State of the Environment 2002
The following is a summary from the South Perth's
State of Environment Report 2002. (1,977KB) Following on from this summary is a snapshot of the condition of the different aspects of South Perth's environment in 2002. The City of South Perth provides a range of dwelling types often found in a conventional garden city suburb and a range of medium to high density housing types. As an inner city area, it has used its land area efficiently and maintained attractive urban and natural environs. The urban environment, is becoming negatively impacted by large volumes of traffic resulting in excessive noise, reduced air quality and declining amenity. The Swan River foreshore and other areas of bushland have contributed to the biodiversity of the area, which is being managed in an effective manner. However, while local biodiversity is in good shape for an urban environment, water quality in many of the local wetlands is negatively impacted by heavy metals and excessive nutrients.
Recycling in the City of South Perth has increased marginally and the volume of material going to land fill is stabilising. These are encouraging signs, but the effort needs to be maintained if the 'zero waste to landfill' target is to be met by 2020. The attributes of the natural heritage of the area has been severely modified but is now recognised with effective management regimes for the reserves and parklands. The built heritage suffered from development during the 1960's and 70's, a possibly avoidable cost of increasing density. However, there remain many fine examples of a range of architectural styles and eras in the City, which are now listed and subject to statutory regulations. Managing the environment for improvement also requires consideration of economic and social issues in an integrated manner. This is the basis of Sustainable Development. There are many gains from adopting and applying long-term sustainable development principles to the full range of Council activities and decision-making. It fosters community participation, resource efficiency and integrated decision making, therefore improving the total human environment. |
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Several of South Perth's
suburbs have disproportionate levels of household energy
consumption. This situation is similar with water
consumption. The efficient use of these resources is an
area in need of attention from the community, Council and
State Government agencies.