Kangaroo Island is a unique place with diverse natural habitats and is home to numerous species and ecological communities found nowhere else on earth.This thriving landscape underpins the health and well‑being of the island’s community, and primary production, commercial fishing, and tourism industries.
The Kangaroo Island Landscape Board works to deliver practical, on-ground programs to help landholders manage the island’s water, land and soil, pest plants and animals and biodiversity, in partnership with farming groups, environmental non-government organisations, local council and community groups in support of our vision: Nurturing Kangaroo Island’s landscapes together to create a thriving, sustainable future.
SIZE: Kangaroo Island is the third largest island in Australia and six times the size of Singapore
COASTLINE: 509km in length – Kangaroo Island boasts some of the best beaches in Australia.
NATIONAL PARKS: National and conservation parks cover almost one-third of Kangaroo Island making it the ideal destination to explore one of Australia’s most iconic national landscapes with a wealth of nature-based experiences.
Our community has a close connection to the healthy, natural environment that supports its economy, well-being and lifestyle. The Board is uniquely positioned to work with all sectors of the community, across all land tenures, to engage with and support landholders and community groups to understand, value, and take care of the island’s landscapes. The Board is also well placed to learn from the community and to make sure that decisions concerning the island’s landscapes are made based on the best available local and scientific knowledge. Connecting with the island’s community and reacting to the environment’s priorities, the Board aims to create a thriving, sustainable future for our island.
Kangaroo Island is famous for its natural environment and diverse and abundant wildlife, which attract visitors from all over the world. There are 45 species of plants unique to the island, more than in any other region of South Australia. There are also endemic species of invertebrates and fungi, and distinct island subspecies of mammals and birds. Kangaroo Island has the highest level of native vegetation cover (approximately 48%) of any agricultural region of South Australia, and approximately 65% of the remaining native vegetation is protected under public or private agreements. We work with landholders and community groups on a broad range of projects that ensure healthy terrestrial and marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Kangaroo Island’s economy is built on primary production and tourism. Primary production, including sheep for meat and wool, beef cattle, cropping, egg production, horticulture, honey, forestry, viticulture, fishing and aquaculture, accounts for over half of the island’s economy and manages 70% of the land. This industry relies on healthy soils, clean and adequate water, and the control of pest plants, animals and diseases. We work with primary producers and connect them to resources that can increase the sustainability, resilience and adaptability of our primary production industries.
The health of the island’s environment and the viability of its economy rely heavily on clean and adequate water supply. Farm dams capture surface water for primary production, SA Water provides water to townships and nearly half of the population use rainwater as potable water. Water not captured in dams and tanks runs into the island’s 5,700 km of watercourses, nourishing wetlands and estuaries and flowing out to sea, where it influences the coastal and marine environments. Some watercourses and associated wetlands are recognised as nationally significant for the biodiversity they support. One of our key priorities is ensuring our water resource is managed sustainably and equitably for all users.
Once established many pest plants, animals and diseases can have significant negative impacts on natural environments and the economy. The most cost-effective way of protecting the island from these impacts is to prevent new pests from arriving in the first place. For established pests causing impacts, careful assessment and planning can enable their control, containment and eradication. The Board conducts a wide range of projects to ensure effective terrestrial and marine pest management.
Kangaroo Island Council
We partner with landholders, community groups, non-government and government agencies to deliver projects that nurture Kangaroo Island’s landscapes to create a thriving, sustainable future.
Kangaroo Island’s contributions to our national NRM snapshots
