New knowledge will improve the Plan
New knowledge includes resource condition monitoring and water use data, climate modelling and groundwater models.
The Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan is changing
Revising the plan will be a complex process. This page will support you to stay connected and take up opportunities to participate as they arise.
We encourage you to explore the areas that amendment is focusing on to find out about changes being proposed and contribute your feedback.
We look forward to working with you to improve water resource management in the Lower Limestone Coast.
March community consultations
Join us at locations across the region in March and have your say on the future of water resource management in the Lower Limestone Coast.
The focus areas for revising the Plan
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Revision of sustainable allocation is needed
A revision of the current level of allocation is needed for water security.
More environmental provisions are needed
The Plan has a critical role in protecting ecosystems and biodiversity from the impacts of groundwater extraction and recharge interception.
Understanding water trade and the water market
We heard from you that the process for seeking, buying and selling water in the Lower Limestone Coast was not clear.
Reducing the complexity in the Plan
Simplification of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan is needed. This could include amalgamating management zones.
Aligning the Plan to legislation and policy change
The Plan has become inconsistent with current relevant legislation and policy.
Stakeholder Advisory Group
The Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan Amendment Stakeholder Advisory Group will provide objective advice and recommendations to the Limestone Coast Landscape Board towards the sustainable use, conservation and management of water in the Lower Limestone Coast Prescribed Wells Area.
Stakeholder Advisory Group meetings
Date: Thursday 6 March 2025
Venue: Chardonnay Lodge
Date: Thursday 19 December 2024
Venue: Millicent
See the above video for an update from the meeting.
The minutes for the meeting will be published following meeting 8.
Chardonnay Lodge, Coonawarra. 10.30 am to 3.30 pm
See the above video for an update from the meeting.
The minutes for the meeting will be published following meeting 7.
The Henty, Mt Gambier. 10.30 am to 3.30 pm
See the above video for an update from the meeting.
Minutes for the meeting will be published following meeting 6.
Chardonnay Lodge, Coonawarra, 10.30 am to 3.30 pm
These minutes represent the discussion by Stakeholder Advisory Group members. They are captured to support interested parties understand the breadth of discussions. Only decisions outlined in the decision register represent a formal position of the Stakeholder Advisory Group.
UniSA, Mount Gambier, 10.30am to 3.30 pm
These minutes represent the discussion by Stakeholder Advisory Group members. They are captured to support interested parties understand the breadth of discussions. Only decisions outlined in the decision register represent a formal position of the Stakeholder Advisory Group.
Chardonnay Lodge, Coonawarra, 10.30 am to 3.30 pm
These minutes represent the discussion by Stakeholder Advisory Group members. They are captured to support interested parties understand the breadth of discussions. Only decisions outlined in the decision register represent a formal position of the Stakeholder Advisory Group.
Stakeholder Advisory Group Members
Dr Penny Schulz
LLC WAP Stakeholder Advisory Group Chair
Representing the Limestone Coast Landscape Board
Pete Bissell
LLC WAP Stakeholder Advisory Group Co-Chair
Representing the Limestone Coast Landscape Board
Alan Rossouw
Representing the Softwood Forestry Sector
Belinda Williamson
Representing the Manufacturing Industry
Belinda has worked as an Environmental Engineer in sawmilling for 25+ years and has experience in large groundwater remediation projects.
Claire Harding
Representing Environment and Conservation
Conservation Ecologist, National Parks and Wildlife Service, manager of public wetland assets. Claire has extensive local hydro-ecological knowledge.
Claire Davies
Representing the Viticulture Sector
Grape grower and member of the Wrattonbully Wine Region Association and Limestone Coast Grape & Wine Council, Claire has strong industry connections.
Darren Shelden
Representing the Hardwood Forestry Sector
Over 20 years in the forestry sector. Working at Australian Bluegum Plantations, Darren has hardwood and water allocation planning experience.
Graeme Hamilton
Representing the Dairy Sector
An active member of the South Australian Dairy Association, Graeme has extensive water allocation planning experience and owns a dairy in Glenburnie.
James Prescott
Representing Environment & Conservation
A former Kongorong farmer and current member of the Friends of Mt Gambier Area Parks with an interest in the environment and wetland ecosystems.
