Joint media release: Protecting South Australia’s giant cuttlefish sanctuary

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water
Senator Karen Grogan, Senator for SA

The Albanese Labor Government is investing $400,000 to help manage and protect South Australia’s Cuttlefish Coast Sanctuary Zone, recently included on Australia’s National Heritage List.

The funding will help to develop a conservation management and tourism plan for the site, which sees thousands of giant Australian cuttlefish congregate along four kilometres of shallow rocky reef each year.

Led by the South Australian Government in partnership with Whyalla City Council, this project will ensure the site is prepared for increased visitation and minimise impacts on the surrounding region.

This funding is part of the $4 million Round 6 of the Australian Heritage Grants program to protect, restore and manage Australia’s amazing National Heritage listed places.

In total, the Australian Government has invested more than $30 million through the Australian Heritage Grants program. These grants will help to ensure the ongoing protection and preservation of our precious heritage-listed places.

There are currently 121 places of outstanding natural, Indigenous or historic value on the National Heritage List, across all state and territories in Australia.

Further information about the Australian Heritage Grants program can be found here: 
www.dcceew.gov.au/parks-heritage/heritage/grants-and-funding/australian-heritage-grants

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water the Hon Tanya Plibersek:

“Australia is home to some of the most unique and beautiful places on earth, with 121 outstanding natural, Indigenous or historic sites forming a rich tapestry that illustrates our past.

“With great history comes great responsibility, and we are working together with state and territory governments, Traditional Owners, conservation groups and volunteers to protect and preserve these places for generations to come.

“We’re investing more than $30 million through our Australian Heritage Grants program for projects that help us to protect Indigenous cultural heritage sites, eradicate feral species and undertake critical restoration work. 

“These projects are also an important tool in community education and awareness, highlighting the moments, places and people that have shaped our nation.”

Quotes attributable to SA Senator Karen Grogan:

“The Cuttlefish Coast is a beautiful part of the world, but it is also home to one of the most unique natural light shows on earth.

“With the recent inclusion of the site on Australia’s National Heritage List, we want to make sure this place and the surrounding areas are protected for future generations to enjoy.”

Quotes attributable to SA Environment Minister the Hon Susan Close MP:

“The waters around the sanctuary zone have rocky seabeds that provide a rare, yet perfect environment for female cuttlefish to lay and delicately attach their eggs.

“The Upper Spencer Gulf cuttlefish population is incredibly unique as there is little interbreeding between these cuttlefish and other populations, and they are only found in the one small, specific area.

“It’s this uniqueness that we want to ensure is fully protected and preserved for the future.”