The Hills and Fleurieu region spans land and sea, running from Kersbrook in the Adelaide Hills to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula, as far west as the Onkaparinga River in the west, and the Murray Mouth in the east.
Covering 6700 square kilometres of land, ocean and offshore islands, including approximately 170km of coastline, the region is home to around 130,000 people.
The Hills and Fleurieu landscape is a biologically diverse region of South Australia. It is home to over half of the state’s native plant and bird species, it also has some of the most productive primary industries supplying local and international markets.
The region is the traditional lands of the Ngarrindjeri, Peramangk and Kaurna Nations.
Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu respects the Peramangk, Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri Nations as the Traditional Owners of the region and respects First Nations peoples’ deep knowledge and relationship with Yerta/Ruwe. We are committed to walking together with First Nations people in learning about and managing the landscapes of the region.
The region’s Mediterranean climate is getting hotter and drier with substantial decline in spring rainfall and more extreme events, such as storms, heatwaves and fires. Our challenge is to build the resilience of our ecosystems, communities and businesses to survive and adapt to future climate changes. It is also to reduce carbon emissions so that the climate does not become even more extreme here, and around the world.
Groundwater and surface water underpin our agricultural productivity, public water supply for local communities and Adelaide, and water dependent ecosystems. These include significant wetlands such as Fleurieu Swamps and parts of the Ramsar listed Coorong and Lower Lakes system.
The region supports diverse primary production, contributing more than $400 million in value to the South Australian economy each year, with other industries including tourism and retail.
Grazing accounts for more than 45 per cent of land use. Apple, pear and cherry production, together with viticulture, wine making and seafood production, are also significant industries.
The Hills and Fleurieu landscape is a biologically diverse region of South Australia. It is home to over half of the state’s native plant and bird species. Most of the region’s native ecosystems have been cleared since European colonisation, with less than 14% remaining and only 4% protected. This landscape alteration has led to biodiversity loss through habitat loss, pests, and climate change. The decisions of landholders are critical in conserving what remains of the region’s native ecosystems.
Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu respects the Peramangk, Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri Nations as the Traditional Owners of the region and respects First Nations peoples’ deep knowledge and relationship with Yerta/Ruwe. We are committed to walking together with First Nations people in learning about and managing the landscapes of the region.
Adelaide Hills Council, Alexandrina Council, City of Onkaparinga, City of Victor Harbor, District Council of Mount Barker, Yankalilla District Council
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