About the Hills and Fleurieu region
The Hills and Fleurieu
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 (a shown on this map). 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 region is the traditional lands of the Ngarrindjeri, Peramangk and Kaurna Nations.
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 Mount Lofty Ranges is one of Australia’s 15 biodiversity hotspots, with half of the state’s native plant species and three quarters of its native bird species. Natural assets include grassy woodland habitats, and rare vegetation such as the Mt Compass oak-bush and threatened orchid species, and threatened fauna including 147 species of threatened birds.
Locals and tourists love our beaches and wild coasts. Our coast and marine ecosystems are home to important marine biodiversity, fisheries and habitats for shore and migratory birds. Along the southern coastline, efforts to protect habitat for endangered shorebirds such as the hooded plover are an important conservation focus.
The region supports diverse primary production, including producing world-class food, wine and fibre. Our primary industries contribute 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 region has a mosaic of small and large properties. It is home to strong, connected communities, and has a population of 130,000 people.
Acknowledgement of Country
We have much to learn from First Nations in caring for Country.
The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board respects the Peramangk, Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri Nations as the Traditional Owners of the region and respects First Nations people’s deep knowledge and relationship with Yerta/Ruwe.
We are committed to walking together with First Nations peoples in learning about and managing the landscapes of the region.