THE region’s natural resource management will enter a new era with the appointment of Coonawarra viticulturist Dr Kerry DeGaris as the presiding member to lead the new Limestone Coast Landscape Board.
The new board replaces the South East Natural Resources Board and helps give communities and landholders a greater voice in natural resources management.
Environment and Water Minister David Speirs said the new board would partner with community groups, local government and industry to ensure regional landscapes and farming industries are resilient
“We went to the election with a commitment to deliver better natural resources management and that’s what we are getting on with doing,” he said.
“The recent devastating bushfires and ongoing drought conditions have highlighted just how important the management of our landscapes will support our state’s economy and resilience of our regional communities.
“The new boards are designed to deliver a stronger, back-to-basics system with an emphasis on effective water management, pest plant and animal control and soil and land management.
“These respected community leaders have been appointed based on their connection with regional communities, industry knowledge and experience in the management of our state’s landscapes.”
Limestone Coast Landscape Board presiding member Dr Kerry DeGaris said she looked forward to strengthening ties with the community.
“Our role will be to work alongside local landholders and the community to deliver practical, on-ground projects,” Dr DeGaris said.
“The new board will be more independent and have the flexibility to respond to local issues around water, soils, pest plants and animals and biodiversity.
“To deliver locally targeted projects, we’ll be partnering with farming groups, the local Aboriginal community, environmental organisations and local councils and our focus will be how we can best support our community to be directly responsible for managing our landscapes.”
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride encouraged community members with a passion for natural resources management to apply to the board.
“This is a new era for natural resources management in the South East and we need strategic thinkers with significant industry knowledge and experience to join the new board,” he said.
Initially all board members will be appointed by the Minister, but from 2022 three out of seven members will be elected by the community.
Community members interested in becoming a Limestone Coast Landscape Board member are encouraged to register their interest, with applications open until March
