.
Unalienated Crown Land is public land which is owned and managed by the state government, giving council no authority over the activity which takes place on it.
YPC mayor Darren Braund presented to the state government at Country Cabinet in February, raising the issue and advocating for the possibility of an Aboriginal ranger program.
Mr Braund said he was hopeful ongoing discussions would bring positive results.
“We’re still very keen to get a longterm, viable solution for this and we didn’t feel as though assuming the care, control and management of land was the right option now,” he said.
“We believe there needs to be a couple of things (happen); one is a change of legislation, because at the moment you can camp on Crown Land legally for up to three weeks, which is outdated and wasn’t intended for tourism purposes.
“We’re also pitching to the state government to help fund two Indigenous rangers to help with that situation and we think that’s a good option.”
Land remains in state care as plans continue
A department for Environment and Water spokesperson said it is continuing to work collaboratively with Yorke Peninsula Council to achieve its goals around the management of Crown Land.
“The department manages Crown Land for the benefit of the South Australian community, and we encourage everyone to play their role in protecting these areas’ environmental and cultural value for enjoyment today and for future generations,” they said.
“The department is committed to working closely with the Yorke Peninsula Council to improve the management of Crown Land beaches in the region.
“Our ongoing partnership with council enables better management of these important coastal areas.
“Sustainable management practices are crucial to protect the environment and ensure the public can continue to access these beaches for generations to come.”
Council continues to urge visitors to take care when visiting local beaches to prevent destruction of native wildlife and plants.
“Sand dunes are fragile and walking, riding or driving through them can lead to vegetation loss,” YPC environment officer Letitia Dahlhelm said.
“Vegetation is important as it keeps the sand in place and without the protective cover of vegetation, the result is erosion, dune blowouts and accelerated sand movement.
“Enjoy the beach, but stay out of the dunes, as this will help conserve our important dune systems, which have a vital role in naturally protecting our beaches, coastline and inland areas from the destructive forces of coastal storms, winds and waves.”
This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 2 May 2023.
