Have your say on Master Plans for the Lock 3 Reach and Bookmark Creek

DEW’s Master Plans project team lead, Nathan Clisby, said the River Murray is central to communities along the river, and has been for many thousands of years.

“A healthy river is not only vital for the environment, but also for the communities and industries that rely on its water,” Nathan said.

“Currently there are multiple threats causing ecological decline within the Lock 3 Reach and Bookmark Creek Complex.

“The Lock 3 Reach and Bookmark Creek Complex Master Plans Project is about gathering input on current river operations and identifying future investment opportunities to improve river, floodplain and wetland condition and connectivity through improved water management.”

Nathan said community engagement was a vital part of the master planning process to support the work done with key stakeholders to put together project ideas.

“Working extensively with key stakeholders, the Project has identified, collated and explored the feasibility of proposed initiatives to improve environmental outcomes through changes to water management, throughout the Lock 3 Reach and Bookmark Creek Complex,” Nathan said.

“It’s also about demonstrating the value for further investment and exploring the risks of the ‘do nothing’ scenario.

“The Project has captured and refined ideas and initiatives which will benefit the River Murray and associated floodplains and wetlands, for investment through future programs.

“We now want to take this refined list to the broader community for their input via YourSAy.

“Once we have received feedback and an indication of the level of support from the key stakeholders and the broader community, the project ideas will be finalised and included in their respective Master Plan (i.e. Lock 3 Reach or Bookmark Creek), where they await the opportunity to be considered for future funding and delivery.”

Further investigation and delivery of priority project ideas from the Master Plans will be a key element of the SRE Program, which will improve river and wetland health and support native fish in the River Murray.

Prioritised ideas will have the opportunity to receive funding under the SRE program, where they strongly align with funding objectives.

Community feedback can be provided via YourSAy at: https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/bookmark-lock-master-plans

Consultation closes COB Tuesday, 9 November.

This project will help inform the Sustaining Riverland Environments Program; a $37.6 million program funded by the Australian Government through the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and delivered by the Government of South Australia through the Department for Environment and Water.