Arkaroola Protection Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arkaroola Protection AreaSouth Australia |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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 Arkaroola Protection Area
Location in South Australia
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| Nearest town or city | Arkaroola |
| Established | 26 April 2012 |
| Area | 590 km2 (227.8 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | Department for Environment and Water |
| Website | Arkaroola Protection Area |
| See also | Protected areas of South Australia |
The Arkaroola Protection Area is a special place in South Australia. It is a protected area located about 600 kilometers (370 miles) north of Adelaide, the capital city. This area was created in 2012 to keep its unique environment safe.
What is the Arkaroola Protection Area?
The Arkaroola Protection Area was officially set up in 2012. This happened because of a special law. It is called the Arkaroola Protection Act 2012. The main goals of this law are to properly look after the area. It also stops any mining activities from happening there. This protected area is considered a "Category II National Park". This means it is a large natural area. It is protected mainly for its ecosystems. It also allows people to enjoy nature.
Where is Arkaroola Located?
This protected area covers about 590 square kilometers (228 square miles). It includes most of what used to be the Arkaroola Pastoral Lease. It also includes a part of the Mount Freeling Pastoral Lease. This part is called the Mawson Plateau. The Arkaroola Pastoral Lease has not had farm animals on it for over 30 years. Now, it is used for conservation and tourism. It is known as the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.
Why Was Arkaroola Protected?
The South Australian government decided to protect Arkaroola. This happened after some concerns about mining activities. People were worried about how these activities affected the environment. The government promised to make a law to stop all mining in the area. The Premier of South Australia said they would give the region "unprecedented protection."
The protection law stops all mining within this area. This area is roughly the same as the Arkaroola pastoral lease. This is where the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is located. It includes important places like Mount Gee and the Mount Painter inlier.
