Coorong infrastructure consultation moves to shortlisting stage
MEDIA RELEASE
The Coorong community are encouraged to get involved in shortlisting potential infrastructure options for securing the future of the iconic wetland with an options guide and survey released today.
The guide and survey are the next step in an ongoing consultation process as part of Project Coorong, to assess a range of long-term management solutions to improve the health of the Coorong, with a focus on the Coorong South Lagoon.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said recent stakeholder consultation has identified a number of infrastructure and management options to potentially improve the management and health of the Coorong.
“The next step is to shortlist so we’ve listed the identified options in a guide which we are now providing to stakeholders to seek further input and narrow the options down,” said Minister Speirs.
“It is important we build an understanding of the social, economic and cultural needs and values of locals and the broader South Australian community.
“Once we have our final shortlist we will then undertake detailed investigation of those options over the next 12 to 18 months.”
Minister Speirs said analysing all the proposed infrastructure options in a robust and systematic way will help to ensure that the final selected option will best meet needs of the Coorong and the local community into the future.
To help initiate the process, environmental engineering consultancy Tonkin was commissioned to undertake a technical review of the management options that were generated through stakeholder consultation. These options are introduced and summarised in the guide.
“Maintaining the long-term ecological health and resilience of the Coorong may not be achievable through better knowledge and improved water use alone,” said Minister Speirs
“There is growing acceptance that additional management options may be required, particularly in the face of a changing climate.
The community has an interest in the Coorong and has shown its commitment to working with government to find long-term solutions for this highly valued ecosystem.
“The options outlined in the guide will feel familiar to many people and I want to acknowledge and recognise the community’s role in shaping them so far. I look forward to hearing their views on the final shortlist.”
A series of webinars will also be held as part of this next stage of consultation. Details are available at: www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/coorong/get-involved
