Environmental sustainability

Environmental sustainability is about finding ways we can enjoy a fantastic quality of life while ensuring future generations have the natural resources they need to live an equal –or better – way of life.

In February 2022, Council adopted its Urban Tree Strategy, which aims to increase citywide tree canopy from 15 to 20 percent by 2045.

To support this, in 2022 Council offered residents the chance to purchase trees at discounted prices and has an active street tree team that plants new trees across the city each year.

Council is also responsible for planting new plants and trees at community sites such as wetlands, reserves and parks which are home to wildlife and places for residents to relax and enjoy. In 2022, this included a community planting day along the Smith Creek Trail. We provide tubestock plants for rural properties through the Buffers to Bushland program, as well as providing residents discounted native plants via our annual 10 for $10 program.

Gardening programs, such as the twice-weekly Community Garden Catch Up at The Precinct connects residents who are passionate about sustainable food production and composting. Council further promotes responsible disposal of food waste through its green bin kerbside collection program.

Many of our parks and reserves use recycled rainwater, Council has installed almost 500kW of solar panels across our buildings and has upgraded street lighting in pedestrian areas to 14W LED lighting.

These are just some of the ways Council uses resources responsibly to help build a more environmentally sustainable Playford.