A range of feedback received has prompted the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board (the Board) to review the current regional structure which provides advice and assistance to the Board. The feedback highlighted that what was in place was not working and that it did not achieve the initial expectations. In addition having separate theme based Advisory Committees did not support an integrated approach to managing our natural resources. It was also indentified that the number of Groups and Advisory Committees spread over a large geographical area with limited resources was unsustainable, cumbersome and resource intensive.
As a result of the review undertaken, the Board is proposing to disband the current structure and establish two Advisory Committees. It is proposed that these will be:
- Western and Central Eyre Natural Resources Management Advisory Committee
- Southern and Eastern Eyre Natural Resources Management Advisory Committee
The Western and Central Eyre Natural Resources Management Advisory Committee will cover the geographical areas of the following local Government areas:
- Ceduna
- Streaky Bay
- Elliston
- Wudinna
- In addition to the out of areas district west of Ceduna to the Yalata boundary.
The Southern and Eastern Eyre Natural Resources Management Advisory Committee will cover the geographical area of the following local Government areas:
- Lower Eyre Peninsula
- Tumby Bay
- Cleve
- Kimba
- Cowell
In addition to these two Advisory Committees the Board is establishing a consultative mechanism with Aboriginal communities and establishing formal arrangements with the City of Whyalla and City of Port Lincoln to address the specific issues of these two urban centres. The Board will also be hosting a number of community forums via the website on specific issues or programs such as Volunteer Programs and feedback on activities undertaken by the Board.
The Board is now seeking comments on the best way forward to manage issues such as biodiversity, land management, coast and marine and managing pest animal and weeds and on the proposal to:
- Dissolve the current NRM Groups (Western Eyre NRM Group, Southern Eyre NRM Group, Eastern Eyre NRM Group and Central Eyre NRM Group)
- Dissolve the current Advisory Committees (Water Resources, Land Management and Coast and Marine)
- Establish integrated Advisory Committees (Upper Eyre Peninsula Advisory Committee and Lower Eyre Peninsula Advisory Committee which will incorporate all aspects of natural resources management)
- Establish formal links for local Government
- Establish specific theme based web forums
In addition the Board is interested in receiving feedback on the following:
- What are the benefits of the proposal
- What are the limitations of the proposal as outlined
- Other suggestions regarding the Board structure
For further information, please obtain a copy of the discussion paper or media release via these links or contact Tamara Clark, Executive Assistant (08) 8682 7507 or email: tamara.clark@epnrm.com.au.
Additional information in relation to the proposal can be obtained by contacting Kate Clarke, General Manager (08) 8682 7555.
Submissions or comments to be provided by close of business Friday, 5 September 2008 through Board members or by:
Post: Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board
PO Box 2916
Port Lincoln SA 5606
Phone: General Manager, Kate Clarke on (08) 8682 7555