About the Reform

The proposed reforms provide for the ecologically sustainable management of the state’s natural resource base to achieve:

Vibrant biodiversity: Healthy native species and ecosystems that are able to adapt and persist in the face of change.

Sustainable economy: Prosperous businesses now and in the future, able to adapt as the economy and primary industries transform over time.

Resilient communities: Capable local people and groups leading stewardship of their natural environment, contributing to strong social networks that can cope with changing environments.

Key components of the reform

Landscape Boards

• Create nine Landscape Boards to replace existing NRM Boards.
• The Boards will have seven members with three members elected by the community and four members, including the Chair, appointed by the Minister for Environment and Water.
• The Boards will be responsible for setting strategy and approving programs for natural resources management and will be at arm’s length from government.
• Landscape Boards will establish a five-year Landscape Plan for their region, identifying up to five priorities to be achieved by the plan during that time. The plans will be simple and publicly accessible.
• Landscape Boards will have a general manager who will employ and direct staff that will deliver environmental management programs on behalf of the Board.
• Landscape Boards will be required to partner with the private, local government, non-government sector and the Australian government to deliver environmental programs to create jobs and drive investment in local communities.

Levies

• Cap annual land and water levy rises at a rate set by an independent body or according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• Establish the Grassroots Grants program, a $2 million statewide annual fund (in addition to existing NRM grants programs) for volunteer, community and not-for-profit groups to access.
• Levies (land and water) collected in a region will be spent in the region, except for a portion for priority landscape scale or cross-boundary projects, and services.
• Provide a publicly available budget outlining how levies will be spent in the forthcoming financial year and an end-of-financial-year report.
• Continue to collect land levies via council rates.

Legislation

• The legislative reform will focus on practical programs and on-ground works delivered within existing resources.
• The NRM Act will be repealed and replaced with the Landscape South Australia Act.
• The new Act will identify soil quality, pest plant and animal control and water management as major priorities.

Green Adelaide

• Green Adelaide will be created to deliver natural resources management functions in metropolitan Adelaide.
• It will work towards Adelaide being the most ecologically vibrant city in the world.
• Green Adelaide will have an expert Board appointed by the Minister for Environment and Water.
• Green Adelaide will focus on seven key priorities: coastal management, urban rivers and wetlands, water sensitive urban design, green streets and flourishing parklands, fauna in the city, controlling pest plants and animals and nature education.
• Green Adelaide will co-administer the $2 million Grassroots Grants fund.

Get involved and have your say on how natural resources should be managed.