The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board has been facilitating water equity with an education program across the region.

The board recognises that water is vital to the health of the environment and ecosystems, as well as being a precious shared resource for landholders and farmers throughout the Mount Lofty Ranges and Fleurieu Peninsula. 

It says getting the balance right between leaving enough water to sustain water-dependant ecosystems and the amenity of our landscapes, while providing water to support agricultural productivity across the region, requires careful management. 

It has warned that water affecting activities can reduce flows to downstream users, change the timing of flows to water-dependent ecosystems, reduce water quality or increase erosion and sedimentation of watercourses and their surrounding areas. 

Examples of water affecting activities include ford and culvert crossings, vegetation planting or removal, modifications or repair works to existing dams, and depositing material or brine into a watercourse. 

A watercourse refers to a river, creek, or other natural watercourse in which water is contained or flows. This includes all of the ephemeral (dry most of the year) or seasonal watercourses, and dams or reservoirs. 

Watercourses are not always obvious or readily identifiable, but it is important to remember that all watercourses regardless of size, appearance or seasonality play an important role in supplying and sustaining a catchment. 

Almost all water affecting activities require a permit. 

Paul Wainwright is Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board Team Leader Water Resources.

He asks landholders to contact the board for clarification and advice when planning to undertake activities that may be considered water affecting. 

“Our team regularly fields a range of enquiries regarding modifications to watercourses and dams. 

“The board is the approving body for water affecting activities, not your local council. While the application process is relatively straightforward, it is always best to apply early. We can provide advice which may potentially save you time and money down the track. 

“Ultimately, the landholder is responsible to ensure permits are obtained where necessary, although contractors can apply on the landholder’s behalf,” he says. 

The board says there are over twenty-thousand dams across the Mount Lofty Ranges and Fleurieu Peninsula.

“Due to high number of existing dams and their potential impact to sensitive water- dependant ecosystems, applications for new or enlarged dams are generally not being approved at this time. 

“However, applications to reconfigure dams to improve on-farm efficiencies are encouraged. 

To find out more about water affecting activities including fact sheets and frequently asked questions about the application process, visit the website or call the offices in Mount Barker (8391 7500) or Willunga.