Steven Griffiths MP JP

Member for Goyder Shadow Minister for Regional Development Shadow Minister for Local Government Shadow Minister for Science & Information Economy Shadow Minister for Business Services & Consumers

13 August 2013

Hon Ian Hunter MLC Minister for Environment & Conservation GPO Box 1047 ADELAIDE SA 5001

Dear Minister Hunter RE: Proposal to add land to Clinton Conservation Park I was recently provided with a briefing from the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR), including Mr name removed, Manager - Protected Area Policy and Planning, on the State Governments proposal to proclaim additions to Clinton Conservation Park. At the briefing it was relayed to me that work on the proposal to increase the size of Clinton Conservation Park by 3,410 hectares commenced approximately 12 months ago. I am extremely frustrated and disappointed that I learned of the proposal via a third-party only a few weeks ago. It is completely unacceptable that DEWNR had no intention of informing me of the plan to significantly increase the Clinton Conservation Park within my electorate of Goyder. Given the proposal has the potential to impact greatly on a number of local communities, as well as a development proposal with current major project status, surely DEWNR should have considered that informing the local Member of Parliament to be standard practice in the initial planning process. I would very much appreciate your comments on the current practice, including if reforms will be implemented to ensure DEWNR has a responsibility to inform relevant Members of Parliament about proposals in the future. Additionally, while the briefing by DEWNR at my request on 5 August provided some information on the proposal, many details were inadequate. As such I would appreciate if you could now provide me with specific information as per the following: DEWNR confirmed that the Wakefield Regional Council and the District Council of Yorke Peninsula have been approached in relation to the proposal. DEWNR is expecting written responses from both council areas in the next few weeks (I am aware consultation closes on 23 August). Are you able to provide me with an update on the submissions from the Wakefield Regional Council and the District Council of Yorke Peninsula once they have been received?

Can you provide me with the list of community groups who received written notification from DEWNR outlining the proposal to add land to Clinton Conservation Park and inviting comments by 23 August? At the briefing I was informed that the Clinton Conservation Park does not have a Management Plan. Are you able to confirm how the Park is currently managed, including how the Park will be managed if additional land is proclaimed as per the proposal? Can you confirm if it is the intention of DEWNR to restrict public access to the Clinton Conservation Park? If so, are you able to provide me with the specific details? In 2007, the State Government granted Wakefield Waters major project status on a proposed development encompassing land around the Port Wakefield Wharf. I am aware that Mr name removed, Wakefield Waters, recently became aware of DEWNRs proposal (also via a thirdparty source) and has written to Premier Weatherill with his many concerns (Wakefield Waters has freehold land adjacent to the proposed extension of the Clinton Conservation Park). Are you able to explain why Mr name removed, as an adjacent land holder was not informed about DEWNRs proposal? Are you able to confirm what the current DEWNR policy is in relation to the undertaking of consultation with stakeholders of projects granted major development status by the State Government?

I look forward to a response at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely

Steven Griffiths MP JP Member for Goyder