Marree Man: SA Liberals vow to scrap “unnecessary” probe if they form government

THE lengthy investigation into the rejuvenation of the iconic Marree Man would be scrapped if the Liberal Party forms government at next month’s election.

Marree Hotel owner Phil Turner at the site of the Marree man where he helped restore the artwork. Picture: Tom Huntley

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THE lengthy investigation into the rejuvenation of the iconic Marree Man will be scrapped if the Liberal Party forms government at next month’s election.

Liberal environment spokesman David Speirs said enough time and resources had already been wasted on the investigation, which has been running since December 2016.

An Environment Department spokeswoman said the investigation into whether vegetation was unlawfully cleared while the tourism icon was restored to its former glory by two pub owners was being “finalised”.

The spokeswoman said she could not comment on the investigation’s validity or any potential findings.

The department last year interviewed Advertiser journalists and photographers about what they knew of the Marree Man restoration, after threatening to compel them to give evidence.

Mr Speirs said it was time for the department to “get back to delivering services to South Australians”.

“A Liberal government will direct the department to stop directing unnecessary resources to this issue,” he said.

SA Best leader Nick Xenophon has also criticised the investigation, but is yet to declare whether he would move to stop it if he ended up running the state or helping a major party to govern.