Respecting & Protecting Vision

This photo shows mulga plants of various ages, indicating a healthy plant community.

Reg Sprigg never forgot what his mentor and friend, Sir Douglas Mawson confided in 1939. Mawson’s great hope was that the Arkaroola region would, at some future time “be recognised as one great natural museum, one protected into posterity from over-development, vermin and vandalism.”

Unable to interest the state government in acquiring the property, Reg heeded the advice of the great Indian philosopher.

“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Mahatma Ghandi

On January 18th 1968 the Sprigg family purchased the 61000 hectare Arkaroola pastoral lease. The Arkaroola / Mt Painter Sanctuary was gazetted the following year under the Fauna Conservation Act of 1964-65. In 1970 the sanctuary was recognised as a Historical Reserve. A decade later several of its most spectacular landforms were added to the Register for the National Estate.

Reg Sprigg was an exploration geologist. He was instrumental in identifying the vast hydrocarbon resources of the Cooper Basin. It is a measure of the depth and balance of the man, that he should also recognise and champion the need for precious places to be protected from development.

An innovative concept, Arkaroola would use strictly controlled tourism to fund practical conservation. With Pastoral Board approval all stock were removed from the property. Vermin control was a priority. Reg was a passionate advocate for a regional approach to feral goat control at a time when Parks and Wildlife managers were more inclined to direct blame rather than seek solutions. Unfortunately Reg did not live to see the implementation of Operation Bounceback, an integrated feral animal control program delivered across property boundaries, (with state and commonwealth funding).

Margaret and Douglas Sprigg have continued to expand the vision of their parents. In 2005 Arkaroola achieved advanced ecotourism accreditation for its guided vehicle, air and astronomical tours. A strong relationship with museums and universities endures. The Spriggs continue to foster a spirit of enquiry and informed appreciation in their guests, a defining aspect of their business.

“In keeping with the ideals of World Wildlife (Australia) and the National Heritage, we have set aside for posterity an area of approximately 180 km² of high red range country lying north of the Arkaroola Gorge, as a prime example of the Australian arid mountain wilderness – It is a veritable museum of mineral and geological treasures.” - Reg Sprigg 1984

Extract from Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary’s From the ARK e-newsletter – reprinted with permission