Member for Stuart, Dan van Holst Pellekaan MP, is pleased regional communities and primary producers have shown their support for the government’s proposed Natural Resource Management (NRM) reform.

“More than 250 written submissions were received during the community consultation period,” Mr van Holst Pellekaan said.

“I am pleased regional people have spoken up in support of an approach with less red-tape and a greater voice from communities on issues such as pest control, water management and sustainable agriculture.”

Under the proposed changes, new Landscape SA Boards will put local communities at the heart of decision making through direct election, NRM land levies will be capped and a new $2 million Grassroots Gran program established.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said throughout the community consultation period it was clear that regional communities had lost confidence in the current system.

“The nine new Landscape SA boards will simplify the process and work with local communities, project partners and volunteers with a focus upon levies collected in a region being spent in that region,” he said.

“There was overwhelming support for prioritising a system of managing natural resources that not only focuses on the basics of delivering effective water management, pest, plant and animal control, soil and land management, but also one that supports broader sustainable primary production that’s thriving with biodiversity.

The consultation paper is available at www.yoursay.sa.gov.au/landscape-reform

Draft legislation will now be prepared with a bill set to be put before Parliament in early 2019.