SA’s new-look environmental report cards
17 October 2018
SA Government:
South Australia has well managed
water
including the River Murray but faces challenges with
biodiversity loss
and the changing climate according to 41
environment report cards released today.
Environment and Water Minister David Speirs said the report cards track
the trend and condition of the environment and provide governments and
environmental groups strong information for decisions to be made.
“The report cards we are releasing today give the most complete picture
we’ve ever had on the successes and challenges in managing our
environment,” said Minister Speirs.
“They provide a snapshot of the state’s environmental trends and
condition as well as insight into how effectively we are managing our
environment across the state.
“What they show us is that there are areas where good management
practices are making a real difference, especially when it comes to
water management.
“This landscape-scale management provides a strong base for us to build
on in the shaping of the new natural resources management reforms which
are currently underway.”
The report cards cover six themes including; climate, our rivers and
streams, including the River Murray, land, coast and marine, and
air
quality. The report cards track state-wide changes over time, drawing on
over 30 years of data.
“The report cards also show clear trends for South Australia’s climate,
with rainfall decreasing and temperatures increasing,” said Minister
Speirs.
“The new government’s recent budget put a focus on continuing our
transition toward more
renewable energy as well as investing in
practical measures to protect our environment against the changing
climate.
“This included our $184 million energy solution, including $100 million
home battery storage subsidy scheme, $10 million to establish Glenthorne
National Park in
Adelaide’s southern suburbs, $5.2 million for coastal protection and
$2 million for Greener Neighbourhoods."
Minister Speirs added that the report cards show some encouraging
trends, such as halting the decline of wetlands along the River Murray
which are showing signs of improvement thanks to water delivered under
the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
“The report cards also show an improvement in mangrove and seagrass
cover across the state which is important for protecting our coastline
and improving
water quality.”
For a copy of the report cards visit https://data.environment.sa.gov.au/Trend-and-condition-reports/
--ENDS--
Source: South Australian Government - www.premier.sa.gov.au
Contact: N/A
External Links: https://data.environment.sa.gov.au/Trend-and-condition-reports/
Recent news by: South Australian Government