MEDIA RELEASE
14 February 2018
Relief as KI Coast Saved
The state’s peak environment body has strongly welcomed the decision by Environment Minister Ian Hunter to reject a plan to sell state-owned coastal reserve land at Pelican Lagoon on Kangaroo Island to golf course developers, after a huge public backlash.
The Government put out for consultation a plan to sell the coastal strip, despite the land being a vital wildlife corridor on the Island containing white-bellied sea eagles, bandicoots, ospreys and other rare wildlife.
A huge public response led by local conservation groups has forced the State Government to reconsider.
"We are delighted Minister Hunter has rejected the plan to sell this precious coastal reserve bushland to golf course developers,” Conservation SA Chief Executive Craig Wilkins said.
“The land in question is a vital wildlife corridor between the Dudley Peninsula and the west of Kangaroo Island.
“With an active White Bellied Sea Eagle nest in the vicinity and a range of rare bandicoots, ospreys and lizards calling it home, this land – part of an incredibly strip of public reserve around much of the Island – should never, ever be sold.
“Hats off to a huge number of concerned local residents and groups, including EcoAction KI, for leading the fight against the proposal.
“We congratulate Minister Hunter for listening to the community concern and standing up for our precious nature spaces.
“The outpouring from the community is a strong reminder that the public loves nature and our coast, and wants areas like these kept in public hands and looked after.
“Next step is to see if there is a potential to extend the great tourism success of the KI Wilderness Trail on the north of the Island to this area so that many more people can access and appreciate this special wilderness,” he said.
Release Ends
Media Contact: Craig Wilkins, 0417 879 439