Nearly 30,000 hectares – the equivalent of 18,000 Adelaide Ovals – have been added to South Australia’s national parks, helping to protect threatened species and attract visitors to the state.

The important and very pretty Horsnell Gully Conservation Park, in the Adelaide foothills, has seen an increase in size – this is great news considering its position in the Adelaide Hills face zone and proximity to Hansen Mine and their ongoing expansion. The park is home to the endangered southern brown bandicoot and has increased 93 hectares – up almost 70 per cent – after land formerly part of the adjoining Stonyfell Quarry.

In the Mid North near Burra, SA’s newest national park has been created: Jaki Ina – Worlds End Gorge National Park, co-named with the Ngadjuri people.

Nilpena Ediacara National Park – the centrepiece of the bid for World Heritage for the Flinders Ranges – has been expanded by 26,000ha.

The Coorong National Park is being expanded into a former cattle station near Goolwa – to be transformed into vital wetlands habitat.