The Conservation Council of SA is calling for a comprehensive ecological survey of the area and an environmental impact assessment before this event takes place. The area is part of a wildlife corridor providing an important link for animals to move along the south coast of Kangaroo Island as well as providing breeding habitat for several vulnerable species.
"The number of people attending this event plus all the noise, waste and traffic will have an impact on this pristine coastline," said Chief Executive, Tim Kelly. "We don't even know what is the safe number of people to have camping and moving in the area to accurately say that there will be no lasting environmental damage."
"With over 5000 people expected to attend, the existing tracks are insufficient to allow this many people to move between the campsites and the beach. Vegetation clearance to widen tracks and installing hard steps is not consistent with protecting Kangaroo Island's natural assets"
The Hooded Plover, a shore bird listed as a vulnerable species in South Australia, nests in the dunes around Vivonne Bay, laying its eggs directly on the sand. The surfing festival is scheduled to run during the breeding season of this bird, placing a species already highly prone to breeding failure in the midst of competition and festival attendees.
At risk are six pairs of Hooded Plovers known to nest on the beach and foredunes of Vivonne Bay. The DEH Hooded Plover Recovery Plan (2006) documents that when these birds are disturbed they leave the nest, exposing eggs and chicks to predators such as seagulls. There is a real possibility that this event to be held over ten days may result in 100% mortality for hooded plover eggs and chicks in the area.
If this event does proceed, before any repeat competition, there should be a full post assessment of the impacts on biodiversity and the breeding success of the hooded plovers and nearby osprey so that these species do not become lost from the area at Vivonne bay.
To date the Surfing South Australia FAQs do not caution visitors against bringing their dogs to this event.
"This is not the right sort of tourism for Kangaroo Island. It will harm the natural assets and biodiversity as well as risking Kangaroo Island's reputation as one of the world's great environmental tourist attractions, " Mr Kelly concluded.
Release Ends
For further information on the Blueprint for a Sustainable Future go to:
http://www.conservationsa.org.au/blueprint.html
For additional media information or to arrange an interview please contact
Noriko Wynn, Policy and Communications Officer on 0411 028 930
