The Limestone Coast Landscape Board has announced it is set to start the review of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan (WAP).
Limestone Coast Landscape Board general manager Steve Bourne said the allocation plan was 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.
The current plan for the Lower Limestone Coast Prescribed Wells Area (PWA) was adopted in November 2013. The adoption of the 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.
Mr Bourne said the review would take a staged approach, starting with an evaluation of the current plan which was expected to be completed by December 2023. The evaluation will also consider if the plan remains appropriate or whether amendment is required. If the WAP requires amending this would be undertaken as stage 2.
Limestone Coast Landscape Board Chair Penny Schulz said to mark the start of the review process, the LC Landscape Board was seeking expressions of interest from individuals, industry and community group representatives for appointment to the Lower Limestone Coast 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,” she said.
“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.”
The Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan Stakeholder Advisory Group will provide objective advice and recommendations to the Landscape Board towards the sustainable use, conservation and management of water in the Lower Limestone Prescribed Wells Area.
The Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) along with broad stakeholder consultation will be critical in achieving a meaningful evaluation of the principles and success of the current WAP and assessing whether it requires amendment.
“We encourage individuals or groups interested in joining the stakeholder advisory group to visit the www.engage.lclandscapesa.com.au/llcwap to access the Terms of Reference and further information pertaining to the plan review,” Mr Bourne said.
For more information, please visit the Limestone Coast Landscape Board website or contact the Mount Gambier office on 08 8735 1204.
