The potential long-term and irreversible impacts on the environment, local business and character of Kangaroo Island have been key in the decision to refuse an application by Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers (KIPT) to build a deep-water port facility at Smith Bay.

Campaigners to Save Smith Bay have welcomed the decision, saying the proposed wharf threatened not only local aquaculture, but a world-class abalone farm. 

They say the economic and environmental knock-on would have been vast, risking more than 100 local jobs.

Timberbiz has reported that KIPT will remove its tree crop and return its land to traditional agricultural use in response to the decision.

According to Minister for Planning and Local Government Vickie Chapman, while the State Planning Commission’s Assessment Report resolved the application as ‘finely balanced’, it highlighted a range of matters that would require significant and ongoing management in order to mitigate negative outcomes.

“This was a difficult decision and one I have not made lightly,” Minister Chapman says.

“The Assessment Report was line-ball, however, I have come to the conclusion that the possible long-term and irreparable damage the wharf could cause to the Island is a risk I am not willing to take.

“Key factors included the impact on surrounding businesses, the marine environment, as well as biosecurity risks to neighbouring tourism and aquaculture businesses.

“There were also concerns with the impacts on the road network and how increased truck numbers on the Island would affect the character of the popular tourist destination and home for many.

“I am aware my decision will have an impact on the local timber industry, and I can assure South Australians that I will continue to search for a sustainable solution for this industry on Kangaroo Island,” she says.

While the proposal itself did not present a solution to getting burnt timber off the Island immediately, the state government says it is exploring all possible options to boost timber supply and meet the current house-building demand.

This includes initiating a $2 million Expression of Interest process aimed at manufacturing additional logs into structural timber for South Australian home builders and lobbying the federal government for industry access to the Forestry Transport Assistance Scheme.

“I note the work undertaken by KIPT in bringing this proposal, and its efforts to adjust and change the design based off community feedback,” Ms Chapman says.

“However, I am not satisfied that the impacts identified by the Commission can be monitored, managed or mitigated to the extent that the risk of adverse outcomes can be properly managed to a degree that would warrant development approval.” 

The Assessment Report is available online.

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