Eco-zoning

What is Eco-zoning?

Eco-zoning is the conversion of underutilised turfed areas into native garden areas. Ultimately this allows for minimal water to support an area that once sustained turf, saving large volumes of water.The newly eco-zoned areas within the City are designed to become self-sufficient within one to two years of installation, at which time the native garden areas will not receive irrigation at all.

When did the City begin Eco-zoning?

In February 2011 an exciting new Eco-zoning program was introduced into the City. This water conservation initiative forms part of the City’s Water Efficiency Action Plan and Greening Plan implementation schedule. 

What are the benefits of Eco-zoning?

As well as reducing the pressure on groundwater for the use in irrigation, eco-zoning increases the biodiversity through careful species selection. The selected species include local and Australian natives that are adapted to our local 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. Supporting and caring for our local systems leads to healthy and thriving eco-systems. 

Completed Projects

Below is a list of completed eco-zoning projects. 

Parks & Reserves  Area Converted (m2) Estimated Groundwater Savings (kL/year)
Keith Frame Reserve 2,945 1,104

Loftus Median Strip

3,400 1,275
Kyilla Park 1,240 1,778
Woodville Reserve 4,180 1,568
Ellesmere Street Reserve  3,170 1,189
Birdwood Square 5,900 2,213
Charles/Vincent Street Reserve  344 129
Britannia Road Reserve                  42,140                                          15,803
Mick Michael Reserve 2,270 851
Les Lilleyman Reserve  6,470 2,426
Menzies Park 4,720 1,770
Charles/Walcott Street road reserve 650 244
Anzac/Scarborough Beach road reserve 850 319
Banks Reserve 9,530 3,574
London Street road reserve 1,035 388
Brentham Street Reserve  7,130 2,674
Beatty Park Reserve                                                      9,100                                  3,413
Monmouth Street Reserve  500 188
Edinboro Street Reserve                                 1,840 690
Charles Veryard Reserve 12,400 4,650
Blackford Street Reserve 800 300

Future Projects

Parks & Reserves ESTIMATED Area TO BE Converted (m2) Estimated Groundwater Savings (kL/year)
Jack Marks Reserve  2,430 911
Scarborough/Bondi/Main Street Reserve 2,230 836
Bourke Street Reserve 2,205 827
Leake/Alma Street Reserve 1,150 431

Big Picture

In total, the City intends to convert 25 turfed areas around the City to native garden areas, overall decreasing the total area of turf by around 13.3ha.

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