New era begins for landscape management in South Australia
Management of South Australia’s landscapes enters a new era today with the new Landscape SA legislation commencing giving local communities a far greater voice.
The Landscape South Australia Act 2019 today replaces the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, as the exciting new framework to manage the state’s soil, water, pest plants and animals, and biodiversity.
Eight regional landscape boards will support local communities to be directly responsible for managing their region’s natural resources.
They will also work alongside another new entity, Green Adelaide, which will be an innovative and expert-based organisation charged with transforming Adelaide into a world-leading, sustainable, green and climate resilient city.
Chair of the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board (and Chair of the Landscape Board Chairs Forum) Mark Whitfield said the sustainable management of our landscapes is everyone’s responsibility so local partnerships and supporting local priorities will be a key part of the Landscape SA initiative.
“Landscape SA is about building partnerships and working together to support our landscapes to thrive, leading to healthy and resilient communities, prosperous businesses and flourishing ecosystems,” Mark said.
One of the first initiatives to be delivered by the landscape boards and Green Adelaide will be a new $2 million Grassroots Grants program.
From mid-July, local community groups, not-for-profit organisations and volunteers can apply for funding from their regional landscape board to sustainably manage their local landscapes.
Funding could be used for new projects or build upon existing ones for activities Activities might include weed treatment, pest or disease management, fencing, erosion management, revegetation and community education activities.
For more information on the grassroots grants and a full list of landscape board members, visit www.landscape.sa.gov.au
