Have your say on Barossa Water Security Strategy
Community members are encouraged to have their say on a draft Barossa Water Security Strategy aimed at supporting the region to adapt to a changing climate and increasing demands for water.
The State Government, led by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), is working with Barossa organisations and communities to develop the water security strategy to support current demand and future growth in the region.
DEW’s Team Leader Water Security Dr Ashley Kingsborough said that the Government understands that water availability is a key limiter to increasing economic growth and that parts of Barossa are currently experiencing water scarcity.
“By working with the region and local industries, a shared vision for the future has been identified and potential solutions developed that aim to provide water security in the context of a changing climate,” Dr Kingsborough said.
“The strategy identifies opportunities to grow the economies of this region by addressing water security challenges, providing confidence to business and the community that there will be sufficient water security options for the future.
“The strategy development process has considered new supplies, expansion of existing supplies and changing demand profiles. Extensive climate analysis has also informed the actions to address potential future climate challenges.
“It complements existing water-related projects underway in the region, including the New Water Infrastructure to Barossa project, which is investigating the viability of delivering a new water supply to Barossa Valley and Eden Valley to address industry demand and underpin productivity growth and economic benefits to the State.
“The strategy development process will also inform amendments currently being considered under the Barossa Water Allocation Plan, including how best to manage the surface and groundwater resources in the area, which are likely to be significantly impacted by climate change.”
The Barossa Water Security Strategy is expected to be finalised later in 2022, with all feedback received during the consultation process considered as part of the final strategy.
The project is being led by the DEW in partnership with PIRSA, SA Water, the Environment Protection Authority, Northern & Yorke Landscape Board, Barossa Australia, Barossa Infrastructure Limited (BIL), The Barossa Council, Light Regional Council, RDA Barossa, Gawler, Light and Adelaide Plains.
The strategy will also be discussed at Barossa Australia’s Green Wine Sustainability Barossa event to be held at The Barossa Cellar on Thursday 26 May 2022. Find out more and register for the event here.
Feedback on the draft strategy closes Friday 8 July 2022. For more information visit: Department for Environment and Water - Barossa Water Security Strategy.
