Consider joining your local Landscape Group

Applications are open to join one of the SA Arid Lands Landscape Board’s district-based Landscape Groups and members of the community with an interest in landscape management are encouraged to apply.

There are seven Landscape Groups across the region, each providing an essential link between their local communities and the board. These groups are based in the Gawler Ranges, Kingoonya, Marla-Oodnadatta, Marree-Innamincka, North East Pastoral, North Flinders and Port Augusta-Quorn districts.

Vacancies currently exist in five of these groups and expressions of interest are called to fill these positions. The Kingoonya and Marree-Innamincka groups currently have full membership.

SAAL Landscape Board Presiding member Douglas Lillecrapp said community members involved at a group level are a vital, practical link for the communities they represent.

“They provide a local perspective and ensure the priorities of the district they represent are heard at the board level,” he said.

“Our Landscape Group members live in the district, or have strong connections with the community, and are involved in or passionate about the management of natural resources in their local area.“

Landscape Groups are skills-based, with members selected for their knowledge of areas such as conservation, Aboriginal heritage, primary production, mining, tourism, water resources management, pest animal and weed control and local governance. Groups are actively engaged in the delivery of local projects and have recently reviewed and updated their District Action Plans in line with the board’s five strategic priorities. These plans will guide the work of each group for the coming years.

“Each Landscape Group has a board member representative who participates in meetings, further strengthening the link between local issues and board decision making. This is so important given the size of the region and the variation of local issues between each unique district,” Mr Lillecrapp said.

“Many of our board members were once group members, so this model is great for building local leadership.”

Groups play an important role in encouraging community partnerships and engagement with local people, evident at district-based field days and community events, through access to grant funding, training for land managers and involvement in environmental monitoring projects and education programs.

To register your interest in becoming a Landscape Group member visit www.landscape.sa.gov.au/saal/about-us/our-board/landscape-groups or speak to your local Community Landscape Officer on 8429 9666.