Environment Management

Glenorchy City Council works to protect and improve the natural environment through environmental education, monitoring, regulation and land management activities.

Council’s Environmental Management team helps manage environmental risks across the municipality and supports actions that protect waterways, natural areas, biodiversity and public health.

What we do

Council’s Environmental Management team undertakes a range of activities across the municipality, including environmental monitoring, compliance, education and natural area management.

Waterway Management

Thirteen waterways drain from the ranges into the Derwent River, playing a vital role in wildlife corridors, water quality, flood protection and aquatic habitat. Council takes regular water samples from the Derwent as part of the Derwent Estuary Program, collecting from sites including Windermere and Elwick bays between December and March each year. Results are published in the State of the Derwent annual report.

If you fish in the Derwent, be aware there are known health considerations around eating wild-caught fish and shellfish — see the Derwent Estuary Program’s seafood safety information for details.

Weed Management

Landholders are responsible for controlling declared weeds on their property. There are two categories:

Zone A — must be eradicated whenever found. In Glenorchy this includes Pampas Grass, Bridal Creeper, Paterson’s Curse and Chilean Needle Grass.

Zone B — must be contained and controlled. Examples include Blackberry, Boxthorn, Spanish Heath, Gorse and Boneseed.

Council prioritises Zone A weeds, then targets Zone B weeds where they threaten nearby bushland, open space or neighbouring properties. For more information, visit the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment or NRM South for non-declared invasive plants.

To report a vegetation or weed fire hazard, contact Council.

Non-declared weeds

There are scores of non-declared weeds in Glenorchy that may threaten bushland and natural areas. For further information on these invasive plants, visit the NRM South webpage:

Natural Area Management

The City includes more than 4,000ha of Wellington Park, spanning the slopes and peaks of Mt. Arthur, Mt. Connection, Tom Thumb and Mt. Hull. Council also manages several bushland parks and reserves including N.R. Pierce Reserve, Poimena Reserve, Jim Bacon Reserve and Lutana Woodland Reserve.

Threatened species found in the municipality include the Eastern-barred Bandicoot, Tasmanian Devil and Wedge-tailed Eagle, as well as notable threatened plants such as Pretty Heath (Wellington Park), Grassland Flaxlily (Lutana), Spur Velleia and Blue Devil (both in West Moonah).

Many areas also contain significant Aboriginal and European heritage features.

Environmental investigations and compliance

Council investigates reports of environmental harm and activities that may negatively affect public land, waterways or the broader environment.

This may include issues such as:

• Pollution incidents
• Illegal dumping and littering
• Hazardous or contaminated waste
• Sediment runoff and stormwater pollution
• Unauthorised vegetation clearing
• Environmental damage on Council-managed land

Where appropriate, Council may take compliance or enforcement action within its jurisdiction under relevant legislation and local laws.

Monitoring and environmental protection

Council monitors environmental conditions and infrastructure to help identify issues and improve environmental health across the municipality.

Monitoring activities may include:

• Stormwater and drainage systems
• Waterway and catchment health
• Sediment and erosion impacts
• Air quality and environmental conditions where relevant
• Environmental impacts associated with development or land use

Environmental monitoring helps Council respond to issues early and support long-term environmental planning and management.

Working with businesses and residents

Council works with businesses, residents and contractors to encourage environmentally responsible practices and compliance with environmental requirements.

This may include:

• Providing advice and information
• Supporting pollution prevention measures
• Promoting waste reduction and recycling
• Encouraging sustainable land management practices
• Assisting with environmental compliance requirements

Education and collaboration are important parts of preventing environmental harm and improving environmental outcomes.

Vegetation and natural area management

Council manages vegetation and natural areas on Council-owned land to support biodiversity, bushfire mitigation and environmental health.

Activities may include:

• Weed and invasive species management
• Native vegetation protection
• Revegetation and habitat restoration
• Bushland and reserve maintenance
• Erosion control and land stabilisation
• Environmental rehabilitation projects

Council aims to balance environmental protection with recreation, community use and risk management.

Report an environmental issue

Residents can help protect the environment by reporting environmental concerns to Council.

Issues that should be reported may include:

• Pollution or chemical spills
• Illegal dumping
• Hazardous waste or asbestos concerns
• Stormwater pollution
• Unauthorised clearing or environmental damage
• Significant littering or contamination

Providing details such as the location, time, photographs and a description of the issue can assist Council in investigating reports.

Environmental emergencies

For serious environmental emergencies or incidents that present an immediate risk to human health or the environment, contact the Environment Protection Authority Tasmania (EPA Tasmania).

24-hour hotline: 0419 004 699

EPA Tasmania

Sustainability

Environmental management forms part of Council’s broader sustainability and climate change work.

Council also undertakes programs and initiatives relating to:

• Sustainability and resource efficiency
• Climate change adaptation and resilience
• Waste reduction and recycling
• Environmental education and community awareness
• Sustainable infrastructure and planning

More information is available in the Sustainability and Climate Change section of the website.