South Australians invited to help shape landmark Biodiversity protections
South Australia’s first Biodiversity Act has reached another milestone with the launch of public consultation on the key bodies that will help lead the protection of native animals and plants, as well as addressing the impacts of climate change.
Starting today, South Australians can have their say on the first set of draft regulations on the four statutory bodies that will play critical roles in administering the Biodiversity Act 2025, which was passed by State Parliament last June.
The Act includes improved recognition for threatened species, critical habitat protections and provides opportunities for investment in restoring nature.
The draft regulations outline the composition, procedures and skills required for four statutory bodies:
- A Biodiversity Council to advocate for biodiversity and provide advice to the Minister and government on biodiversity matters and manage the Biodiversity Restoration Fund to achieve conservation, restoration and enhancement of biodiversity.
- A Clearance Assessment Committee to assess and make decisions on native vegetation clearance applications and administer the significant environmental benefit scheme.
- An Aboriginal Biodiversity Committee to provide advice on biodiversity matters and support the integration of First Nations knowledge, values and expertise into biodiversity management.
- A Scientific Committee to provide expert advice on threatened species and ecological communities.
These bodies will have ongoing governance responsibilities and will play a critical role in implementing the Act, by advising on – or approving – key policies, regulations and guidelines.
Department for Environment and Water Conservation and Wildlife Director Lisien Loan said community feedback would help shape how the Biodiversity Act 2025 is put into practice.
“We encourage anyone with an interest in biodiversity conservation, environmental management or First Nations knowledge to review the draft regulations and share their feedback through the YourSAy website,” Ms Loan said.
“Community input will help ensure these committees are well placed to support the effective implementation of South Australia's landmark Biodiversity Act 2025.”
The Act will be implemented in stages over coming years to ensure a smooth transition from existing legislation. It includes:
- A new general duty ensuring that all South Australians play a role in protecting biodiversity.
- Stronger native plant laws providing clearer regulations to safeguard native vegetation.
- Tougher penalties to create stronger deterrence against environmental harm.
- Critical habitat protections by introducing a new process to identify and safeguard habitats vital for the survival of threatened species.
- A new process for listing threatened species and threatened ecological communities, which aligns with other Australian jurisdictions and receives expert input from the scientific committee.
The new Act includes a maximum $250,000 fine or five years’ jail for individuals convicted of illegally killing, catching, restraining, injuring, keeping or interfering with a protected animal, a significant increase on existing fines from $2500 to $100,000.
Penalties for people who traffic native animals, or illegally clear native habitat, also will be increased, up to a maximum $500,000 or up to 10 years’ jail for individuals and a maximum $1,000,000 for businesses.
The public can have its say on the Biodiversity Act 2025 first draft regulations until Tuesday, September 15 by visiting https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/biodiversity-act-statutory-bodies
