THE inaugural Limestone Coast Landscape Board members have been appointed, promising a back-to-basics approach on managing natural resources in the region.
Sheep farmer Bruce Wood, Nature Glenelg Trust manager and principal ecologist Mark Bachman, Schulz Livestock co-owner and manager Penny Schulz, Potatoes South Australia chief executive Robbie Davis, George the Farmer co-creator Ben Hood and Keith-based primary producer Miles Hannemann have been selected to serve on the board.
It is one of nine new regional landscape boards, which from July 1 will administer the new Landscape South Australia Act 2019.
Chaired by Kerry DeGaris, the regional board will use its wide range of diverse skills and expertise to help lead and deliver effective resource management.
“We were happy with the range and calibre of applications that we received from the community, which made the selection process more challenging than ever,” Ms DeGaris said.
“I would like to thank all of those that applied and congratulate the successful applicants.
“With the knowledge and skills these new board members bring with them, I think we are well placed to provide the leadership needed to manage our regional landscape, which we will do in close collaboration with our many partners.”
South Australia Environment and Water Minster David Speirs said the new landscape boards would partner with community groups, local government and industry to ensure the state’s regional landscapes and farming industries were thriving, resilient and sustainable.
“The Marshall Liberal Government promised a stronger, back-to-basics system with an emphasis on effective water management, pest plant and animal control and soil and land management,” Mr Speirs said.
“The successful passing of Landscape South Australia Act 2019 means we can get on with delivering this and the creation of new landscape regions are crucial to giving local communities a greater say in natural resources management and in particular how levies are spent.”
Welcoming the new board, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said its membership comprised unique experience and knowledge.
“The new board will help deliver our government’s back-to-basics approach to natural resources management in South Australia,” Mr McBride said.
Initially all board members will be appointed by the minister, but from 2022 three of its seven members will be elected by the community.
Services will continue to be delivered under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 until the new Act 2019 is fully operational on July 1.
Visit www.landscape.sa.gov.au for more information.
Mark Bachman
MR Bachman initiated the not-for-profit environmental trust Nature Glenelg Trust where he now acts as manager and principal ecologist.
He has undertaken a wide range of conservation, scientific research and environmental projects and has published widely reporting on habitat restoration and species recovery.
Mr Bachman’s regenerative projects focus on on-ground works and threatened species conservation.
Penny Schulz
Ms Schulz is the co-owner and manager of a sheep and beef farming operation at Field in the upper South East.
She holds leadership positions on a number of industry groups and is vice chair of Livestock SA and Australian Beef Industry Foundation Board.
Penny’s areas of expertise include livestock genetics, farm business management, producer networks and sustainable production methods based on environmental stewardship.
Ben Hood
MR Hood is director of creative business Hello Friday, which provides graphic design, production development, brand development, website design, marketing and a host of other creative services to predominantly primary industries and educational services based in the Limestone Coast.
He is a Mount Gambier councillor, holds a number of roles on boards and committees in the region and has shared the world of agriculture with children by co-creating George the Farmer in 2014.
Bruce Wood
MR Wood operates a prime lamb business in the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria.
He is a director for a number of companies including Winegrapes Australia and has considerable expertise in the mining sector.
Mr Wood is an advocate and practitioner of sustainable farming and aims to enhance the environment for future generations.
Miles Hanneman
Mr Hanneman is the owner and manager of his family farm at Keith.
He is also a South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board member and a Tatiara District Council councillor.
He has had extensive involvement in the local community including as an emergency services volunteer.
Robbie Davis
Ms Davis has been the Potatoes South Australia Incorporated chief executive officer since 2012.
She sits on a number of agricultural business-related and research and development boards and committees including the National Potato Industry Advisory Council and Rural Bank Agribusiness Advisory Board.
Ms Davis is an advocate for increasing productivity through decreasing food waste and loss in the value chain, particularly pre-farm gate.
