NRM support for Whyalla City Northern Coastline Master Plan
The Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board will contribute $200,000 to the City of Whyalla’s Northern Coastline Master Plan, specifically for works that balance economic, social and environmental protection of natural assets such the Giant cuttlefish, the shingle dune system and other local natural tourism assets.
The funding comes after the Boards’ formal endorsement of the draft Regional EP NRM Plan last month (first stage approval) and will be used strategically to safeguard Eyre Peninsula’s nature-based tourism and address regional climate change adaptation needs.
Presiding Board Member Diana Laube said the Board has worked closely with local government, businesses and community through the draft Plan development to identify priority natural resource needs.
“Just over $1 million in total of the Board’s retained earnings will be invested in six priority projects across Eyre Peninsula, with one of the most significant being a $200,000 investment in the City of Whyalla Northern Coastline Master Plan,” said Ms Laube.
Mayor Lyn Breuer said the Whyalla City Council is thrilled by the prospect of working together on the Northern Coastline Master Plan project.
“I look forward to working with the NRM Board to bring this important project to fruition.The Northern Coastline, encompassing the Point Lowly Peninsula, is a great asset to the city of Whyalla, and we are excited to be executing a plan that will conservatively develop this area into a sustainable tourism drawcard while also safeguarding existing environmental assets,” said Ms Breuer.
Other funded projects include a feasibility study for new Aboriginal rangers program, additional support for local government to manage coastal access, preliminary assessment of koala habitat and tourism, and two climate change adaptation projects.
The Board endorsed Regional EP NRM Plan is currently with the Minister for Environment for consideration. For further information please call Susan Stovell on 8688 3201 or email Susan.Stovell@sa.gov.au
Further details on the projects commencing 1 July 2017:
Expansion of Nature Tourism on the Northern Coastline of Whyalla – supporting the Whyalla Council to increase tourism visitation, whilst safeguarding the existing environmental assets (such as the Cuttlefish and the heritage listed Shingle dune system)
Up to date LiDAR and Imagery capture – that environmentalists, Local Government, industry and other stakeholders can use for sea-level rise modelling, leading to improvements in coastal development decision making and economic growth for the region
Sustainable Coastal Access for all – supporting Regional Development Australia, Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula, this project will lead to improved visitor amenities across the region, supporting continued economic growth in the tourism sector, and at the same time minimizing risks associated with increased visitation on the environment.
Sustainable Tourism – Koalas and threatened habitats - this project will assist landholders in sustaining an important tourism asset in the Southern Eyre Peninsula region, as well as managing an emerging environmental threat to threatened habitats.
Water Security for Sustainable Development - this project aims to investigate water and water security for major developments, emerging industries and “greenfield” sites, whilst at the same time ensuring fit-for-purpose water management regimes are developed.
Aboriginal Rangers Program – will investigate whether there is sufficient interest throughout the region to establish and drive a program, similar to the programs currently operating in Queensland and Western Australia.
