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Since announcing its commitment to act on the climate emergency in 2020, City of Stonnington continues to work towards future-proofing the city to minimise the effects of increasing temperatures and extreme weather events.  

To reduce water used for irrigation, Council has converted many of their sports fields to drought-tolerant surfaces and introduced efficient irrigation systems for parks and sports fields. Many of their gardens and streetscapes include indigenous and drought-tolerant plant species to reduce water use and rainwater tanks have been installed in parks and Council buildings.

Increasing water temperatures this La Niña year are expected to bring heavier rain events, and more intense downpours causing major flooding which will impact the city including valued open space areas, roads, homes, businesses, and waterways.

Ensuring a water sensitive city will help Council respond to these rain events and other future climate impacts, including periods of drought.

City of Stonnington Mayor, Jami Kilisaris, says that declaring a climate emergency isn’t just about preventing carbon emissions, but also accepting that we live in a changing climate and need to adapt accordingly and future-proof our city.  

Mayor Kilisaris notes “we know that we can expect more extreme weather events, including heavier rain events and storms. We’re adapting to this by making the most of water as it moves through the city and reducing its impact on local waterways.

“To do this, we’ve installed over 140 water sensitive urban design assets throughout the city. These include raingardens, wetlands, tree pits and permeable pavements.

“We've also invested significant resources in regenerating our key waterways such as the Yarra River, Gardiners Creek and Scotchmans Creek at the Malvern Valley Golf Course.

“All of our building projects include rainwater capture and reuse in their design as well as water-efficient fittings and fixtures.

“Adapting to and preventing further climate change is everyone’s responsibility, and we take our role in this very seriously.”

To find out more about how the City of Stonnington is ensuring the municipality is climate-ready, visit Sustainable Stonnington.

Image: To reduce water used for irrigation, City of Stonnington has converted many of their sports fields to drought-tolerant surfaces and introduced efficient irrigation systems for parks and sports fields. 

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