Ecozoning is turning underused grassed areas into native gardens or space for trees. This saves a considerable amount of water as the ecozoned areas are designed to become self-sufficient, requiring little to no water once established.
The City is provided with an allocation of groundwater by the Department of Water and uses that to maintain parks and reserves. This groundwater allocation will be decreasing, so we are looking for ways to become more water efficient.
Ecozoning is a technique that will enable the City to save water and increase biodiversity, while still maintaining areas of irrigated turf in parks and reserves for the community to enjoy.
Water is a finite resource and saving groundwater is critical if the City is to remain sustainable as the climate continues to change and seasons become increasingly unpredictable.
Ecozoning increases biodiversity through careful plant and tree selection to include local and Australian natives that are suited to our conditions and require minimal water, fertiliser, soil amendments and maintenance.
Increasing the areas of native plantings in the City increases habitat and food sources for our local fauna species and, in turn, supports healthy and thriving ecosystems.
Ecozoning helps preserve and protect our trees as their feeder roots do not have to compete with vigorous grass roots, and the eco-zoned areas capture and hold tree debris, which provides nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. This encourages microorganisms to thrive and adds value to the ecosystem.
We will let the community know what areas are being considered for ecozoning before works start so there is the opportunity for residents to provide feedback.