Fence to protect public safety at historic Wallaroo Mines

10 December 2019

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is about to begin construction of a fence around the historic Wallaroo Mines site at Kadina to help improve public safety.

The 1.8m high chain link fence will be installed around three sections of the site, with earthworks starting in early December.

DEW District Manager, Yorke Peninsula Terry Boyce said the six kilometre-long fence is designed to protect Kadina’s residents by restricting access to the area.

“The interesting stone buildings and ore processing equipment at the heritage-listed Wallaroo Mines site are now very old and potential hazards,” he said. “We can’t guarantee the safety of anyone who enters the site, so the fence will restrict access, particularly to children who may not be aware of the dangers posed by the area.”

The Wallaroo Mines site is located on the southern side of Kadina between Lipson Road and Federal Avenue and includes the Main Historic Mining Area, Elder and Devon Tailings, which are all managed by DEW.

The mine was originally established in 1859 after copper was discovered in the area, triggering a population boom. By 1891, there were 12,000 people residing throughout the Copper Coast, including many Cornish people who brought experience in mining and labour practices. The Wallaroo Mines closed nearly 100 years ago in 1923.

DEW has been working with the Environmental Protection Authority and Copper Coast Council to complete a survey of the site and expects to finish the fence in December.

This will be followed by a revegetation program that will help to screen the fence, limit dust and reduce erosion from wind and rain, while also providing a valuable contribution to local biodiversity.

Funding for this project has been provided by the South Australian Government.

For more information about the fence construction, please contact the Natural Resources Centre in Clare on 8841 3444 or email NRNY.DEW@sa.gov.au.