The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board has recently welcomed three new board members, Amelia Graham, Sarah Day and James Stacey.

Their appointment follows a statewide call in 2024, encouraging people in the community with environmental and agricultural skillsets to apply.

Board Chair David Greenhough says each bring knowledge and experience that will complement the strengths of existing board members and help the board steer the management of the region’s natural resources over the coming years.

Amelia Graham lives on and manages her family property in Hindmarsh Valley, producing organically raised beef and lamb.

“Facing climate changes in our region I am keen to contribute towards planning sustainable water and landscape management, food production, and community involvement in preparing for the future, “ she says.

Sarah Day is a sustainable agriculture strategist, focused on delivering outcomes for organisations prepared to think differently about how they manage their land.

“I am keen to focus on the landscapes as a whole and the relationships that exist between people, land, water, air and animals, and the role we play in supporting the highest possible outcomes for each,” she says.

James Stacey is a farmer and the director of Bremer River Fodder.

“Being involved in production agriculture and part of a group that manages a significant part of the landscape and resources that it provides, I believe it’s important to have input in decisions that impact how that is managed now and into the future,” he says.

A total of 26 member positions have been filled for the state’s regional landscape boards, achieving greater gender balance and strong diversity.

A competitive nomination process was undertaken before the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close appointed the board members based on their skills,

knowledge and experience.

Minister Close has welcomed the new and reappointed members, while also thanking outgoing members for their valuable contributions.

“South Australia’s landscape boards are vital in helping manage and protect our productive and natural landscapes,” she says.

“Taking care of our water resources, boosting biodiversity and improving soil management supports the environment and our state’s prosperity.”

Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board Chair David Greenhough, joined new and existing boardmembers at an onboarding session in late February.

“We are pleased to welcome Amelia, Sarah and James. We are confident that our board has a solid mix of expertise and experience to lead us forward and into a new era of landscape

management.

“On behalf of the board, I would also like to thank Becky Hirst, Amy Williams and Keith Parkes, who will not be continuing in their roles. Each brought a wealth of skills and

knowledge to the board and have helped us to have real impact in caring for our natural environments and productive landscapes.”

The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board is one of nine regional landscape boards established under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019.

It supports communities and land managers to improve the management of the region's landscapes, putting community at the heart of sustainably managing soil, water, pest plants and animals and biodiversity.

Find out more about the board and its members on its website.