Landscape South Australia Bill will implement major NRM reform
A Bill has been introduced to Parliament to reform natural resources management in South Australia. The Landscape South Australia Bill 2019 will repeal the Natural Resources Management Act 2004.
The Bill establishes a new framework for managing the state’s natural resources and paves the way for a simpler more accessible system.
It is proposed the eight regional NRM boards will be replaced with nine new regional landscape boards and will give communities and landholders a greater voice in natural resources management.
This will include a Green Adelaide Board to drive an ambitious greening agenda across Adelaide’s suburbs.
The Green Adelaide Board will focus on seven priorities to help Adelaide become one of the world’s most climate resilient cities.
The Bill will also cap increases to land and water levies, helping to ease cost of living pressures for South Australians.
The reforms are designed to encourage more on-ground action so regional communities can become more actively involved in natural resources management programs and initiatives.
NRM reform is one of the State Government’s key election commitments, and community consultation has driven the reform process.
Regional communities have asked for a new system of managing natural resources that focuses on the basics, delivering effective water management, pest, plant and animal control, soil and land management and support for broader sustainable primary production programs.
The Bill also provides transitional arrangements for winding up existing NRM Boards and will help to ensure a smooth move to regional landscape boards.
A copy of the bill and an overview document is available here: https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/natural-resources-management
