Under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 water allocation plans must be reviewed on a comprehensive basis at least once every 10 years. A review of the 2009 Water Allocation Plan for the Padthaway Prescribed Wells Area commenced in 2019. Through the review process it was identified that some amendment was needed. These key changes were consulted on in 2021. A consultation draft of the water allocation plan is now available for comment.


Public Consultation Closed

The two-month consultation period of the draft Padthaway Water Allocation Plan is now closed. Thank you for your feedback.

Your thoughts on the consultation draft of the Padthaway water allocation plan

Do you agree that the consultation draft of the Padthaway Water Allocation Plan considers the environment, social, cultural and economic needs, and balances long term sustainability and security for all water users.

This poll has concluded.

Total Votes: 2

Do you agree that the adaptive management framework will ensure that the underground water resource is managed within acceptable resource condition limits?

This poll has concluded.

Total Votes: 2

Do you agree that the Padthaway community and stakeholders should be allowed the opportunity to self-regulate and manage their water resource within acceptable resource condition limits?

This poll has concluded.

Total Votes: 3

FAQs

What is the purpose of the plan?

A water allocation plan is a legal document that sets out the rules for managing the take and use of prescribed water resources to ensure resource sustainability. It is developed in partnership with the community, industry and key stakeholders.
Water is a precious resource. There is a limit to how much is available for use on an ongoing basis so it is important to provide certainty to current and future users of water, particularly to those whose livelihoods depend on it. A water allocation plan provides that certainty, giving consideration to environmental, social and economic needs to ensure long term sustainability and security.

What's changing?

The current water allocation has been successful in sustainably managing the resource. Due to this, much of the plan will remain unchanged except where changes are required to meet legislative requirements.

The key concepts introduced under the consultation draft are highlighted below. Further information can be found in the factsheets:

  • Adaptive Management
  • Water licence instruments
  • Classes of water access entitlements
  • Consumptive pools
  • Trades and transfers

What is the current groundwater resource condition?

The resource is generally in good condition and current allocations are adequate and equitable.

While groundwater levels have are generally stable, groundwater salinity trends are variable with wells displaying decreasing, stable and increasing trends across the prescribed wells area since the adoption of the 2009 plan. These variable trends are underpinned by a range of different drivers. Salinity trends have been thoroughly explored with additional modelling and potential impacts by extraction are addressed in the consultation draft Plan.

Events

  • Community Consultation Meeting

    Wednesday 3 May 2023

    The Limestone Coast Landscape Board welcome the Padthaway community to a public consultation meeting which will present the consultation draft of the Padthaway Water Allocation Plan including the key concepts developed in collaboration with the Stakeholder Advisory Group.

  • One-on-One sessions

    Thursday 4 May 2023

    Monday 8 May 2023

    If you require further discussion or clarification on particular issues, 30 minute one-on-one sessions with Limestone Coast Landscape Board staff will be available on 4 May and 8 May in Padthaway.

News

  • Proposed Padthaway WAP consultation period closed

    The statutory two-month consultation period of the proposed Pasthaway Water Allocation Plan has now closed. Thank you for your feedback.