Flinders Island: A Safe Haven for Endangered Wildlife

We are thrilled to share that the Australian and South Australian Governments have officially announced the Flinders Island Safe Haven Project, a landmark conservation initiative that will restore and protect native species on our beautiful island home.

Flinders Island, located off South Australia’s west coast, is set to become a refuge for nationally threatened mammals, including the banded hare-wallaby. With its diverse landscape of coastal cliffs, rolling dunes, and native vegetation covering 75% of the island, it is an ideal location for species recovery. This $4.8 million investment, supported by both the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments, marks an exciting new chapter in conservation efforts for the region.

A Vision for Conservation

Our family has been working towards this transition for many years, shifting from farming to tourism and conservation with the vision of creating a sustainable sanctuary for native wildlife. We are proud to collaborate with expert ecologists, conservationists, and government agencies to ensure the long-term protection of this unique ecosystem.

As Jonas Woolford expressed “It has been many years in the planning for us, transitioning from farming to tourism and conservation. We really appreciate collaborating with the Commonwealth and South Australian governments to achieve this massive project and mutual objective. Sharing the conservation results with a like-minded community is our intention – being mindful that to ensure the legacy and investment of this project, biosecurity by us and all visitors is our ongoing responsibility.”

The Project at a Glance

The Flinders Island Safe Haven Project will begin with a pest eradication program, targeting feral cats, rats, and mice. These introduced species have contributed to the decline of many native animals, and their removal is a crucial step in restoring the island’s natural balance. The eradication phase will continue until December 2025, carefully timed to avoid shorebird and seabird breeding seasons.

Subfossil remains found on the island indicate that species such as the tammar wallaby and southern brown bandicoot once thrived here. This project will allow for the reintroduction of these and other species, helping to reverse the impacts of habitat loss and introduced predators.

A Future of Sustainable Tourism

Flinders Island is not just a sanctuary for wildlife, it is also a place of adventure, relaxation, and connection to nature. Our visitors have long played a key role in protecting the island from unwanted pests and diseases, and their continued commitment to biosecurity will be essential as we move forward. This project reinforces our belief that conservation and sustainable tourism can go hand in hand, ensuring that future generations can experience the island’s unique natural beauty.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Australian and South Australian Governments, the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board, and our dedicated conservation partners. Their investment in this project will help safeguard Flinders Island’s biodiversity and contribute to Australia’s broader conservation goals.

Learn More

For more details on this incredible initiative, read the official media release here: Joint Media Release

Stay tuned as we share updates on the project’s progress and the incredible wildlife that will soon call Flinders Island home once again!