The Limestone Coast Landscape Board (LC Landscape Board) has formed a Stakeholder Advisory Group for the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan (WAP) review.

The Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) along with broad stakeholder consultation will provide objective advice and recommendations to the LC Landscape Board towards the sustainable use, conservation and management of water in the Lower Limestone Prescribed Wells Area.

Limestone Coast Landscape Board Chair Penny Schulz, who will also chair the Stakeholder Advisory Group, highlighted the diverse representation of Lower Limestone Coast stakeholders.

“We are delighted with the balanced composition of the Stakeholder Advisory Group representatives and we know the depth of their experience, skills and knowledge will assist us to inform the planning for sustainable water use, balancing the needs of the community, industry, environment and First Nations for this precious resource,” Ms Schulz said.

Acknowledging that not all groups and industry representatives can be on the Stakeholder Advisory Group, Ms Schulz reminded the community the Stakeholder Advisory Group was not the only mechanism for groups or individuals to be involved in the LLC WAP review.

“Our aim is to ensure the review is transparent, that stakeholders are involved at every step, and we are looking forward to genuine involvement and input,” she said.

“We have developed a dedicated Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan review project page for individuals to follow the progress of the review.

“It is important the views of all water users are considered, we strongly recommend anyone with an interest to sign up for regular updates on the review and opportunities for being involved at various stages.”

The next step for the Stakeholder Advisory Group is to set a schedule of meetings to support the evaluation stage, 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 required, amending this would be undertaken as stage two.

Limestone Coast Landscape Board General Manager Steve Bourne said the Water Allocation Plan was “pivotal in directing the long-term sustainability of the Lower Limestone Coast water resources”.

“The Stakeholder Advisory Group will be critical to achieving a meaningful evaluation of the principles and success of the current Water Allocation Plan and we look forward to working with the group throughout the review,” he said.

Under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 a water allocation plan must be reviewed on a comprehensive basis at least once every 10 years.