Hundreds turn out at Parliament House to protest against development in Kangaroo Island national park

About 500 people have lined the steps of Parliament House in Adelaide protesting a proposed development in a popular national park on Kangaroo Island.

• $4 million plan for new accommodation on Kangaroo Island
• KI residents protest plans for lodge accommodation

About 500 people have lined the steps of Parliament House in Adelaide protesting a proposed development in a popular national park on Kangaroo Island.

Operators of Australia’s largest eco-tourism walking company have $4 million plans, supported by the government, to build two lodges, 14 individual two-person sleeping pods as well as an upgrade of t

he historic lighthouse keeper’s cottages at Cape du Couedic, in Flinders Chase National Park.

Joan Gibbs stands with protesters on the steps of Parliament House at the rally. Picture: AAP /Mark Brake

The project, by the Australian Walking Company, has received fierce opposition from conservation groups and locals who have raised concerns the department of environment were privatising the national park without proper consultation.

Friends of National Parks KI Western Districts spokeswoman Bev Maxwell said as a Category 1 development there is no opportunity for the community to have input into the decision.

“People are concerned about what is planned for Flinders Chase National Park and the impact it will have there, but they are also concerned that it sets a precedent for other insensitive private developments in National Parks and reserves,” Ms Maxwell said.

The Australian Walking Company is proposing to build sleeping pods on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, but many people are opposed to the plan. Picture: Australian Walking Company

Federal MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie and Liberal candidate Georgina Downer have both

raised concerns about the project.

State Labor MP for Mawson Leon Bignell spoke out against the current proposal on the table.

“There is an old saying if you give people an inch they will take a mile,” Mr Bignell said.

The government is preparing a response to the rally.