Forestry Water Policy in South Australia : Review of the History and Policy Change Process in the South-East of South Australia

Plantation forestry has existed and shared water resources in Australia since the late 19th century, but to date no jurisdiction in the world has called on the forestry industry to consider its impact on the natural environment or other consumptive users. In this regard, South Australia leads the nation in managing the water resources impacts of plantation forestry. The forestry water policy transition in South Australia - to include forestry in a Water Allocation Plan (WAP) alongside other water users (such as irrigators) - is heralding institutional innovation relating to forestry water management in Australia and worldwide