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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-10-26 Daily Xml
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NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (14:42): My question is to the Minister for Environment and Conservation. What initiative is the government leading that will strengthen natural resources management processes and deliver enhanced economic, social and environmental outcomes for South Australia?

Mr Pengilly: You should have come to the briefing.

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for the River Murray, Minister for Water) (14:43): She couldn't make the briefing. I thank the honourable member for her question and acknowledge her commitment to all matters regarding the environment.

On 1 July this year, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources was established, bringing together the former Department for Environment and Heritage and the majority of natural resources management activities that were previously supported through the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation. Holding the portfolios of environment and conservation, the River Murray and water, I have the unique opportunity of leading the development—

Mrs Redmond interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Ask me the question afterwards, if you like. I have the unique opportunity of leading the development of a more integrated approach to ensuring a whole-of-landscape approach to natural resources management. The government has today released 'Improving natural resource management in South Australia', a regional integration plan for NRM. I thank the many members of the opposition, and those from this side, who were at the briefing held between 1 and 2 o'clock today. I have created a situation where, when members of the opposition would like more information, they need only ask.

In the area of natural resources management, a range of priorities for this term of government has emerged. These priorities include: development of a new state NRM plan; completion of marine park zoning; management of fire across the landscape; implementation of a visitor strategy for our many parks; increasing involvement and support for NRM; and contributing to our state's sustainable development agenda.

NRM boards will continue their pivotal role in working with local communities, governments and all stakeholders in managing the use of natural resources. A key to integrating these services will be to enhance collaboration and understanding between landholders and their local communities.

Over the next 18 months a challenging task will be undertaken to implement this integrated model, and I am pleased to inform members that significant progress has already been achieved. Over the last three months there has been extensive consultation with a range of NRM participants, including local government, conservation groups, the SA Farmers Federation and NRM board members and staff to clarify the new departmental supporting arrangements and to discuss an NRM reform agenda. For this process to succeed it will require communities, with their capacity for local expertise and their ability to deliver local outcomes, to continue to be the focal points of natural resources management. It is the government's belief that the new model will allow us to build on the excellent work previously conducted by NRM boards and their networks.

A regional integration plan has been developed to guide NRM reform over the next 18 months, as several members would be aware through the briefing I mentioned earlier that was attended by members from both sides of this chamber. The plan outlines the way forward to providing a single integrated regional face for NRM, shifting the focus to landscape approaches, increasing the emphasis on collaborations, partnerships and better engaging local communities. The relationship with local government, including the LGA and the various regional local government groups, is recognised as being critical to further improving the way we manage and deliver NRM services.

The plan involves a three-phase approach, with phase 1, between now and June 2011, being the integration of regional services for the appointment of regional managers and, where practicable, the establishment of single points of contact for regional communities. Phase 2 will align NRM and DENR business operations into the new model, and should occur from June 2011 through to June 2012, with phase 3 bringing full regional integration for NRM and DENR services by July 2012. Regional integration of NRM will address six broad issues which are critical for strengthening NRM processes and improving outcomes. These issues are—

An honourable member interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Madam Speaker, I will not—

The SPEAKER: Minister, do not respond to interjections.

The Hon. P. CAICA: As I said, Madam Speaker, I will not respond to interjections. These issues are:

the alignment of regional boundaries;

the redesign of organisational structure;

continual improvement of community interfaces and relationships;

clarification of governance and intergovernmental relationships;

integration of planning and investment; and

the streamlining of corporate and business services.

A great deal has been achieved since the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 came into operation, and through the implementation of the regional integration plan further successful outcomes will be generated.

I acknowledge the commitment of members on both sides of this place who have supported the important work carried out by their regional NRM boards, and I urge all members to take an active role in the transition to the new model of NRM planning and delivery.

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