Kerry DeGaris
Representing Livestock and Wool Production
Kerry has extensive water allocation planning experience, scientific expertise and owns a livestock and wool production property near Bool Lagoon.
Kylie Boston
Representing Irrigated Livestock Production Sector
A member of local government, Kylie has water allocation planning & dairy industry experience with a primary production background.
Melissa Herpich
Representing Environment & Conservation
A member of environmental NGO Natural Glenelg Trust, Melissa is an ecologist with extensive knowledge of the region’s environmental values.
Simon Sherriff
Public Water Supply
As Manager Regional Water Security at SA Water, Simon brings extensive experience in the technical and policy aspects of water resources management.
Peter Balnaves
Representing the Viticulture Sector
As a leader in the wine industry Peter has 18 years’ experience representing the industry in Lower Limestone Coast water planning processes.
Terry Buckley
Representing the Horticulture Sector
Terry has nearly 50 years' experience producing potatoes and also produces prime lambs from irrigated pasture.
Wayne Hancock
Representing Irrigated Livestock Production
A member of the Mid-South Irrigators Group, Wayne has a deep knowledge of water planning & has a primary production enterprise in Townsend & Bowaka.
News & events
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March 2025 community consultations
Register for a session todayWe are heading back out to the community in March this year for our second broad community consultation for the amendment of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan. Come along to one of our 7 sessions for an update on the key topics being explored.
Whether you live in a township, are a water licensee, recreational water user or community member, these sessions are to ensure everyone has an opportunity to be involved.
Amendment on track
Click here to read the latest updateProgress on the amendment of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan (the Plan) is well underway as the Limestone Coast Landscape Board approaches a year of amending the Plan.
In the most recent update to water licensees and the community, the Limestone Coast Landscape Board highlighted some of the key policy changes currently under consideration and open for feedback.
Addressing misinformation
Read some common misconceptions around the processAmending water policy for the Lower Limestone Coast is a complex and challenging process. We understand the impact this may have on individuals, businesses, industries, and the community. We acknowledge that the supporting information can be complex and sometimes misunderstood so we are setting the record straight.
Water monitoring map for the Lower Limestone Coast
Check water levels near youThere are over 500 groundwater observation monitoring wells across the Lower Limestone Coast Prescribed Wells Area.
The observation well data is updated annually following autumn and spring monitoring.
2024 Information session summary
Read the summary reportOver 340 individuals attended sessions on the amendment to the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan held across the region in August. What we presented and heard from you at the first broader consultation has now been developed into a summary report.
2024 Information session roadshow
Read the full news story here...The Limestone Coast Landscape Board welcomes you to a public session which will present information on the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan amendment process.
Come along for an update on the amendment process and the key topics being looked at to date.
Whether you live in a township, are a water licensee, recreational water user or a community member, these sessions are to ensure everyone has an opportunity to be involved.
Amendment making progress
Read the full news story here...Progress on the amendment of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan is underway as the Limestone Coast Landscape Board works towards sustainable water management for the Lower Limestone Coast.
Review moves to an amendment process
Read the full news story here...2023 Community information sessions
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board wrapped up their Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan review roadshow, culminating in community information sessions held in Mt Gambier, Naracoorte and online in September.
The public information sessions were open to anyone in the community with an interest in learning more about our groundwater resources and the role of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan in their management.
Sessions to support stakeholder understanding
See 'events' in the above menu for upcoming eventsOver 16 information sessions were held in 2023 with stakeholders from industry groups such as dairy, cropping, livestock and forestry as part of the series to ensure water licence holders, industry representatives and environment groups have an opportunity to be involved in the review of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan.
The purpose of these sessions was to provide groups the opportunity to contribute directly to the process and broaden their understanding of the review.
Representatives sought from forestry sector
Read the full noticeExpressions of interest are being sought for softwood and hardwood forestry representatives to join the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan Review Stakeholder Advisory Group.
Exploring flows key to joint Board framework
Read the full news storyThe Limestone Coast Landscape Board and South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board have met once again to discuss shared interests and progress under their Joint Committee and the region’s Drainage and Wetland Strategy.
Aerial monitoring to begin for seawater intrusion
Read the full news storyAerial monitoring using an airborne electromagnetic (AEM) technology is about to begin over the lower Limestone Coast's southern coast line, collecting data to understand the extent of seawater intrusion inland.
