Sarah Herrmann, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

With a crucial bid looming to have our unique Moonta Mines precinct World Heritage Listed, more work is needed to improve the safety of the site.

Safework SA inspectors have visited Hughes Enginehouse in Moonta Mines as part of ongoing inquiries into an incident that occurred earlier this month.

Alex Clark and his dog became stuck down a mineshaft on Sunday, May 5, with Mr Clark telling Channel 7 he followed the staffy after she entered the fenced-off shaft, fearing she would otherwise drown, but could not get out without the help of emergency services.

The safety of Moonta Mines was a duty shared by the State Government, Copper Coast Council and the National Trust of South Australia, Moonta Branch chairman Graham Hancock said.

However, specific sites such as Hughes Enginehouse were the Trust’s responsibility, he said.

Mr Hancock was looking forward to receiving the details of the incident so they could help improve safety measures, which were already being stepped up as part of a conservation management plan.

“We believe (the mines’ safety standards) are adequate as we speak, but we know there’s always room for improvement and already in train is a whole new program of signage, safety and fences,” he said.

“It was always planned, it had nothing to do with this.”

He said a bid for World Heritage Listing of the mines was putting pressure on all involved to lift their game going forward.

However, Mr Hancock said many previous attempts to secure sites have been vandalised through the removal of gates, timber and galvanised iron.

“We have spent many thousands of dollars stabilising this ruin and making it safe,” he said.

“We can’t always monitor the behaviour of people who have open access to the place, and that is an ongoing concern.

“We are concerned about the safety of anybody on the site, but also ask the people visiting to be fairly cautious about how they carry on.”

CCC mayor Roslyn Talbot said the council worked closely with NTSA and the state Environment Department to care for, preserve and manage historic mining sites.

“The Copper Coast has a rich mining heritage and is lucky to retain many of those historic sites for people to enjoy today,” Mrs Talbot said.

“Council supports a current project of the National Trust SA to upgrade and improve the amenity and accessibility of the Moonta Mines heritage site, which will ensure it can continue to be safely experienced by thousands of visitors each year.”

Deputy Premier and Environment Minister Susan Close will visit Moonta Mines this Tuesday, May 28, and is expected to endorse an Outstanding Universal Values Statement to progress the site’s World Heritage bid.

“I’m confident this incident will not affect any steps for further world heritage recognition of the site that the National Trust and Copper Coast Council has been pursuing,” Ms Close said.

All parties said they were pleased no one was hurt during the incident, and advised Moonta Mines visitors to remain conscious of barriers and signage, as well as to swiftly contact emergency services should danger arise.

SafeWork SA was unable to provide further details as inquiries were ongoing.

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 21 May 2024.