Developing a water security strategy for the McLaren Vale Region

A water security strategy is being developed for the McLaren Vale Region and you are invited to have your say.

What's being decided?

We are seeking your views on what is important for water security in the McLaren Vale Region as a first step in developing a long-term strategy. Your feedback will help us to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing the region into the future.

Background

Water in the McLaren Vale Region supports local businesses and tourism, a world class wine industry, open spaces, amenity, the environment, people and the community.

Planning for a water-secure future will help address challenges that will be faced, particularly in a changing climate.

The Department for Environment and Water is developing a long-term water security strategy in partnership with:

• McLaren Vale Grape, Wine & Tourism Association
• City of Onkaparinga
• Willunga Basin Water Company
• Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board
• SA Water, Primary Industries and Regions SA
• McLaren Vale regional community.

A water security strategy aims to ensure the region has the water needed to support the local economy, communities, amenity, cultural values and healthy ecosystems now and into the future.

Developing the strategy will allow new supplies, expanding existing supplies and changing demand profiles to be considered in the context of a changing climate. The process will consider significant global, regional and local events that could affect water security.

The strategy also seeks to ensure infrastructure projects and water management policies complement each other and support the region’s water security vision.

We will hold three workshops throughout 2023 to develop the water security strategy. We are seeking views from community members about what is important to them about the McLaren Vale Region to help inform the first workshop, which will be held on Wednesday 1 February 2023 at the McLaren Vale Visitor Information Centre.

Get involved

Find out more by:

• reading the information sheet
• visiting the Department for Environment and Water website.

Have your say by:

• taking our survey
• sharing a comment on our 'guestbook' below
• Emailing simon.jacobs2@sa.gov.au to register your interest for an upcoming workshop.

What are the next steps?

Your feedback will help to inform the first workshop to be held next year to develop the McLaren Vale Region's water security strategy.

Regular progress updates will be made available on the Department for Environment and Water website. The draft water security strategy will be released for feedback in mid-2024.