The Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association (LCSF) has welcomed the release of the rebadged Limestone Coast Regional Plan, praising the State Government for listening to community feedback and delivering a renewed planning framework that prioritises the region’s most valuable agricultural and water assets.
LCSF Chair Todd Woodard said the updated Plan – which has removed the Koppamurra mining project as a regional priority – reflects sustained local advocacy calling for stronger land-use protections and greater certainty for farmers, landholders and regional communities concerned about the impacts of rare earth mining.
“This Plan demonstrates that the Government has listened. The emphasis on detailed land capability mapping and the clear identification of productive agricultural land represents a significant and positive shift,” Mr Woodard said.
“It provides clarity and transparency and gives some confidence that the food and fibre industries underpinning the Limestone Coast economy will be protected from incompatible land uses. Clear mapping of productive land allows farmers and regional businesses to invest and plan for the long term with confidence.”
Mr Woodard also welcomed the Plan’s recognition that groundwater is fundamental to the Limestone Coast’s economy and liveability, and its requirement to plan for appropriate post-mining land uses to ensure land is returned to productive or environmentally beneficial outcomes.
“The Limestone Coast is one of South Australia’s most productive regions. This Plan appears to move beyond the ‘dig and depart’ legacy of the past by prioritising long-term accountability, water security and land stewardship,” he said.
Mr Woodard praised the consistent local advocacy from local supporters, promoting the #SaveOurSoils campaign through the engagement process, to enact the transformative rewrite.
“This renewed Plan marks a decisive shift from enabling mining to managing it through stronger planning controls, clearer limits and an explicit priority on agriculture, water security and environmental resilience,” he said.
“We genuinely thank the Government for committing to evidence-based planning and placing regional voices at the centre of decision-making.”
Looking ahead, Mr Woodard said LCSF is keen to work constructively with PIRSA and local councils to support the land capability mapping process and ensure it delivers meaningful, on-the-ground outcomes.
“It is essential that this PIRSA-led work includes appropriate independent scrutiny. We are seeking a robust and transparent process to ensure no productive agricultural land is overlooked.
“Ultimately, we want this Plan to drive lasting action that supports and grows our food, fibre and wine sectors—not another report that sits on a shelf until the next review.”