Help shape a greener, more engaged and resilient community

The draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS) acts as Council’s environmental roadmap. It outlines Council's vision, priorities and actions to protect and improve the environment, reduce environmental impacts, and support a sustainable and resilient future for the City of Prospect.

Our previous Environmental Action Plan was written back in 2018. While it helped us achieve great things, like starting our Green Tunnel Planting Program, shifting Council operations to renewable energy, and expanding water-smart street designs, environmental expectations and State and Federal Government legislation and priorities have changed significantly since then. This new draft strategy updates our targets to keep Prospect ahead of the curve.

The draft was shaped by Council staff and Elected Members, early conversations with community and partner organisations, and established state and regional benchmarks. This consultation is the community's opportunity to test and improve it before it's finalised.

Yes, absolutely. The draft strategy tackles climate change on two fronts. First, it aims to reduce emissions across Council operations and the wider community (mitigation). Second, it puts practical measures in place to help our city adapt to a changing climate, such as planting more trees to lower urban heat during hot summers and improving stormwater systems to handle sudden flash flooding (adaptation).

The draft Strategy is designed to deliver you a greener, cooler and more sustainable Prospect through greener public spaces, improved biodiversity, reduced waste, more sustainable practices, increased community awareness, and a more resilient community.

Yes, in a supportive way. Local businesses are major contributors to our local economy and our environment. The draft strategy may create opportunities for businesses to participate in sustainability initiatives, improve resource efficiency, and contribute to environmental outcomes across the city.

The expansion of the Weekly Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) Collection Trial is a key action within the draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy. By diverting food and garden waste from landfill, FOGO helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve resource recovery, and support state waste reduction targets set out in Accelerating SA’s transition to a circular economy: South Australia’s waste strategy 2025–2030. More information on the Weekly FOGO Trial can be found here: prospect.sa.gov.au/FOGO

The draft Strategy includes measurable indicators for every action so progress can be monitored and reported. Council is also considering broader headline targets in key areas such as emissions reduction, urban canopy growth and waste diversion. Community feedback received during this consultation will help inform the final approach.

Council can’t achieve these targets alone - real sustainability is a team effort. Residents, schools, local businesses, and community groups all play a vital role. The draft strategy focuses heavily on providing the community with the education, funding incentives, and volunteer support needed to make sustainable living accessible for everyone.

Feedback can be provided through the community survey, feedback form, written submission, or by participating in consultation activities.

Community feedback can help shape the final Environmental Sustainability Strategy by identifying priorities, highlighting local environmental issues, and suggesting improvements to proposed actions and initiatives. While the Strategy's overall purpose and legislative obligations are already established, Council is seeking feedback on whether the proposed vision, themes and actions reflect the community's expectations and aspirations for a sustainable Prospect.

Once consultation closes on Sunday 16 August, we’ll collate and analyse community feedback and provide Council with a full Community Engagement Report, as well as make amendments to the draft ESS based on community feedback. Council will then consider community feedback before endorsing the final ESS. The Community Engagement Report will also be published publicly on our Engagement Hub.