There are those in a community that spruik an opinion, but at the end of the day do not back up that opinion with action.
But City of Victor Harbor councillor Marilyn Henderson, who is in her second term of council has always maintained a strong stance on protecting the environment.
Dr Henderson has been appointed the Presiding Member of the Native Vegetation Council, a state body.
“I feel both honoured and excited by this role and was one I was not expecting,” Dr Henderson said.
The position is a Ministerial appointment with the appointment coming from the Minister for the Environment and Deputy Premier, Susan Close. “I was chosen for my Governance skills and it is a huge honour and privilege,” Dr Henderson said.
The Presiding Member of the Native Vegetation Council is a memberof the council with additional responsibilities.
The Presiding Member is expected to be a strategic leader of the council and be the representative for external requests, including meetings with key stakeholders and media opportunities;
work with the Executive in the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), the Native Vegetation Branch (NV Manager and Staff; provide leadership to improve the performance and effectiveness of the council in delivering its functions under the Native Vegetation Act;
run effective council meetings and work with DEW staff in determining the agenda; lead the council in navigating complex matters.
Dr Henderson is aware of the many challenges that will confront the council under her leadership.
“The major challenge is how we protect Native Vegetation whilst allowing for economic development; including how we increase Renewable Energy (Wind and Solar) without compromising our Native Vegetation,” she said. “The Native Vegetation Council is where Legislation meets Reality.
“The Native Vegetation Council is an independent body established by the Native Vegetation Act, 1991 and it’s key functions are to keep the condition of the native vegetation of the State under review, advise the Minister in relation to preservation, enhancement and management of existing native vegetation, the re-establishment of native vegetation on land where native vegetation has been cleared or degraded and research into the preservation, enhancement and management of native vegetation.
“The Native Vegetation Council also assesses and responds to applications referred to Council under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act, 2016 and determines applications for consent to clear native vegetation.
“It also encourages research into, and the re-establishment of, native vegetation on land which has been cleared and administers the Native Vegetation Fund.
“Through its stewardship of South Australia’s environment and natural assets the Native Vegetation Council is partnering with the South Australian Government to grow South Australia as a liveable and prosperous State.
