Biodiversity

Introduction

Eucalyptus leaves and nuts

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life within a particular area - the different types of species of plants and animals. We are fortunate to have over 400 hectares of natural open space and a number of key reserves, corridors and wetlands that support a number of species of native plants and animals.

Our role in biodiversity

Our Parks Department and specialist biodiversity staff are involved in the protection, enhancement and management of the City's natural open space, while our Natural Resource Management Team is responsible for on-ground works such as revegetation, weed control, bushland monitoring and bushcare activities across the City. We also employ two specialist Biodiversity Officers who are responsible for the planning and management of all biodiversity related activities and the development of targets and policy relevant to the care and preservation of biodiversity assets. They are also responsible for the research and collation of information for community education.

Biodiversity programs and projects

Weed management

We are responsible for controlling declared weeds, weeds of national significance and other problematic weeds found on Council land. Declared weeds species have been identified as plants that can cause significant agricultural, environmental and social impacts. The City of Tea Tree Gully works closely with adjoining councils and the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board to control and, in some instances, eradicate these pests.

Revegetation

Reintroducing local native flora by way of our revegetation program is an ongoing initiative that involves schools, volunteer groups, our own staff and contractors. During the planting months from May to September, hundreds of people participate in National Tree Day, World Environment Day and other planting events in a bid to provide habitat for native fauna and enhance the City's beautiful landscape.

To get involved in our volunteer planting days, please contact us.

Bushcare

Special Bushcare activities are carried out by Council staff and volunteers on several of the City's flora and fauna reserves.

Bushcare is the management of remnant vegetation and protects and enhances all levels of vegetation that may have existed throughout the region prior to development.

Bushcare requires a high level of skill in identifying local native plants and weed species and many of the volunteers are trained and coordinated by 'Bush for Life' (part of the 'Trees for Life') organisation, and provide an invaluable service.

Wetlands

As part of the Waterproofing Northern Adelaide (WNA) project, Council has developed wetlands, aquifer storage and recovery schemes (ASRs) and pipework to store and harvest stormwater which can then be used to irrigate the City's parks and reserves

Kingfisher Wetland (Kingfisher Drive, Modbury Heights), Solandra Wetland (Ladywood Road, Modbury North) and the Torrens Mahogany Wetland (Mahogany Avenue, Highbury) will all be connected to existing or new ASR schemes and will serve to reduce Council's reliance on mains water for irrigation purposes.

Not only do these wetlands collect and store stormwater, but they also provide valuable habitat. All wetlands in the City have been planted with local native aquatic species that provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. These sedges and rushes also perform an important function in capturing nutrients and heavy metals, thereby cleansing the water that passes through the wetland.

Roadside Marker Scheme

Council's Roadside Marker Scheme is a voluntary system that helps identify areas of high quality roadside vegetation and areas of historical and cultural significance. Marker plates attached to posts discretely identify these areas and helps protect the sites from roadworks, roadside maintenance, stockpiling and other potentially damaging activities.

Biodiversity sites

Although the City has lost much of its biodiversity since European settlement, it is still more fortunate than many urban councils having retained over 400 hectares of natural open space. We have a number of biodiversity sites that the community can enjoy. Listed below are just a handful of sites that are great places to enjoy walks, native plant and wildflower spotting and bird watching.