We do not inherit the earth from our parents, we borrow it from our children

(indigenous people's proverb)



What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is about ensuring quality of life, that the natural resources on which life depends upon can be maintained for the use of present and future generations. It requires the basic understanding of the relationships between environmental, economic, cultural and social systems now and in the future.

There have been numerous debates as to the real definition of sustainability. To some degree this has been a stumbling block to the acceptance and implementation of Ecological Sustainable Development principles.

In essence, Ecological Sustainable Development requires us to use, conserve and enhance our natural resources so that the ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained, and the total quality of life, now and in the future, is improved. It's about living within our means, to meet the needs and not the wants of present and future generations.

Maintaining our natural resources, such as water, air, food, biological diversity of living things, is essential for human survival and prosperity. Our renewable resources should not be used at a rate greater than the rate of natural replenishment.

For information on sustainability go to: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/sustainability/index.html

Sustainability - internationally

The term 'sustainability' or 'sustainable development' originated in the 1987 World Commission on Environment and Development publication, Our Common Future (also known as the Bruntland Report). It defines sustainable development as:

'Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.'

Sustainability - nationally

The term 'Sustainability' or 'Ecological Sustainable Development' (ESD) received nation wide recognition with the development of the National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development (NSESD), and recently the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC Act 1999).

The NSESD was signed by all Australian Governments in 1992. It sets out the broad strategic and policy framework under which government will cooperatively make decisions and take actions to pursue ESD in Australia.

To view the NSESD go to: http://www.ea.gov.au/esd


Sustainability - South Australia

There are a number of initiatives and state legislation that now reflects the principles of Ecological Sustainable Development or 'Sustainability'.

One of the key programs aimed at improving intergovernmental arrangements in working towards sustainability, as a response to the National Strategy for Ecological Sustainable Development, was the formation of the South Australian Partnership for Local Agenda 21 (see 'South Australian Partnership for Local Agenda 21' below).


Sustainability - Marion

City of Marion's commitment to the principles of Ecological Sustainable Development began in 1995 when Council was one of the five pilot councils to join the SA Partnership for Local Agenda 21. Local Agenda 21 provided a framework for Council to start the ball rolling in becoming more responsive to integrating environmental, social, cultural and economic goals.

The role of Local Government in implementing sustainability is now recognised in the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1999. The Act relates to improving their own operations, forming strong local partnerships, helping communities understand sustainability, encouraging debate on sustainability issues, and leading the LA21 planning process.

The commitment by the City Marion to Local Agenda 21 has now been strengthened by including the principles of Sustainability within the City of Marion's Strategic Plan 2006-2020 .

To achieve a sustainable future for the City of Marion is a significant challenge. It is a challenge that must be addressed by every sphere of government, industry, business and the community. In fact, the participation of everyone is central to the effective implementation of ESD. It involves increased awareness of the surrounding environment and the impact we have upon it, a change in attitudes and the realisation that we can work together for a more positive future.

Sustainability - Community views

The development of the City of Marion's Community Plan in 2004 demonstrated a strong support by the community to the concept of Sustainability.

What does a sustainable future mean to you? Here are eight peoples' ideas on what a sustainable future is. If you would like to add your thoughts on what a sustainable future is for Marion go to the Community Plan Feedback Form.

'A sustainable future means to create a better and healthy place for future children to live. Where we don't drive cars that release carbon dioxide, where we recycle everything, there is no pollution or oil spills, where we don't waste water or electricity. Where there are no wars and we can help refugees and others who are in need. A lot of little hands, hearts and minds, can do the world a big help. It is important to co-operate and support each other so communities come together.'

Jordan Anderson, Jessica Rasic, Matthew Rushworth, Willam Toms, Julia Lillywhite from St Martin De Porres Catholic Primary School

'That the sun, wind, sea, water, air are all here in the future so we have an opportunity to draw on the life of the spirit of the land. So we know our place in the framework of life. So we have the ability to move over the land, to move over.'

'Everything was pristine when the British came 200 years ago. Their system created what we have today, there was a lack of respect for the spirit of the land and the peoples of the land. We need to acknowledge the rights of the spirit of the land, for us to manifest a relationship with it, in order to sustain us all, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. For the 141 nations, represented in Australia to have this relationship. For Aboriginal people to maintain the rituals and sing the songs of our spiritual home.

Meet and greet each other in the spirit of humanity. Gather at the friendship fire, in the spirit of the reconciliation at Warriparinga, on the nights of the full moon. Action a sustainable future.'

