Former tourism chief Bill Spurr urges sustainable National Park developments

Our National Parks need more sustainable development — with initiatives like sleeping pods — to ensure they are maintained for future generations, one of the Premier’s most senior advisers says.

• Opinion: Tourism or conservation? Why not both?
• KI businesses urged to get board
• Opponents plan to fight it in court

One of Premier Steven Marshall’s key economic advisers is urging more sustainable development within National Parks, like planned sleeping pods in Flinders Chase, to help ensure they are maintained for future generations to enjoy.

Former SA Tourism Commission chief Bill Spurr, a member of the Premier’s six-person Economic Advisory Council, argues the Kangaroo Island development will generate jobs, business and tourism.

Mr Spurr grew up in the state’s first national park, Belair, where his father was a caretaker and his mother was the Long Gully kiosk lessee.

Long Gully kiosk and park-keepers cottage at Belair National Park in 1960. Former SA Tourism Commission chief Bill Spurr grew up there.

In an opinion piece in today’s Advertiser, he argues the Flinders Chase sleeping pods’ proponent, Australian Walking Company, is “fully aware of the need to protect the environment, the very thing that their clients, visitors from around the world, are attracted to in the first place”.

The State Government last week announced the project, which includes about 20 new buildings at Sandy Creek and Sanderson Bay, had received final major sign-off from the Native Vegetation Council.

Opponents will launch a legal challenge and say their battle could include civil disobedience and other interference.

Asked by The Advertiser whether he supported other similar development in national parks, Mr Spurr said: “Tourism development that is ecologically sustainable, with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas; that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation should be encouraged to ensure our National Parks are sustained for future generations to enjoy.”

In his opinion piece, Mr Spurr praises the establishment of Belair National Park in 1891 and the 53,500ha set aside for Flinders Chase National Park in 1919 — plans championed by “founding forefathers” including Samuel Dixon.

“Dixon wrote in 1920 that his plan for the future of Flinders Chase was ‘to include numerous roads, water conservation … popular resorts, buildings for staff and visitors … preservation of kangaroos and wallabies … for globe trotters and holiday-makers …’,” Mr Spurr says.

“As early as 1920, it was a realisation that parks could only be developed and sustained for the enjoyment of all by bringing people into the parks and generating income.”

Picnic games at Belair National Park near Long Gully Kiosk in 1912.

Mr Spurr points out tourism is the world’s largest industry, with 1.2 billion travelling overseas annually, generating six per cent of global GDP and employment.

“The proposed eco-sensitive accommodation will greatly benefit domestic and international tourism to KI and our State, generating local jobs and support for local businesses,” he says.

“ … Tourism and conservation is the key for our future.”

Mr Spurr says Australian Walking Company has 30 years’ experience in operating high-quality wilderness walks and the plans have been vetted by the Environment and Water Department, vegetation council and State Commission Assessment Panel.