OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - SOUTH AUSTRALIA - 2007

Place:    Port MacDonnell Cemetery

Threat:  Destruction and Complete Loss of Heritage Values

Photo by Georgina Green

Significance:

The area is regarded as a significant remnant of pre-European vegetation for the Hundred of MacDonnell which retains an estimated 4.1 percent of its original vegetation.  The area is also considered to be high in species diversity and is also noted to be of high amenity value as it is located between the foreshore and the main road.

Description of Threat: 

The District Council of Grant has applied to extend the Port MacDonnell town cemetery located adjacent to coastal shrubland at Port MacDonnell.  The proposed extension would require the removal of .576 hectares of intact coastal shrubland, which provides wildlife habitat for at least six species with conservation significance while also providing habitat for four regionally rated plant species.  Due to proposed changes to the SA Native Vegetation Act 1991 the Council may be able to clear this vegetation without approval from the Native Vegetation Council.

Action Required: 

The desired outcome would be that no native vegetation be cleared from the area.  The Nature Conservation Society of South Australia would encourage the District Council of Grant to consider other options for a possible extension of the graveyard.  This would include utilising the large car park area or areas of degraded vegetation for an extension of the graveyard rather than removing ecologically important vegetation communities.  The proposed changes to the Native Vegetation Act 1991 should not proceed.