The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation was established in 2002 with an objective to improve sustainability through the integration and management of all of the State's natural resources and to achieve improved health and productivity of our biodiversity, water, land and marine resources.  The department works closely with the NRM Council and the eight Regional NRM Boards to achieve these goals. 

Natural resources used sustainably to enhance quality of life.

Department's Mission

• Integrated management of all of South Australia's natural resources.
• Improved health and productivity of our biodiversity, water, land and marine resources.
• Community, industry, governments and other stakeholders working together to achieve high quality natural resource management outcomes.
• There is greater capability and willingness to invest in natural resource management to provide a sustained funding base.
• Wise resource allocation provides for the best environmental, social and economic outcomes

In working towards the achievement of its vision and mission, the Department engages with other States/Territories, the Federal Government, Local Government, entities such as the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, key stakeholder groups, and the wider community.

The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation manages a number of business functions associated with the management of the State's natural resources including, but not limited to, the following:

• provision of natural resource management policy advice to Government;
• issuing of water licenses and permits and managing the allocation of the State's water resources;
• providing advice on development;
• supporting land managers with technical advice on sustainable land management practices;
• community capacity building;
• working with the community in the management of pest animals and pest plants;
• assessments in response to native vegetation clearance applications;
• salinity management advice;
• coordination of joint State/Federal initiatives; and
• management of infrastructure assets.