Water security in the spotlight

THE Limestone Coast Landscape Board has announced the start of a review of the Tintinara Coonalpyn Water Allocation Plan (the Plan).

Supporting more than 100 water licences and diverse industries, from olive farming to broadacre cropping, a review of the plan was important as it seeks to sustainably manage the resource for the area.

Limestone Coast Landscape Board chair Dr Penny Schulz said the Tintinara Coonalpyn Water Allocation Plan was critical for managing the sustainability of the water resources for the environment, townships and industries in the area.

“The review process which is being led by the LC Landscape Board presents an opportunity to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of primary production, industry and the community,” Dr Schulz said.

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.

As part of the review process, the LC Landscape Board is now seeking expressions of interest from individuals and community group representatives to form a Stakeholder Advisory Group (the Group).

Representing community, environment, primary production and industry in the Tintinara Coonalpyn area, the Stakeholder Advisory Group will bring together representatives to support the review of the water allocation plan.

“The group will play a vital role in supporting the review by providing valuable insights and recommendations to the LC Landscape Board that reflect the diverse perspectives of the area,” Dr Schulz said.

“If you are passionate about water resource management in the Tintinara Coonalpyn area, this is an opportunity to inform and contribute to sustainable water resource management in the area.”

Along with other consultation, the group will be critical in achieving a meaningful evaluation of the plan and informing sustainable management of water in the Tintinara Coonalpyn area.

“We encourage those interested in joining the stakeholder advisory group to visit the project page and look at the expression of interest information,“ Dr Schulz said.

The review is expected to be completed by 2026 and will evaluate the current plan to assess whether it remains appropriate or requires amendment. If amendment is required, this will be undertaken after the review.

For more information, visit the Tintinara Coonalpyn Water Allocation Plan project page.