Climate change is already affecting our City, with hotter days, heavier rainfall, rising seas, and changing natural systems. These shifts are bringing new risks to our homes, health, environment, and economy.
But with the right planning and action, we can adapt. Together, we can reduce the impacts of climate change and build a stronger, more resilient community. Here's what we’re focusing on:
- Responding to local climate risks like heatwaves, flooding, drought, and coastal erosion
- Investing in green spaces, water security, and climate-smart infrastructure
- Working with nature to protect biodiversity and natural systems
- Preparing for economic shifts as we move toward a low-carbon future
Adelaide is heating up.
By 2050, average temperatures could rise by 1.5-3°C, bringing more heatwaves and extreme heat days. This puts pressure on our health, environment, and lifestyle.
Some areas are hotter than others.
A 2017 heat map of western Adelaide showed that:
- Neighbourhoods with more concrete and less greenery stay hotter.
- Areas with higher social and health needs are most affected.
This is the Urban Heat Island Effect, made worse by growing population and housing density.
Why trees matter.
As backyards shrink and hard surfaces expand, we’re losing valuable tree cover. Trees cool the air, provide shade, and reduce heat-related illness.
What Council is doing:
- Implementing the Tree Canopy Improvement Strategy (2021-2045)
- Mapping hotspots to guide planting
- Prioritising greening in hot suburbs
- Using cooler materials in roads and paths
- Promoting water-sensitive urban design
What you can do:
- Plant trees or shrubs at home or on your verge
- Use lighter paving to reflect heat
- Join community planting events
- Talk to neighbours about greening your street
Together, we can cool our city.
Why Flooding Matters in Our Area
Charles Sturt is flat, low-lying, and near the coast, making it especially vulnerable to flooding. Many suburbs have long histories of flood impacts.
Climate change is making this worse through:
- More intense, short bursts of rain causing flash floods
- Rising sea levels slowing stormwater flow and raising water tables
- Higher groundwater levels, especially near the coast
How We’re Responding
We use climate data to guide flood planning, focusing on:
- Upgrading drains and infrastructure to handle heavier rain
- Designing systems for future conditions
- Working with the community on preparedness
What’s Already Underway
- New drains and flood detention basins
- Restoring wetlands and rain gardens to absorb water
- Reviewing development policies to reduce risk
What You Can Do
- Keep drains clear of debris
- Use rain gardens or water tanks to reduce runoff
- Check your flood risk (via Council or the SA Flood Awareness Map)
- Stay alert during major rain events
Together, we can make our city more flood resilient.
A Drier Future for Adelaide
With climate change, Adelaide is facing:
- Less rainfall, especially in winter and spring
- Hotter, drier conditions that increase water use
- Longer droughts that stress parks, gardens, and ecosystems
These changes affect our environment, health, and quality of life.
Lessons from the Millennium Drought
During the Millennium Drought, water restrictions made it difficult to maintain green spaces. Recovery was costly and slow, highlighting the need for long-term water solutions.
Our Response: Waterproofing the West
In partnership with government and Port Adelaide Enfield, Charles Sturt launched Waterproofing the West, a major project to recycle stormwater and reduce flood risks. It includes:
- Wetlands and biofilters at key sites
- Aquifer storage to capture winter stormwater for summer use
- 36 km of ‘purple pipe’ to irrigate parks and sports fields
- Recycled water supply for homes and businesses
Council also holds a Water Industry Retail Licence, allowing us to sell recycled water and ease pressure on drinking supplies.
What You Can Do
- Use mulch and drought-tolerant plants
- Install rainwater tanks
- Report water leaks in public spaces
- Ask about connecting to the purple pipe network (if available)
Using water wisely helps keep our city green and resilient.
Nature is Under Pressure
Climate change is one of many challenges facing our natural environment. Hotter temperatures, changing rainfall, and extreme weather can stress plants, animals, and ecosystems—and threaten the green spaces we all value.
At the same time, there’s a growing global push to protect and restore nature. International agreements, national laws, and local action are all working toward a nature-positivefuture, where we not only reduce harm but actively restore and care for the environment.
What’s Driving the Change?
One major initiative is the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). It helps organisations understand how their decisions affect nature and how nature affects their operations. It’s similar to the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which focuses on climate risks.
For local councils like Charles Sturt, it’s about thinking differently:
- How do our parks, trees, wetlands, and biodiversity help protect us from climate impacts?
- How can we invest in nature to make our city more resilient and liveable?
What Council is Doing
Through our Climate Change Response Plan, we’re:
- Protecting and restoring green spaces, wetlands, and natural systems
- Prioritising urban greening in heat-prone suburbs
- Supporting biodiversity through nature-friendly planning and design
- Working with partners to value nature in decision-making
What You Can Do
- Plant native species in your garden to support local wildlife
- Join a local environmental group or volunteer for revegetation projects
- Explore our local parks and natural areas and help care for them
- Reduce pollution by picking up litter and limiting chemicals in gardens and drains
Every small action supports a healthier, more resilient environment for everyone.
Australia’s Climate Commitments
Australia is part of the global effort to limit climate change. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, we’ve committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. In 2022, Australia’s national emissions targets were written into law, meaning change is not just likely, it’s already happening.
This shift affects everyone: businesses, governments, and communities.
What Does It Mean for Councils?
Moving away from fossil fuels brings both challenges and opportunities. For councils like Charles Sturt, it means adapting to new rules, technologies, and expectations, including:
- New reporting requirements for carbon emissions (e.g. TCFD, Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards)
- Rising costs of fossil-fuelled petrol, diesel, gas and electricity
- New technologies, like electric trucks and low-emission materials
- Market changes as industries decarbonise
We want to harness the local opportunities:
- Lower energy costs through rooftop solar, better insulation, and energy-efficient appliances
- Local job creation in trades, renewable energy, construction, recycling, and sustainable landscaping
- Community-led initiatives, like repair cafés, tool libraries, or shared transport services
- Healthier homes and neighbourhoods with cleaner air, cooler streets, and more green space
- Support for small businesses to innovate, reduce waste, and become more sustainable
- Support for households and community groups to make climate-smart choices
These opportunities not only help the environment but also create a more connected, resilient community that benefits from sustainable growth.
What Council is Doing
- Reviewing our operations and assets to lower emissions
- Supporting local businesses and industries in our value chain to adapt
- Planning for future technologies and energy systems
- Partnering with other councils and levels of government
What You Can Do
- Support local businesses making sustainable choices
- Look into electric vehicles, solar, or home energy efficiency upgrades
- Stay informed about climate policy and emerging green opportunities
- Talk to your workplace or community group about how they’re planning for change
The move to a low-carbon future is already underway. By acting early, we can ensure our community benefits from the transition.