Campbelltown Friends of the Environment

The Friends of the Environment is a community group based at Campbelltown.

We provide feedback to Council on policies and programs and aim to increase public awareness of environmental issues through information sharing and practical activities.

The group is currently on hiatus for a few months and will reconvene to consider the updated Environmental Management Plan later in the year.

One of our recent projects was:

"Most Liveable Street" Competition

The competition aimed to highlight how streets can demonstrate an ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

This can range from the extent of vegetation, for shading and temperature reduction, to a sense of community that can provide support during hazardous weather events such as extreme heat and storms.

The "Most Liveable Street" wins a commemorative sign for the street and a street BBQ celebration for you and all your neighbours.

Entries will be judged using the following criteria: 

1. Resilient
   How does the street contribute to a more comfortable living environment? (e.g. trees, vegetation, housing design)
   
   
2. Connected
   How does the street encourage connection to other areas promoting health and wellbeing (e.g. walking/cycling trails, nature, community centres, etc.)
   
   
3. Community
   What gives the street a sense of community and connection to others?
   
   
4. Sustainable
   How sustainable is your street? (e.g. do you grow veggies, have a community garden, collect rainwater, share items, have Solar PV, etc.)
   
   
5. Other
   What other elements make your street liveable? (e.g. is there a sense of inclusion, creativity or anything else not addressed above?)

And the winner is...

Riverbank Circuit, Campbelltown

Mark told us: "A great area to live - caring, inclusive, creative and environmentally friendly. Best community I've ever lived in."

Congratulations! 

Who are the FotE?

The group was formed in 2005 in response to a council initiative to gain input from community members interested in environmental issues faced by the council.

The Friends today are a diverse group of people committed to creating a sustainable future and working to get the message out to the community about environmental responsibility and sustainable living.

Some of the group's Activities and Achievements

Input into Council policies on:

• Water
• Energy
• Pet management
• Street trees
• The Biodiversity Garden
• Wadmore Park Management Plan
• Thorndon Park concept plan
• Waste and Recycling booklet

Submission to Adelaide’s 30 Year Plan.

Stalls at Campbelltown Celebrates. Previous displays have included:

• Recycling and waste management
• Water wise gardening
• Edible gardening
• Local parks and biodiversity

Successfully applied for a NRM Achiever Grant to run a “Community Weed Action Project” on the invasive weed Caltrop.

In 2013 the group again received funding for a project entitled:

The Benefits of Trees in the Urban Environment

Did you know that trees in our cities and suburbs Provide shade and cooling effects Provide habitat and food for wildlife Reduce wind intensity Reduce noise and air pollution One large tree produces enough oxygen for four people each day Drivers slow down in tree lined streets Extend the life of bitumen roads Can reduce surface water run-off by up to 20%

What you can do to protect our urban trees Give them a drink when it’s dry Protect roots from soil compaction - don’t park too close Protect trunk from damage - don’t mow too close

The group also ran an art competition for local primary schools.  Students were invited to draw "My Favourite Tree". Over 300 entries were received which made selecting the winners very difficult but first prizes were awarded to:

Sofia in the Reception to Year 3 category

and Clara in the years 4 to 7 category

For more information on the many and varied benefits of trees in our suburbs click here.

The City of Campbelltown is part of the National Urban Forest Alliance which has a Partnership Plan for 2014 - 2020.  It features a case study from Campbelltown and can be read here. 

If you would like to find out more about the Friends please contact Council's Environmental Projects Officer on 8366 9208 or sgraham@campbelltown.sa.gov.au

View the presentation given at the meeting held on 13th September 2016: Energy Presentation by Ken Dyer(2975 kb)