Renewal SA developed Lochiel Park as a nation-leading 'green village', a practical demonstration of the South Australian Government's vision for sustainable living.

Lochiel Park Green Village exemplifies South Australia's Strategic Plan objective of 'Attaining Sustainability' by demonstrating that well-planned contemporary living can reduce ecological and carbon footprints while creating a sense of place in harmony with nature.

Reducing the developmental 'footprint' 

Lochiel Park is multi-award-winning green development populated by an enlightened community committed to living sustainably through:

• Efficient and sustainable water use.
• Housing designs that work with nature.
• Efficient energy and use of renewable energy.
• A holistic approach to the environment, heritage and community.
• Making the most of locally-produced materials.

All houses in Lochiel Park are fitted with photovoltaic cells and, in addition to normal utilities, are serviced by non-potable water system (through on-site wetlands, pollutant traps and aquifer storage and recovery system) and gas-boosted solar hot water systems. All homes have a minimum 7.5 star thermal performance rating.

Two-thirds of the site has been established as an 'urban forest' comprising southern wetlands (for stormwater recycling), northern wetlands (a natural feature that also filters stormwater into the adjacent River Torrens) and extensive revegetation involving 160,000 new plantings. The site directly captures stormwater that previously went into the River Torrens from 260 hectares of land above Lochiel Park.

Green Flag Award

In 2019, Lochiel Park was the first site in South Australia and one of only 10 nationally to be awarded with an international Green Flag Award. Lochiel Park has retained the award consistently every year since then.

The Green Flag Award recognises and rewards well-managed parks and quality management of recreational outdoor spaces around the world. The Award is the international mark of a quality park or green space, judged by green space-experts across eight criteria:

• A Welcoming Place
• Healthy, Safe and Secure
• Well Maintained and Clean
• Environmental Management
• Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage
• Community Involvement
• Marketing and Communication
• Management

Campbelltown City Council recognises the important contributions from the community including the Friends of Lochiel Park and other local community groups, residents and maintenance Staff for their valuable input to the success of the park from its development through to today.

“To be presented with a Green Flag Award is a recognition that the award recipient has achieved a benchmark standard of recreational outdoor spaces across Australia. It demonstrates an excellent example of civic achievement and provides communities with a great sense of civic pride.” - Mark Band, CEO of Parks and Leisure Australia

Renewal SA's Role

Renewal SA was the developer of the Lochiel Park Green Village. Two South Australian builders, Charterhouse by Hickinbotham Homes and Rossdale Homes, were selected to construct homes within Lochiel Park.

The design guidelines required significant effort by experienced designers and architects to ensure the most sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Encumbrances ensure that the Lochiel Park vision is achieved over time.

Renewal SA has now handed over responsibility for the maintenance of the urban forest, wetlands and reserves to the City of Campbelltown and SA Water.

For more information on the Lochiel Park project, visit the project page on Renewal SA.

Lochiel Park Community Garden

This community garden has really taken off since the inaugural meeting in June 2008.
The earth works to establish the garden started June 2010 and in November 2010 the first produce was picked.

The aims of this community garden are:

• To establish and maintain a community garden to enable members to grow fruit, vegetables, herbs, and other foods in a sustainable way and according to permaculture principles;
• To develop and run community education programs that will engage the local community, including school children, people with special needs and elderly people, in hands-on learning opportunities on subjects such as permaculture, growing food locally and sustainably, energy efficiency, water saving, composting, nutrition, and cooking and preserving;
• To provide a safe and enjoyable place for children to learn about sustainable market gardening;
• To work cooperatively with other community groups so that the community garden becomes the focal point of a vibrant and exciting community hub revolving around the idea of sustainability.

To find out more about the Lochiel Park Community Garden Membership and Plot Fees email.

For more information about the Lochiel Park Community Garden visit the Community Garden Facebook page or the website.