Posted by Limestone Coast Landscape Board on
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board has announced they are set to commence the review of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan.
"The Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan is pivotal in directing the long-term sustainability of the Lower Limestone Coast water resources and the people, environment, townships, and industries that rely upon these resources," Limestone Coast Landscape Board General Manager Steve Bourne said.
The current Water Allocation Plan for the Lower Limestone Coast Prescribed Wells Area was adopted in November 2013. The adoption of the Water Allocation Plan was the result of over 10 years of work involving extensive community consultation and research. Under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 a water allocation plan must be reviewed on a comprehensive basis at least once in every 10 years.
The review will take a staged approach, commencing with an evaluation of the current plan which is expected to be completed by December 2023. The evaluation will also consider if the plan remains appropriate or whether amendment is required. If the Water Allocation Plan requires amending this would be undertaken as stage 2.
To mark the commencement of the review process, the Limestone Coast Landscape Board is seeking expressions of interest from individuals, industry and community group representatives for appointment to the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan Stakeholder Advisory Group.
"If you are passionate about water resource management in the Lower Limestone Coast, this is an opportunity for you or your group to inform the planning for sustainable water use, balancing the needs of the environment, industry, social and culture for this precious resource," said Limestone Coast Landscape Board Chair Penny Schulz.
Representing the diversity of community, environment, primary production and industry in the Lower Limestone Coast, the Stakeholder Advisory Group will support the comprehensive review of the water allocation plan.
"It is an opportunity for primary producers, community representatives and water users to have a direct role in informing the review," Ms Schulz said.
The Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan Stakeholder Advisory Group will provide objective advice and recommendations to the Limestone Coast Landscape Board towards the sustainable use, conservation and management of water in the Lower Limestone Prescribed Wells Area.
The Stakeholder Advisory Group along with broad stakeholder consultation will be critical in achieving a meaningful evaluation of the principles and success of the current Water Allocation Plan and assessing whether it requires amendment.
"We encourage individuals or groups interested in joining the stakeholder advisory group to visit our engagement platform to access the Terms of Reference and further information pertaining to the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan review." Mr Bourne said.
Explore the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan project page.
