Adelaide’s National Park City bid calls for community support: sign the charter

Adelaide’s pitch at winning an internationally-recognised nature title will be bolstered by people power – and you can play a part.

Public support will be crucial to Adelaide’s bid to become a National Park City through signing a charter launched Saturday.

Green Adelaide, the state government’s landscape management agency for the Greater Adelaide region, is spearheading the campaign to make the state’s capital the world’s next National Park City (NPC), second only to London.

Several cities are vying for NPC status, which would encourage nature-based tourism, attract more funding for environmental projects and allow clear branding for the state based on our exceptional natural environment.

The application for the coveted title will be lodged by the end of the year. The National Park City Foundation, based in London, will then decide within weeks if the application meets all five criteria.

Environment Minister David Speirs said community support was the “heart and soul of the movement” and vital to the bid’s success.

Polar explorer Tim Jarvis, now leading the Forktree Project, with Trees for Life chief executive Natasha Davis at Cleland Wildlife Park. Picture: Tom Huntley

“It’s about inspiring everyone to come together and work towards a shared vision for a nature-connected lifestyle,” he said.

“We know that in doing that there are economic, environmental and wellbeing benefits for our city now as well as for future generations.”

Adelaide’s Charter is integral to the state’s bid and developed in partnership with local councils, community groups, Kaurna elders and others. The charter is a shared vision of nine environmental and cultural goals for the city including climate resilience, natural habitats that enhance health and wellbeing, and connecting people to nature.

“It honours our Aboriginal culture and focuses on our iconic Australian wildlife, and our action to mitigate climate change for future generations,” Mr Speirs said.

Antarctic explorer, author and filmmaker Tim Jarvis, who is striving to address the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss through his Forktree Project at Myponga, wants everyone to back the “fantastic” bid.

SIGN THE CHARTER HERE

“People need to sign the charter, because that’s one of the five steps (to NPC status) and that’s the key thing. All of the others are under way, which is great,” he said.

“But it can’t automatically happen without people’s involvement. People need to sign it.” Trees for Life chief executive Natasha Davis said nature should become central to decision making.

“We’re very excited to be part of the NPC movement,” she said. “Trees For Life has thousands of supporters who are already deeply committed to biodiversity and greening.

“We’re going to see more urban greening, we’re going to see more opportunities for people to get involved in practical activities that really make a difference – and really make Adelaide the most amazing place to live in the world.”

Business SA chief executive Martin Haese. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Business SA chief executive and former lord mayor Martin Haese said becoming the world’s second NPC made “perfect sense”.

“Already the third-most liveable city in the world, it plays to our strengths as a leader in environmental innovation and recognises our distinct point of difference with our city centre surrounded by the world-famous Adelaide Park Lands,” he said.

“As the world’s second NPC, Adelaide has an opportunity to attract more residents, tourists, investment and jobs – more reasons why Adelaide is a great place to live, grow and do business.”

Tourism Industry Council South Australia chief executive Shaun de Bruyn said winning the bid “would be a major coup for not only Adelaide, but SA at large”.

“This prestigious title would present invaluable opportunities for global recognition and help attract new visitors to our state when international borders reopen, boosting our recovery from Covid-19,” he said.

“This title would enable more investment and interest in nature-based tourism, allowing us to advance our innovative visitor experiences within this space, which is particularly relevant considering that consumers are seeking these types of experiences now more than ever.

“Now is the time to build on Adelaide’s status as the world’s third-most liveable city and show that we are also green leaders.”

The Advertiser’s gardening writer, Michael Keelan, said NPC status would provide incentive to reach for a higher standard for Adelaide’s public parks and gardens and private backyards.

“If there was one tag to aim for it would be an accolade for the city and state that treasures its trees,” he said.

Adelaide’s majestic birds of prey will be the focus of a new re-wilding project. Picture: Craig Greer Photography

Spotlight on Adelaide’s powerful predators

Perched high above our city streets and suburban beaches, Adelaide’s raptors have largely gone unnoticed – until now.

The birds are the focus of a Green Adelaide “rewilding” research project to monitor raptor breeding sites and improve habitat for these birds of prey.

Green Adelaide board chairman Professor Chris Daniels said protecting raptors’ habitats and raising public awareness would help to secure their populations in urban areas. “Birds of prey play an essential role in the environment and promote urban biodiversity,” he said.

“We know that the fear created by raptors can scare other species away, and this can be a form of natural pest control.

“Research also shows that interactions with birds supports people’s wellbeing, and charismatic raptors are often used as flagship species to support and fund conservation programs.”

Ian Falkenberg, of the BirdLife Australia Raptor Group, said some did very well in a city environment.

Peregrine falcoln, Barossa. Picture: Craig Greer Photography

White bellied Sea Eagle. Picture: Craig Greer Photography

“The rare peregrine falcon nests on city buildings and can sometimes be seen hunting feral pigeons around the CBD,” he said.

“North of Adelaide in the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park you can see 14 of Australia’s 24 species of raptors. There are few places where you can see this many raptors in one area.”

Environment Minister David Speirs said he hoped to encourage more birds into the CBD.

“Many people may not notice raptors such as peregrine falcons nesting on top of the Westpac building in the city, or other species soaring and darting overhead through the suburbs,” he said.

“It is exciting when you spot these birds above, and it’s a stark reminder that our city can support amazing top-order predators.”