Seeking Community Member for Kangaroo Island Water Policy Review Committee

The Committee will play an important role in guiding the review of the Kangaroo Island Water Affecting Activities Control Policy, previously adopted in 2017. This review will begin in November 2025 and continue over approximately 12 months.

KILB Chair Andrew Heinrich said the Board is particularly seeking a member with strong knowledge and commitment to environmental water needs, ensuring that ecological values are well represented during the review.

“Committee members will review and provide recommendations to Board staff to support the development of a revised Water Affecting Activities Control Policy,” Mr Heinrich said.

“These recommendations will be presented to the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board before final approval is sought from the South Australian Minister for Environment and Water.”

The Committee is expected to meet four to five times between November 2025 and July 2026. Meetings will be held in Kingscote in the early evening and run for approximately 2.5 hours. Sitting fees will be available. Members will also be required to allocate additional time for reading and reviewing materials before meetings.

Mr Heinrich said the Kangaroo Island Water Affecting Activities Control Policy provides a framework to protect the Island’s water resources, ecosystems, and other users.

“The policy requires permits for activities that impact watercourses, lakes, and floodplains, including dam construction, water diversion, and excavation of watercourses,” Mr Heinrich said. 

Key features of the policy include:

• Protecting Water Resources: Ensuring water quality, quantity, and ecological health are maintained.
• Managing Water Take: Water take limits are set to ensure that dam development and water extraction occurs in a manner that balances the needs of landholders, communities, and the environment.
• Regulating Activities: Establishing a permit system for activities that may negatively affect water resources.

The review process will ensure the policy continues to balance sustainable water use with protection of the Island’s unique ecosystems.

Find Out More

For more information about Water Affecting Activities on Kangaroo Island, visit:
👉 landscape.sa.gov.au/ki/water

To discuss the role, please contact:
Phoebe Edwards
Water Officer, Kangaroo Island Landscape Board
Phone:  08 8553 2476