Stakeholder Advisory Group for LLC WAP announced
Read the full news storyThe Limestone Coast Landscape Board has formed a Stakeholder Advisory Group for the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan review.
Lower Limestone Coast WAP review set to begin
Read the full news storyThe Limestone Coast Landscape Board have announced they are set to commence the review of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan.
Study to explore aquifer recharge opportunities
Read the full news storyStudy to explore aquifer recharge opportunities for primary production.
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board in partnership with the Primary Producers Sustainable Water Group are investigating the feasibility of sourcing excess water from the drainage network and storing it in the aquifer for the benefit of primary industries.
Process
Process to amend the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan
The process to amend the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan commenced in March 2024 and is expected to run until December 2027. The amendment process will result in a revised Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan.
The process involves developing policy revisions or new policy elements in alignment with focus areas identified during the review process. These revisions are developed with support from the Stakeholder Advisory Group. They are then further tested with stakeholders and community through consultation. Feedback from consultation may result in revisions being changed and then tested again with stakeholders and community. The process is iterative as revisions are interconnected.
During the process to amend the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan all water licensing business will continue as per usual and the Department for Environment and Water is your contact for all licensing matters.
Principles that underpin the amendment process
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board recognises that amending the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan will create significant uncertainty and concern amongst individuals, businesses, industries and community. We recognise that trust in the process is critical to achieving a revised Plan. The following principles will underpin the process to amend the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan:
Decision making will be informed by:
- Local knowledge and expertise in the form of the Stakeholder Advisory Group and broader consultation.
- Traditional First Nations knowledge.
- The best available data and science constrained by what is available in a timely manner and relevant to the policy questions being asked.
- Appropriate context in relation to the region and the water resources. In the management of water resources context matters. Resource condition trends prior to and beyond the life of the Plan matter and are relevant.
The amendment process will be transparent:
Transparency will be created by providing reasonable opportunity for stakeholders and community to contribute to the process of amending the Plan:
- Communications and engagement will consider water literacy and always seek to improve it.
- Water science will not be oversold or over simplified.
- There will be a focus on the use of plain English.
- We will take time to listen, hear and support people to understand.
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board will be held accountable for the process and policy changes. This includes the timeliness of the process. In amending the Plan the Limestone Coast Landscape Board will be:
- Considered. The approach to amending the Plan will be practical and reasonable so that the logic of amendments can be tracked and understood.
- Equitable. The process will be underpinned by the values and interests of all people in the Lower Limestone Coast.
Independent where appropriate. The Limestone Coast Landscape Board will maintain independence from influences that could undermine the process or outcomes from the process.Adaptable. The Limestone Coast Landscape Board recognises the complexity of the process and the need to continually evaluate and improve the process.
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board wants all people in the Lower Limestone Coast to work together to develop a revised Plan that continues support the region into the future. To work together it is important to recognise that everyone has a role to play in sustainably managing our water resources and no one party is responsible for declines in resource condition. The Limestone Coast Landscape Board will oppose inappropriate selective use of data and science to advance specific interests. This may involve calling out the spread of misinformation to undermine efforts towards a fair and transparent amendment process.
Consultation approach adopted for the amendment process
The consultation approach for the amendment process takes into account the size and complexity of the prescribed wells areas and the diversity of values that groundwater supports. A detailed stakeholder analysis has been conducted to inform the development of the communication and engagement plan. This provides the context required to determine the appropriate levels of engagement and communication. The communication and engagement plan guides messaging, media, information exchange and consultation risk management.
Consultation includes:
Stakeholder Advisory Group
A Stakeholder Advisory Group is supporting the amendment process. Group member appointments were based on relevant skills, experience, abilities and knowledge. In selecting the Group, the Limestone Coast Landscape Board aimed for a balance between geographic representation, industry knowledge, environmental understanding and gender.
They have comprehensive discussions on revisions to the Plan. The Group is chaired by the Presiding Member of the Limestone Coast Landscape Board Governing body. Terms of reference, agendas and minutes can be found on the project page.
The Stakeholder Advisory Group makes recommendations to the Limestone Coast Landscape Board Governing Body. Recommendations from the Stakeholder Advisory Group that were endorsed by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board Governing Body during the review process will be addressed in amendment.
