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A thriving state built on sound stewardship of

our environment and water

How we will deliver

We manage our national parks, botanic gardens and heritage places for their intrinsic value and for people’s benefit and enjoyment now and into the future. 

We drive the sustainable development of South Australia’s natural resources and heritage, to deliver economic prosperity and a vibrant and healthy society.

We are an authority on the state’s environment and natural resources, helping community, industry, and government make good long-term decisions.

SUSTAINCONSERVE PROSPER

Our work is critical to South Australia’s future social, environmental and economic prosperity. The way we manage, conserve, and sustain our environment and cultural resources is vital for the wellbeing of all South Australians.

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Success looks like• Our communities are thriving and enjoy

the benefits of strong connection with our parks, places, coasts and country.

• Our state’s most precious natural environments are healthy and protected.

Success looks like• Our natural resources are productive

and resilient to a changing climate, underpinning the viability of our communities and industries.

• A sound evidence base exists for all environmental decisions.

Success looks like• Our state’s water resources, parks,

places, coasts and assets make a tangible contribution to our economy – creating employment opportunities, and driving economic growth and regional development.

• Our regulation fosters innovation, delivers certainty for investment, safeguards our environment and heritage, and makes South Australia a great place to do business.

Department for Environment and Water

To help South Australians conserve, sustain and prosper.

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Partnerships and collaborationWe will be more customer-focused and responsive to the needs of the community, working with our partners, industry, First Nations and the community. 

Evidence based decision-makingBy building knowledge and understanding of our environment, we will support better long-term decisions. 

Better regulationWe will ensure our regulation is simple, customer-focused, safeguards the environment, and encourages investment.

Organisational excellenceBy pursuing efficiency, being accountable, valuing and empowering our people, and focusing on getting the right things done, we will deliver greater public value.

Department for Environment and Water 2019-20 Action Plan

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Our work anticipates and responds to a changing climate

South Australians conserve and enjoy our nature, parks and places

Our system of parks is world-class. People value our natural environment and cultural assets, and enjoy the health and social benefits of parks. Sustainable, nature-based tourism creates jobs and strengthens the economy.

Secure water for the future

The health of our environment, communities, industry, and economy is underpinned by sustainable and fit-for-purpose water resources.

Landscapes and natural resources are managed and sustained

An integrated whole-of-landscape approach to natural resources management has empowered, resilient regional communities working collaboratively to help ensure the sustainable management and productive use of the state’s natural resources.

Priority activities in 2019-20:

• plan and deliver the Securing the Future of Our Coastline initiative, comprising of additional sand for Adelaide’s beaches, a sand recycling pipeline, and grants to regional councils for coastal management and protection projects

• implement the New Life for our Coastal Environment commitments, including beach replenishment, research and development, restoring seagrass meadows, limiting stormwater runoff, and establishing new shellfish reefs

• develop and deliver a blue carbon strategy to store carbon and improve the health of coastal and marine ecosystems

• develop and deliver an across-agency climate change strategy to reduce emissions and help South Australia to adapt to a changing climate

• work closely with DPTI and boards and councils to ensure that the Planning and Design Code and other planning instruments reflect environmental, heritage and sustainability policies and priorities

• support the implementation and operation of Green Adelaide with a focus on urban landscapes and climate resilience

• develop and deliver the Greener Neighbourhoods initiative

• partner with landholders to protect and restore native vegetation through heritage agreements and delivering on-ground work through biodiversity offsets

• contribute to the rejuvenation of the Lot Fourteen neighbourhood by creating public realm connectivity with Adelaide Botanic Garden

• deliver programs through the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium that stimulate the economy, boost tourism and help connect people to science, nature and culture

• review and revise current environmental regulation to ensure it is efficient, effective, client focused and understood.

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Priority activities in 2019-20:

• deliver South Australia’s obligations under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the Basin Compliance Compact

• lead the development and implementation of the South Australian Government’s response to the Murray-Darling Basin Royal Commission

• develop and implement water management plans and ensure compliance with water related legislation

• continue to deliver the SA Riverland Floodplain Integrated Infrastructure; Riverine Recovery; Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin; River Murray Constraints Management; and Water Management Solutions programs

• investigate opportunities for future national and state-based water reform

• develop and implement an urban water strategy that delivers practical initiatives to ensure that our towns and cities are water sensitive and climate resilient

• work with local government, economic development agencies and industry to identify future water needs and sustainable sources of supply

• identify and implement actions to help manage the social, environmental and economic impacts of extended dry periods

• facilitate international market opportunities for the South Australian water sector, including exports of business technology and services, new education partnerships and training and joint research activity

• ensure that priority water research is undertaken and that the results are used to support improved water management decision-making

• operate the South East Drainage Network to improve the productive capacity of the South East and deliver enhanced environmental outcomes.

Priority activities in 2019-20:

• re-establish a dedicated National Parks and Wildlife Service for South Australia

• manage national parks to conserve the environment, drive nature-based tourism, improve the state’s economy, and create jobs

• implement key parks projects including: a parks volunteer ranger program; visitor infrastructure renewal in parks; development of the Great Southern Ocean Walk; and establishing Glenthorne National Park

• identify ecologically sensitive and commercially sustainable opportunities in our parks, gardens and places, including a release of ‘New Business Opportunities’ in 2019-20

• develop a nature conservation strategy for South Australia

• manage the impact of introduced pests and abundant native species

• support First People’s connection to Country, including through co-management opportunities

• facilitate the opening of reservoirs for recreational activities and tourism opportunities

• progress the nomination of the northern Flinders Ranges for inscription on the World Heritage List in recognition of the region’s globally significant palaeontology

• work with our partners to manage the impact of natural hazards, specifically bushfire and flood, on our land, biodiversity, economy and communities

• create new opportunities for the retention of shacks that are on Crown land and in national parks

• activate government-owned heritage assets and heritage tourism, including developing a heritage tourism strategy for the state.

Priority activities in 2019-20:

• implement Landscape SA reform (subject to Parliamentary processes) and transition from regional natural resources management boards to Landscape boards

• support Landscape and and Green Adelaide boards to enable communities to have a greater voice in how natural resources are managed

• support Natural Resource Management boards to deliver Regional NRM plans; meet legislative requirements; and transition NRM business to Landscape and Green Adelaide boards

• support Landcape boards in the development of a grassroots grants program in each region to help fund the activities of community organisations in managing natural resources

• support Landscape boards to develop five-year regional plans that focus on soil and water management, pest plant and animal control, and nature stewardship

• develop a state landscape strategy that provides a vision for managing the state’s natural resources and establishes funding principles for the Landscape Priorities Fund

• establish the statewide Landscape Priorities Fund to enable investment in integrated landscape restoration projects

• improve pest plant and animal control and support streamlined compliance targeting issues of greatest risk

• promote collaboration between farmers, government and researchers to ensure that soil resources are managed sustainably and support improved farming practices.

Communities are active in the sustainable management of our environment

Our statutory boards and councils lead and collaborate to ensure improved outcomes for South Australia’s environment, heritage and sustainability. This is underpinned by evidence that ensures sound policy and informed decision-making.

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