Community Volunteers

In reply to the Hon. M.C. PARNELL (2 July 2020).

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services): The Minister for Environment and Water has provided the following advice:

The Marshall Liberal government's Landscape SA reform is about delivering a more effective, decentralised, back-to-basics system that gives local communities a greater voice in natural resources management and puts more resources 'on-the-ground' in our regions.

Landscape boards will continue to support off-park volunteer groups in their region through dedicated staff. Further, the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia continues to work closely with volunteer groups operating on-park by offering both statewide support and advice and regionally on the ground through park rangers.

Grant funding will continue to be available to volunteer groups through the landscape boards' administered $2 million Grassroots Grants program and the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia Volunteer Support Grants.

From mid-July local volunteer groups, whether they are working in our national parks or elsewhere in the landscape, will be able to apply for funding from the Grassroots Grants program. The next round of National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia Volunteer Support Grants will be available later this year.

I am advised that the Minister for Environment and Water has written to volunteers and volunteer groups, as well as landscape board chairs reiterating this commitment.