The Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is under threat from uranium exploration

This area is just too precious to mine ... Arkaroola must be preserved forever.
Please help.

Arkaroola landscape with the 'Armchair' in the background

Mining company, Marathon Resources, currently holds an exploration lease over 9000 hectares within the heart of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. The lease is set to expire on 10th October this year 2010.

SA Premier Mike Rann suspended the company from drilling in February 2008 when Marathon was caught breaching 22 separate exploration licence conditions, including the illegal dumping of approximately 22,800 bags of waste, containing radioactive drill cores, in two pits in the middle of the Wilderness Sanctuary.

This behaviour is unacceptable!

The State Government should not renew Marathon's licence, preventing them from ever re-entering the Sanctuary. This unique part of the northern Flinders Ranges and the award-winning ecotourism operation and Wilderness Sanctuary, is simply not an appropriate place for the mining industry.

The State Government has a fantastic opportunity to ensure the protection of this biological, geological and archeological wonderland.

Premier Mike Rann, do not renew Marthon Resources' exploration lease in Arkaroola. Please take all necessary steps to ensure the protection of this truly amazing area.

"Some places are just too precious to mine... Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is one of them."

 

Background to Arkaroola

Why Arkaroola is so special?

 

Waterhole in Arkaroola

Located 600km north of Adelaide, in the rugged and spectacular northern Flinders Ranges, this 610sq km multi award-winning Wilderness Sanctuary contains some of Australia's most spectacular mountain views and important geological treasures. 

Featuring rugged mountains, towering granite peaks, magnificent gorges and mysterious waterholes, it is home to over 160 species of birds and the shy and endangered Yellow-Footed Rock-Wallaby.

Being the traditional lands of the Adnaymathanha, the area has a rich cultural history. The area was also recognised by Sir Douglas Mawson for it's geological significance describing the area as "one great open-air museums of geological history". Dr Reg Sprigg, a student of Mawson, purchased Arkaroola and his family has helped to protect this unique area ever since.

 

A biodiversity hot-spot...

Desert Tree Frog

Arkaroola is rich in biodiversity, and scientists are still finding new species.

• Kaya Klop-Toker, a young scientist discovered the first new frog species in 45 years in Arkaroola - A little tree frog . 
• There are more Yellow-Footed Rock-Wallaby colonies along Arkaroola creek than anywhere else in the Flinders.
• The region contains species of lizards, giant geckos and molluscs found no where else.
  
• Scientists have found groundwater fauna found only in the springs and waterholes of the region.
  

 

A tourism mecca....

Ridge Top Tour in Arkaroola

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary has won many awards for Ecotourism and is now in the SA Tourism "Hall of Fame". The Advanced Ecotourism accredited 4WD ridge-top tour is world famous.

Arkaroola was recently presented with the  "Award for Excellence - Best Tourism Initiative 2010".

Arkaroola is South Australia's 'premier Ecotourism destination'.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

A geological and archeological wonderland

Dubbed the 'Las Vegas' wonderland for geologists, the region attracts students and scientist from around the world.

• Mt Gee, Mt Painter and the Armchair are rare geological monuments that are listed on the register of the National Estate.
• The three dimensional exposure of rare crystalline rock formations in the landscape have no global comparison, according to the SA Museum.
• A fossil 'fringe reef' was recently discovered in the Sanctuary. Estimated to be over 700 million years old, this reef complex is the oldest fossil reef ever discovered. 

 For more background information please download a copy of the information package.

Sediment Trap at Mt Gee, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.

Seeking to entrench mining in the middle of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is NOT “seeking a balance”.
Article - 3 December 2009
The Northern Territory Government would not mine Uluru, the Queensland Government would not mine the Great Barrier Reef, so why is the South Australian Government seeking to entrench mining in the middle of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary? ACT NOW to save Arkaroola. More>>

Mining suspended in victory for Arkaroola
Article - 18 February 2008
In a major victory for the campaign to protect the internationally significant Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in South Australia from mining, SA Premier Mike Rann announced on Tuesday 12 February 2008 that the Government is suspending drilling operations at Mount Gee indefinitely. More >>

Adios to 'cowboy' miner: SA Government congratulated on stopping mining in Arkaroola
Media Release - 12 February 2008
The Wilderness Society is today celebrating a significant victory in its campaign to protect the internationally significant Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in South Australia from mining. Arkaroola is one of the most significant conservation areas in South Australia, particularly in terms of its geological heritage. It is also an award winning tourist attraction. More >>