Georgina Williams, Ngankiburka Kaurnayerta (Senior Nunga Woman, Kaurna country)


'Ensuring we have got sufficient water. We need to conserve water to survive, to have a future'.

David Jones, Managing Director, Jonley Australia Pty Ltd, Clovelly Park


'A sustainable water supply, the installation of rainwater tanks should be encouraged. We need to practice recycling as a way of life and greater incentives for composting would be helpful. We need to resist the urge to be greedy at the expense of poor countries. We need research into solar and pollution free energy, and nuclear waste must never be allowed to be dumped in our state. We need the milk of kindness toward asylum seekers. There is also a propensity to be dismissive of the elderly, simply because of their age. We need to respect the elderly. The elderly need to also be prepared to learn too, for example, a lack of computer literacy is a decided disadvantage. We need to find fulfilment in life from helping other people less well off than we are.'

Mr Charles Morley, resident, South Plympton


What is Local Agenda 21?

Local Agenda 21 provides the opportunity for Local Governments to work with their local communities to create Ecological Sustainable Development (ESD) agendas for the 21st century. It recognises that Local Governments and the wider communities that they represent are becoming more responsible to act as the leaders to achieve ecologically sustainable development through integrating environmental, social and economic goals. It is a process that involves the Local councils and the community working together to create a strategy which incorporates a series of action plans to meet the environmental, social and economic needs of the present generations, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet those needs.

There are a number of guiding principles to informing Local Agenda 21 outcomes. Check these out at: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/sustainability/la21.html#whatis


Where does LA21 come from?

Local Agenda 21 originated in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (also referred to as the Earth Summit or the Rio Summit) held in June 1992. It was at this conference that Agenda 21 was developed. This international gathering of representatives from 170 national governments adopted Agenda 21 as a global environment and development plan. Agenda 21 recognised that Councils were a major group that could take a course of action to implement the plan through their own LA21 programs and initiatives. Chapter 28 of Agenda 21 noted the pivotal role of Local Government.


SA Partnership for Local Agenda 21

The South Australian Partnership for Local Agenda 21 formed in 1995 with the Local Government Association (LGA), the then Department for Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the five pilot councils (including the City of Marion) has now grown to 38 Councils in South Australia participating in this partnership. Like Marion, these councils are all involved in Local Agenda 21 planning and are working towards implementing the principles of Ecological Sustainable Development.

Amongst other things the SA Partnership for Local Agenda 21 provides an invaluable network between councils to share ideas and lessons learned in progressing Local Agenda 21.

For more information on the SA Partneship for Local Agenda 21: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/sustainability/la21.html#sapartner


Local Agenda 21 in Marion

When the City of Marion joined the Local Agenda 21 in 1995 Council established an Environmental Policy Advisory Committee (EPAC) with representatives from the community, staff, Elected Members and State Government and chaired by the Mayor.

EPAC was responsible for developing the City of Marion Local Agenda 21 Environmental Policy and Action Plan. The action plan was the City of Marion's commitment to a major international action program with the aim of promoting Ecological Sustainable Development (ESD) at a local level. The Local Agenda 21 Program has principally been a driver of environmental programs within Council, which have influenced greater ESD outcomes.

Major issues identified for the City of Marion's Local Agenda 21 Environmental Policy and Action Plan, 1997 include:

· Water Management
· Air Quality\Global Warming
· Biodiversity
· Coastal & Marine Protection
· Environmental Education
· Built Environment (inclusion of ESD principles in planning & development controls)
· Waste Management
· City Administration (Council leading by example, balancing environmental considerations with economic and social factors within Council's operations

This plan was Council's first attempt at incorporating the principles of ESD into Councils programs and decision making processes. The Local Agenda 21 Environmental Policy and Action Plan was completed in 1997. For a copy of the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Policy and Action Plan, 1997-2000, click here


Local Agenda 21 in Marion - Programs implemented

Tabled below are some of the actions that have been implemented as part of the Local Agenda 21 program since 1997.


World Environment Day - Community Grants

To celebrate World Environment Day on 5 June each year, the City of Marion offers community grants of up to $500 for projects that protect and enhance the local natural environment.

The projects can include activities like water conservation demonstration projects, local native garden projects, weed removal and educational development.

Local schools and community groups are encouraged to apply. For further information and an application form contact Rowena McLean on 8375 6712.

(Parts of information contained in this webpage have been sourced from the Department for Environment & Heritage 'Sustainability' webpage http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/sustainability)

For further information please contact Candy Davis on 8375 6812 during office hours or by email Candy.Davis@marion.sa.gov.au