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 |
Future Projects
| Parks & Reserves |
ESTIMATED Area TO BE Converted (m2) |
Estimated Groundwater Savings (kL/year) |
| Blackford Street Reserve |
800 |
300 |
| 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.