Changes to natural resources management law in South Australia and its impact on local government

South Australia is about to enter a new era of natural resource management with the passage of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 . The new legislation repeals and amends a number of existing statutes and seeks to develop a more comprehensive and holistic approach to natural resource management across the State. Whilst local government has no direct statutory role as an administrative authority in the management processes envisaged by the new legislation, it is nevertheless seen as a "key participant" in the new regime, in part because of its close connections to local communities and its role in regional and local planning. This article outlines the key areas where local government authorities may have a future participative role in natural resource management in South Australia.Paul Leadbete