Rangers enforcing new Lake Eyre rules and handing out fines as salt lake continues to fill at historic pace

Visitors flouting rules now to walk on Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre have been fined by the state government, as yachties steer clear of rangers.

The state government has fined people for walking on Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre and warned yachties they face a $1000 penalty if they take to the water in the wake of historic flooding.

Lake Eyre Yacht Club. Photo credit Bob Backway

The Department of Environment and Water confirmed a “handful” of $75 fines had been issued by its rangers to people caught flouting the new rules, introduced earlier this year.

A National Parks and Wildlife Service spokesman said rangers had spent a “considerable time” at Australia’s largest salt lake in recent weeks enforcing the rules as water levels rise.

“Public response to the management plan and the lake access restrictions has been supportive and understanding,” the spokesman said.

“With NPWS staff providing the environmental, cultural and safety reasoning behind these restrictions, most visitors have been content to observe the lake from the water’s edge.”

Delhunty Island, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. PIC: Tom Putt/Wrightsair

The rules, which also reinforce no recreation on the lake, were enacted to protect the lake’s fragile salt crust and surface, leading to scarring that lasts many years.

Failure to comply with the ban would result in a $75 fine, or up to $1000, if previous warnings were disregarded, and a $105 victims of crime levy.

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre attracts up to 25,000 visitors during a rare flood event, but it’s still too early to determine whether the lake will reach its peak level later this year.

Now the only way to see Lake Eyre is by the air or at viewing platforms around its perimeter.

Lake Eyre Yacht Club commodore Bob Backway has been vocally opposed to the ban, which in May prompted from the department that he risked a $1000 penalty if he sailed on the lake.

The letter, prompted after comments in the media, reinforced the ban on boating on Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre and was to “request members of your organisation reconsider any plans”.

“A lot of people aren’t happy we can’t sail on Lake Eyre,” Mr Backway said.

“There’s rangers all over the place, ordering people off the beach.

Visitors to Lake Eyre are warned about changes in its access. Picture: Supplied

“It would have to be the only national park in the world you’re not allowed to recreate on.

“It’s ridiculous, but that’s the SA Government for you.”

The club will instead navigate rare floodwaters of the Cooper Creek system at Lake Killamperpunna for its seven-day 25th anniversary regatta from September 29.

The club last raced on Lake Killamperpunna when it was full in 2010 and 2011, which also saw yachts use road markers to traverse a small stretch of the Birdsville Track.

“We claim to be the only yacht club in the world to have an official race on a road and it’s Australia’s most iconic road – the Birdsville Track,” Mr Backway said.

Already 120 sailors and 80 yachts have registered for the event, including Australian businessman Dick Smith, the club’s Rear Admiral.

“We’re allowed to sail (on Lake Killamperpunna) which is wonderful but it’s a pity that we are not allowed to sail on Lake Eyre because it was a wonderful place to sail,” Mr Smith said.

“When it’s full, it’s a huge stretch of water. You couldn’t have any effect on it.

“Our little sailing boats, they have no motor, it’s purely sailing.”

Originally published as Rangers enforcing new Lake Eyre rules and handing out fines as salt lake continues to fill at historic pace