Developing strong natural resource management policy takes time, money, and community input. But that effort means little without effective implementation and enforcement. In South Australia’s Mount Lofty Ranges, water allocation plans regulate how much water can be sustainably captured in farm dams. These rules are critical, yet hundreds of illegal dams have recently been discovered, threatening long-term water security.
This presentation highlights why confronting non-compliance is essential. It explores how educating landholders about their legal responsibilities supports better outcomes, and how new remote sensing technology can help with future surveillance. We’ll share early wins and lessons learned, proving that good planning must be backed by action. To protect both community needs and environmental health, we must not only make the rules but be ready to uphold them.
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Authors:
Brett Ibbotson
