The South Australian Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department for Water will form a single agency after the State Government handed down its 2012-13 Budget.

 

Treasurer Jack Snelling said the merger will bring together all the policy makers, project managers, natural resource planners and scientists in the areas of environment, conservation, water and natural resource planning.

 

“Bringing together the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department for Water will result in a more integrated department able to more effectively manage our natural and water resources with increased efficiency," Mr Snelling said.

 

“The new Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources will continue to focus on managing our unique natural environment and achieving long term water security for South Australians.”

 

The new agency will also see a new Taskforce secretariat entirely committed to the State's efforts with regards to the Basin Plan will be created. The taskforce will focus on the next steps in the process and on engaging the community in South Australia's response. The Chief Executive of this Taskforce will be Mr Scott Ashby, the current head of the Department for Water.

 

The State estimates the formation of the new agency will save an estimated $6.7 million.