Direct communications
Direct communications via email and post are regularly sent to key stakeholders, including water licence holders and industry sector groups, state agencies and local governments, local members of parliament and local interest groups.
First Nations engagement
The South East Aboriginal Focus Group (SEAFG), the traditional custodians of the South East of South Australia, have been working closely with the LC Landscape Board, and its predecessors, since 2004, sharing knowledge and culture. Committed to a continuing relationship of shared learning through Lartara-Wirkeri Cultural Governance the Limestone Coast Landscape Board and SEAFG continue to share their knowledge of water management.
Announcement, news stories, media releases and radio
Key information regarding the amendment of the Plan are published as news stories on the Limestone Coast Landscape Board website and project page. These announcements are also distributed to local print media. See ‘news and events’ on the project page to view a sample of news stories.
Following media announcements some radio interviews are held on key topics.
Community consultation sessions
First broad community consultation:
- In August 2024, 340 individuals participated in the community sessions on the amendment to the Plan held online, in Kingston, Naracoorte, Mt Gambier, and Millicent
Second broad community consultation:
- Scheduled for March 2025
Third broad community consultation:
- Scheduled for September 2025
Dedicated project page to support the amendment process
Between March and December 2024, the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan amendment project page has had:
- 6,074 views The number of times a visitor views any page on the site.
- 3,764 visits
The number of visits to the site. - 2,601 visitors
The number of unique visitors to the site. A visitor is only counted once, even if they visit the site multiple times. - 659 contributions
The total number of responses or feedback collected through the participation tools. - 304 contributors
The unique number of visitors who have left feedback or contributions on the site through the participation tools. - 78 followers
The number of visitors who have ‘subscribed’ to the project using the ‘Follow’ button. - 130 quick poll responses answering varying questions
- 1,521 downloads of resources, Stakeholder Advisory Group minutes or reports.
Social media
Social media platforms are used during the amendment process to communicate announcements, upcoming events and opportunities to engage. The social media platforms can be accessed on the following links.
Facebook
X (formerly twitter)
InstagramFeedback and polls
175 feedback forms were received following the August 2024 community information sessions. There are currently polls and questions open on the project page with over 123 responses to date.
We acknowledge that information and the process can be complex and sometimes misunderstood.
At times misinformation is also being spread to undermine the process.
We are committed to setting the record straight and have created a list of common misconceptions to clear up any uncertainty.
On the page you can questions and from those questions information will be added to the misconceptions to help others understand the process.
Review
A water allocation plan for the Lower Limestone Coast Prescribed Wells Area was adopted in November 2013. Under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 a water allocation plan must be reviewed on a comprehensive basis at least once in every 10 years. The purpose of the review was to evaluate:
- The principles in the plan.
- The success of the plan considering the outcomes it sought to achieve.
- Whether the water allocation plan remains appropriate or requires amendment.
- Any other matters prescribed by the regulations.
The review of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan (the Plan) was announced in July 2022 and completed in October 2023.
Timeline of the review
The Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan was reviewed from July 2022 to October 2023.
- 12 July 2022: Review announced and call for applications to Stakeholder Advisory Group
- 5 September 2022: Formation of Stakeholder Advisory Group announced.
- October 2022 – October 2023: Evaluation of the current water allocation plan.
- Stakeholder Advisory Group Meetings 1 – 11.
- August 2023: Sessions to support stakeholder understanding and seek feedback.
- September 2023: Community consultation sessions.
- December 2023: Outcomes of the review presented to the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water.
These meetings were held as part of the review of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan which concluded in October 2023.
Meeting 11
Wednesday 25 October 2023
Meeting 10
Thursday 21 September 2023
Meeting 9
Thursday 17 August 2023
Meeting 8
Thursday 13 July 2023
Meeting 7
Thursday 15 June 2023
Meeting 6
Wednesday 17 May 2023
Meeting 5
Wednesday 29 March 2023
Meeting 4
Wednesday 22 February 2023
Meeting 3
Thursday 19 January 2023
Meeting 2
Friday 18 November 2022
Meeting 1
Thursday 20 October 2022
Consultation approach adopted for the review
The consultation approach for the review of the Plan took into account the size and complexity of the prescribed wells areas and the diversity of values that groundwater supports. A detailed stakeholder analysis was conducted to inform the development of the communication and engagement plan. This provided the context required to determine the appropriate levels of engagement and communication. The communication and engagement plan guided messaging, media, information exchange and consultation risk management.
