FAQs

The SOER provides a broad overview of the state of the environment in South Australia and identifies trends in environmental condition. It examines key environmental assests (i.e. air, water, sea and land) and describes the key pressures that may be impacting our environment. It will also outline projects and programs being undertaken to help protect the environment. For further information, please refer to the SOER website. 

1. The Project Board will oversee the strategic direction of the 2023 State of Environment Report. Members of the Board include:
   • Mr Tony Circelli - Chief Executive EPA
   • Dr Stephen Christley - EPA Board member
   • Ms Sandy Carruthers - Department for Environment and Water
   • Mr Ian Liddy - Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation (Department of the Premier and Cabinet)
   • Mr Rob Kerin - Industry
   • Professor Chris Daniels - Landscape SA and Academic
   • Mr Craig Wilkins - Conservation Council
   • Mr Keith Baldry - EPA Executive
2. A Project Assurance Group will be established to provide initial advice and act as a sounding board during the development of the SOER. This group will represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Industry, Government agencies and Conservation groups.
3. The Project Team is responsible for the delivery of the SOER and includes staff from the EPA, Department for Environment and Water and Landscape SA.

The key themes in the 2018 report were:

• Climate change
• Land and biodiversity
• Waste management
• Inland waters
• Coast and marine
• Air quality

It is envisaged that similar themes will be used for the 2023 report however these will be further informed during consultation with stakeholders and discussions with the Project Board and Assurance Groups. 

The SOER provides important information on the health of our environment in South Australia. It does this by:

• Providing information on the current state of the South Australian environment; 
• Providing Aboriginal perspectives on caring for Country and Sea Country. 
• Identifying significant trends and condition of environmental assets  
• Describing the key pressures that have or may cause environmental change; 
• Providing perspectives on the most important environmental risks facing South Australia; 
• Summarising policies and programs to protect and improve the environment; 
• Identifying opportunities to facilitate environmental improvement.

There are many reasons for us wanting to consult and engage with people during the development of the SOER. We want to ensure the information presented in the report is meaningful and robust and informs us how healthy the environment is. We will be undertaking regional visits and meeting with our colleagues at Landscape SA, Department for Environment and Water and local councils. We will also be engaging with Aboriginal peoples to discuss their perspectives on how Healthy is Country and how we can integrate this information into the SOER. This YourSAy platform will also collate ideas and information from the general community about the state of our environment and what is important for us to consider. We look forward to listening. 

As South Australia's independent environmental regulator, the EPA is tasked with producing the SOER every five years in collaboration with other government agencies and key stakeholders. The report covers the state/condition of the environment, pressures affecting the environment, current responses and potential future actions. Legislation requires it to be laid before both Houses of Parliament (SA) and for the State Government to formally respond to the report. 

As an organisation, the EPA's objectives are:

• SAFEGUARD communities and the environment 
• ENABLE innovative and sustainable industry practices
• WORK with communities and industry to manage environmental challenges
• BUILD and share our knowledge, science and information
• BE an effective and trusted regulator, striving for excellence in our capability and performance.