Helping shape SA’s new biodiversity laws
The Bill proposes to absorb the existing Native Vegetation Act 1991, and all wildlife components of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, to become the overarching piece of legislation protecting biodiversity in South Australia.
The new Biodiversity Act will be a first of its kind for our state, providing a dedicated legislative framework for biodiversity management.
Ongoing biodiversity decline threatens the sustainability and prosperity of our regions. While LGA supports the need for a sophisticated approach to biodiversity conservation, the Bill needs further refinement to ensure the system is balanced and enables our communities to adapt, thrive and grow.
LGA looks forward to opportunities to work with state government over the coming months as they develop the Bill further.
The consultation process
Submissions were required to be lodged within a four-week timeframe from the consultation period opening.
Due to this short window there was limited opportunity to fully consult with member councils.
LGA did run a webinar for members in late January to give information about the new Bill, which can be rewatched on our website.
Considering these time constraints, LGA’s submission was informed by:
- existing policy positions of the local government sector in relation to native vegetation, formed by comprehensive consultation with the sector during 2024
- limited feedback heard from members during the short consultation period
- analysis of matters that are likely to be consequential to the local government sector by way of additional resourcing, cost, administrative or other impacts
Key themes
LGA's submission includes commentary on a range of topics articulated in the Bill, such as:
- the revised spatial application of clearance controls within the Biodiversity Act
- objects and principles of the Act
- the proposed new General Duty
- appointments to statutory bodies
- collection and use of funds
- the policy and guidance for significant environmental benefit offsets
- interactions with the planning system, including findings from the Expert Panel
- road safety and function, including roadside guidelines
- native plant clearance exemptions
- native animals, including impact causing species
- enforcement and liability aspects for councils.
Our full submission is available to view on our website.
Next steps
In the coming weeks, our Legal Connect partners Norman Waterhouse Lawyers will further summarise key aspects of the Bill and communicate this information to members.
LGA will continue to consult with members to inform ongoing discussions with the Deputy Premier’s office and the Department for Environment and Water on the Bill as it is finalised and enters State Parliament for discussion and debate.
Find out more
If you have any further comments or questions about the Biodiversity Bill, please contact LGA Senior Policy Advisor Sarah Wozniak.