Environment
The natural environment is one of the things we love most about Mount Barker district. Our cherished wetlands, trees, wildlife habitat, parks and open spaces make this a very desirable place to live, work and visit.
Like many other districts, Mount Barker faces threats to our environment, including climate change, biodiversity loss and increasing waste. As a fast-growing district, our challenge is to manage our growth in environmentally sustainable ways.
Environment Strategy
On February 5, 2018 Council adopted the Mount Barker District Council Environment Strategy 2018-2023: A Smaller Footprint for Mount Barker District
This is one of several lead strategies to inform the implementation of the Mount Barker 2035 District Strategic Plan. The Environment Strategy provides a framework for all to participate in protecting our environment. It aligns local environmental objectives with broad strategic goals; provides guidance for environmental initiatives that is informed by existing and emerging environmental challenges and opportunities as well as a strong understanding of community needs and priorities; and it provides a framework for monitoring and measuring progress of our environmental initiatives.
Read the Environment Strategy in full: Environment Strategy Environment Strategy 2018
Read a summary of the Environment Strategy: Summary Pamphlet Environment Strategy Summary
Read a summary of the consultation process: Environment Strategy summary of Consultation Process
Environment Matters Newsletter
Copies of the newsletter informing the community on environmental related matters is available on the publications page.
Submission to the Inquiry on Improving the Resilience of the Urban Forest
The Environment, Resources and Development Committee (ERDC) has resolved to conduct an inquiry into the urban forest. 2. The Committee will inquire into and report on:
- Best practice and innovative measures to assist in the selection and maintenance of site appropriate tree species to improve the resilience of the urban forest, with a focus on trees for urban infill developments;
- Legislative and regulatory options to improve the resilience and longevity of trees comprising the urban forest; and
- Any other related matters.
Council's submission includes recommendations for:
- best practices and innovative measures to assist in the selection and maintenance of site appropriate tree species in urban infill developments.
- Recommends exploring legislative and regulatory options to improve the resilience and longevity of trees in the urban forest, particularly in areas with higher risks of bushfire.
- Suggests ensuring that at least one tree is planted per new dwelling and establishing green infrastructure networks that link parks, reserves, and other open spaces to create corridors for wildlife and increase urban biodiversity.
- Recommends increasing funding and resources for research on the urban forest.