The South Australian Government has passed legislation that will ban mining in the state’s Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary after the legislation was successfully passed by the Upper House.

 

The bill’s passage comes after the State Government promised $5 million in compensation to mining explorer Marathon Resources, who had previously demanded a judicial review into the move.

 

Greens leader Mark Parnell, who led the push to require traditional owner consultation over management, hailed the move as a victory in protecting the for all time.

 

"The important thing about this legislation passing through the Parliament is if future generations want to undo the good work that we've done they will have to bring it back to Parliament," Mr Parnell told the ABC.

 

"This is the highest level of protection that the Parliament can offer and this is a good day for South Australia."

 

The legislation will see a 62,600-hectare zone, known as the Arkaroola Protection Area, granted the highest possible form of protection.  Under the legislation, all exploration, mining and grazing will be banned.