Listening to our landscape: Insights from the 2025 Landscape Conversations
In August and September, Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu brought together community members, landholders, councils, industry and environmental groups for a series of Landscape Conversations – an opportunity to imagine the future of our region and help shape priorities for the next Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Plan (2026–2031).
Across four workshops, participants shared what a thriving Hills and Fleurieu looks like: a place where ecosystems are healthy and resilient, communities are connected and empowered, land use is both sustainable and productive and the region is low-carbon and climate-ready.
To get there, people called for more support for on-ground action – tackling pests and weeds, restoring habitat, protecting waterways and helping landholders access the tools and resources they need. Stronger partnerships and collaboration were also seen as essential, with a clear appetite for agencies, councils, community groups and landholders to work together toward shared goals.
Participants also highlighted the importance of education and capacity building, particularly engaging new landholders and young people in caring for the landscape. It was highlighted that regulations were sometimes seen as inconsistent and many agreed that stronger compliance, monitoring and creative reward systems could drive better outcomes.
The next step is for the Landscape Board to begin drafting the 2026–2031 Landscape Plan, using these insights to set clear directions and priorities for the years ahead.
Our thanks to everyone who took part and shared their ideas. Your voices are shaping the future of our landscapes.
Read more about the process here.