Consultation included:
Stakeholder Advisory Group
A Stakeholder Advisory Group supported the review process. Group member appointments were based on relevant skills, experience, abilities and knowledge. In selecting the Group, the Limestone Coast Landscape Board aimed for a balance between geographic representation, industry knowledge, environmental understanding and gender.
The Stakeholder Advisory Group met 11 times across the duration of the review. They had comprehensive discussions on the principles in the Plan and what remained appropriate or needed amendment. The Group was chaired by the Presiding Member of the Limestone Coast Landscape Board Governing body. All minutes from meetings held during the review can be found on the project page.
The Stakeholder Advisory Group made recommendations to the Limestone Coast Landscape Board Governing Body of which the majority were endorsed. This included an overarching recommendation that the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan required amendment. Recommendations from the Stakeholder Advisory Group that were endorsed by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board Governing Body will be addressed in amendment.
Direct communications
Direct communications via email and post were regularly sent to key stakeholders, including water licence holders and industry sector groups, state agencies and local governments, local members of parliament and local interest groups.
First Nations engagement
The South East Aboriginal Focus Group, the traditional custodians of the South East of South Australia, have been working closely with the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, and its predecessors, since 2004, sharing knowledge and culture. Committed to a continuing relationship of shared learning through Lartara-Wirkeri Cultural Governance the Limestone Coast Landscape Board and South East Aboriginal Focus Group continue to share their knowledge of water management.
Announcement, news stories, media releases and radio
Key information regarding the review of the Plan was published as news stories on the Limestone Coast Landscape Board website and project page. These announcements were also distributed to local print media. Throughout the review over 20 print articles were published in local newspapers relating to water in the Lower Limestone Coast region and the Plan review. See ‘news and events’ on the project page to view a sample of news stories.
Following media announcements some radio interviews were held on key topics. Three radio interviews were held with ABC South East.
Stakeholder information sessions
15 information sessions to approximately 200 individuals were held in 2023. The purpose of these sessions was to provide people the opportunity to contribute directly to the process and broaden their understanding of the review and groundwater resource condition trends.
Sessions were held for:
- energy and mining
- forestry
- dairy
- conservation and environment
- cropping and livestock (2 sessions)
- manufacturing and processing
- horticulture
- aquaculture
- intensive farming
- Zone 6A (Frances and Bangham) management area
- Mid-South East Irrigators
- viticulture
- Primary Producers SA
- Zone 5A management area
Community information sessions
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board wrapped up the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan review roadshow, culminating in community information sessions held in Mt Gambier, Naracoorte and online in September 2023 with over 50 attendees. The information sessions were open to anyone in the community with an interest in learning more about our groundwater resources and the role of the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan in their management.
Dedicated project page to support the review
During the review period from July 2022 to December 2023, the page had:
- 3,415 views The number of times a visitor views any page on the site.
- 2,601 visits
The number of visits to the site. - 1,772 visitors
The number of unique visitors to the site. A visitor is only counted once, even if they visit the site multiple times. - 247 contributions
The total number of responses or feedback collected through the participation tools. - 194 contributors
The unique number of visitors who have left feedback or contributions on the site through the participation tools. - 78 followers
The number of visitors who have ‘subscribed’ to the project using the ‘Follow’ button. - 487 downloads of resources, Stakeholder Advisory Group minutes or reports.
- A quick poll was placed on the project page asking, ‘Do you think the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan remains appropriate to sustainably manage the resource?’. There were seven unique responses.
Social media
Social media platforms were used during the review to communicate announcements, upcoming events and opportunities to engage. The social media platforms can be accessed on the following links.
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board acknowledges and respects the traditional owners of the ancestral lands and waters of the Limestone Coast. We acknowledge the elders past, present and future and we respect the deep feelings of attachment and relationships of Aboriginal Peoples to Country including the language groups: Meintangk, Potaruwutij, Bunganditj, Tatiara/Ngarkat, Tanganekald (Southern Clans) and Ngarrindjeri.
Artwork by: Marie Clarke
Contact us
11 Helen Street, Mount Gambier SA 5290
Phone: 08 8429 7550
Social links
