SA: Tourist urged to still head for Kangaroo Island

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2007
SA: Tourist urged to still head for Kangaroo Island

ADELAIDE, Dec 10 AAP - Tourists have been urged not to cancel plans to visit South
Australia's Kangaroo Island as firefighters continue to battle three major bushfires.

The island's local MP Michael Pengilly said hundreds of jobs relied on the tourist trade.

"Kangaroo Island is still open for business and tourists should not be deterred from
visiting one of South Australia's treasures," Mr Pengilly said.

"Fire has closed Flinders Chase National Park, Kelly Hill Caves and Seal Bay National
Park but vast areas of the island and many other attractions remain untouched.

"Tourists have no need to cancel their travel plans."

Mr Pengilly said he was working closely with the state government to assist tourism
operators and families affected by the fires.

"Locals affected by the fire are understandably upset but many are looking positively
to the future," Mr Pengilly said.

Kangaroo Island Mayor Jane Bates said there were many places still open to the public
and to tourists.

"Beautiful beaches, beautiful wineries and our major towns are open," she told ABC Radio.

"There is still plenty to do and see on the island."

The Country Fire Service (CFS) said today it was still working to bring the three fires
under control.

The CFS said the blazes in the Flinders Chase National Park, at Western River on the
north coast and at D'Estrees Bay on the island's south coast were burning strongly.

Two other fires of concern in recent days, at Vivonne Bay and at Riverleas, had been contained.

AAP tjd/cjh/bwl

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES SA TOURISTS

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