FAQs
- Develop a shared vision for the McLaren Vale region, as well as water security goals (Workshop 1)
- Create plausible future scenarios based on the key global, regional and local variables that may impact the future water security of the region (Workshop 2)
- Identify options and actions to achieve the shared vision under the range of plausible future scenarios (Workshops 1 and 2)
- Share outcomes of analysis and agree on final options and actions to include in the strategy (Workshop 3).
How did the McLaren Vale Regional Water Security Strategy process begin?
The need for long-term water security planning in the McLaren Vale region was identified by community members and industry representatives concerned about the expected impacts of climate change on the availability of water in the region, and the need to maintain local industries and businesses, as well as a healthy environment.
A water security planning process was seen as an opportunity to look at all water sources, to consider the potential impacts of climate change on these sources, and to identify potential water security solutions for the region.
Who contributed to the development of the draft strategy?
The draft strategy has been developed in partnership between the McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association, City of Onkaparinga, McLaren Vale Community Sustainability Company, SA Water, Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, Willunga Basin Water, Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia and the Department for Environment and Water.
Representatives from these organisations formed a Steering Committee, which provided oversight and guidance throughout the strategy development process.
In addition, a Working Group, consisting of partner representatives and community members, continued to meet and provided advice and support to progress workshops, communications materials and final content of the draft strategy.
How has the community been involved in the development of the draft strategy?
Three community workshops were held over 2023 and 2024. These workshops were open to everyone and were advertised through multiple channels to attract a diverse a range of interests and opinions. There were approximately 40 participants at each of the workshops.
How did the workshop process work and how did it contribute to the draft strategy?
A strategic foresight and resilience-based planning approach was used with community workshops, held to:
What technical analysis informed the development of the draft strategy?
Extensive analysis was undertaken to support the strategy development, particularly around the impacts of climate change on water resources in the McLaren Vale region and analysis of future demand.
An economic and options analysis of water security options, identified through the workshops, was undertaken to determine which ones would be most effective in contributing to water security. Marsden Jacobs Associates was engaged to assist with this analysis.
Consultation is underway on the draft strategy as we want it to make sense as a stand-alone document. However, more detail on the workshop process, modelling approach and technical details that sit behind the draft strategy are contained within a McLaren Vale System Water Security Modelling Report, expected to be made available upon publication of this strategy.
What will happen after the strategy is finalised and published?
The implementation of actions set out in the draft strategy requires strong community leadership and oversight to ensure progress towards the shared future vision for the McLaren Vale region.
To ensure efficient and integrated delivery, it is recommended an implementation plan be developed to progress the actions set out in this strategy, taking into account some activities that may already be underway.
