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Talking water has proven to be a hot topic with over 340 individuals participating in sessions on the amendment to the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan (the Plan) held across the region in August.
The sessions were held online, in Kingston, Naracoorte, Mt Gambier, and Millicent, and provided an early opportunity for anyone interested to find out more about the process and initial concepts being considered.
Limestone Coast Landscape Board Manager of Planning and Engagement Dr. Liz Perkins presented on consumptive pools, the possibility of merging management zones, creating a water licence separate to allocation, creating classes of water access entitlements, and the concept of acceptable impact.
“We received valuable feedback and questions from attendees, and we will now look at how we can incorporate this to inform the next steps in the amendment process,” said Dr. Perkins.
A summary of the information sessions has been developed into a report which is available along with a copy of the presentation on the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan project page.
Encouraging everyone to access the page and read the summary report Dr. Perkins highlighted that there is still opportunity to provide feedback on the key topics discussed in the sessions.
“Whether you attended the sessions or agree with the proposed concepts, now is an ideal time to connect with the amendment process, find out more and have your say on the future water management in the Lower Limestone Coast.”
“We have a number of simple questions that people can answer on the proposed concepts, we encourage everyone to visit our project page and provide feedback.”
Commenting on the feedback received, Dr. Perkins said that many key points raised during the sessions mirrored those from our Stakeholder Advisory Group meetings. “This alignment of key points reassures us that they are addressing the right topics and bringing up the diversity of perspectives from both industries and the community.”
“The Stakeholder Advisory Group and Limestone Coast Landscape Board will continue to meet to consider changes to the Plan and further develop the concept of acceptable impact.”
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board will be heading back out to the community and providing another round of public information sessions on the Plans amendment progress in March 2025.
“The sessions are an important opportunity for people to connect with the amendment of the Plan and we are committed to giving people an opportunity to be involved at every step.”
“Many industries, livelihoods, our community and environment are dependent on the water resource in the Lower Limestone Coast, it’s critical we work together to balance these interests and its long-term sustainability.” said Dr. Perkins.
