An amendment will be made to the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan next year after an 18 month review period.
The review found the plan would need to be changed to remain relevant to the region.
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board (LCLB) completed the review and chair Penny Schulz an amendment would mean the plan would change and the process to determine the necessary changes would involve extensive consultation.
“We recognise amendment will create uncertainty and we are committed to a high level of transparency and stakeholder engagement throughout the process,” she said.
“I encourage people across the Lower Limestone Coast to take up the opportunities to get involved and be a part of developing the revised plan.”
The amendment would focus on new knowledge, sustainable allocation, environmental provisions, legislative and policy alignment, licencing complexity, administrative ease and the water market.
Dr Schulz thanked those who had been involved in the process so far.
“We are grateful for the input and commitment from our community, in particular of our Stakeholder Advisory Group,” she said.
“Their contribution to the review has been invaluable and we look forward to continuing to work with them through amendment.”
She said this amendment would ensure the changing climate was appropriately considered.
“Climate change is an increasingly important consideration for water allocation planning, adding a new layer of complexity,” she said.
The 2013 Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan introduced important changes that transformed water policy in the Lower Limestone Coast.
It converted area-based water licences to volume and enabled the impacts of commercial plantation forestry to be managed through licensing.
While review recommends that amendment is required, it is only with this foundation that water policy reform in the Lower Limestone Coast is possible.
Dr Schulz said collaboration could ensure a sustainable and resilient water future.
“We are in a strong position as we move to amendment with the data, science and foundations of the current plan to build from,” she said.
For further information on the review and to stay up to date with the amendment visit and follow the project page engage.lclandscapesa.com.au/llcwap
