Australian businessman Dick Smith has voiced strong criticism of the South Australian Government's decision to prohibit swimming and boating on Lake Eyre, a prominent natural landmark.
Smith, who holds the title of Rear Admiral of the Lake Eyre Yacht Club, stated on Thursday that he finds it "unbelievable" that the government has maintained these bans, particularly while the lake is significantly full. The South Australian Government implemented stricter regulations in 2025, which forbid any movement on the lakebed, whether dry or inundated.
While swimming, boating, and driving have faced restrictions since Lake Eyre was designated a national park in 1985, the updated rules impose a complete prohibition on individuals setting foot on the lakebed. Smith recounted a recent visit where he observed signs detailing substantial fines for even paddling in the lake.
The SA Government has stated that these 2025 restrictions are intended to ensure public safety and enhance the protection of the site's significant cultural and environmental value. However, Smith questioned this reasoning, drawing a parallel to a hypothetical ban on swimming at Bondi Beach.
Smith shared memories of swimming with his children at Lake Eyre when the water levels were high in past years, suggesting that Aboriginal people have historically used the lake for recreation. He expressed doubt that paddling or swimming in the water could cause harm, contrasting it with potential damage from walking on dry or muddy lakebeds.
"I'm sure it's white advisors to the Aboriginal people (who want the restrictions)," Smith commented. "The Aboriginal people I've met down there don't want to stop people from paddling in the lake."
He also alluded to a broader trend of restricted access to Indigenous sacred sites, referencing the ban on climbing Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) in late 2019, and expressed skepticism about some of the justifications presented for such restrictions.
Smith's remarks were made during a discussion with 2GB radio host Ben Fordham about the controversial ban at the culturally significant site.