With thousands of visitors set to visit Kangaroo Island over the Easter long weekend, measures have been expanded to protect its pristine ecosystem.

Since the 2019-2020 bushfires, the Bushfire Recovery Program has provided $3.8 million to the Biosecurity Rebuild Project on Kangaroo Island.

The state government has committed additional funding of $269,000 to boost the island’s robust biosecurity protections.

It says this will help ensure Kangaroo Island remains free of many invasive animals and plants found on mainland South Australia, by educating locals and visitors about biosecurity risks.

As the main entryway to the island, ferries are a major risk for carrying over pests and diseases.

As a result of the additional funding, ferry services attended by biosecurity officers will be increased to help travellers understand what can and can’t be taken to Kangaroo Island, along with inspecting machinery and cars to make sure no invasive pests hitch a ride.

Signage in the lead-up to and at the Cape Jervis ferry terminal alerts travellers to Kangaroo Island that biosecurity restrictions are in place.

In March 2023, several prominent new signs were installed on the roadside leading to the Cape Jervis terminal to remind travellers about protecting the island from biosecurity threats.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says

 Kangaroo Island’s pristine environment is worth protecting and most visitors and residents want to help keep it that way.

“I ask visitors to do their part and make sure they’ve got no hitchhiking weeds or pests on their vehicles, and that they know what you can and can’t take to the island.” 

A social media campaign, targeting people interested in travelling to Kangaroo Island, has reinforced the importance of protecting the island. 

The ‘Keep me wild, keep me sweet, keep me clean’ messages have attracted more than five million impressions on social media in just 12 months. 

The Bushfire Recovery Program is part of the Biosecurity Rebuild Project, which is delivered in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, farmers, landholders, National Parks and Wildlife, KI Land for Wildlife, and other local stakeholders.

The original funding for disaster relief was made available through the state and federal National Disaster Recovery funding arrangements. 

Additional funding has been provided through the Local Economic Recovery Program, jointly funded by the state and federal governments.

More information about biosecurity for Kangaroo Island is available on the PIRSA website.