Community involvement
Community involvement is crucial for a sustainable environment. Participating in Council-led initiatives such as tree planting and local biodiversity projects helps protect and enhance natural spaces. Healthy ecosystems improve air quality, cool urban areas, and increase property values, while providing recreational opportunities and wildlife habitats. Access to these green spaces boosts physical and mental well-being, underscoring the importance of community engagement in environmental stewardship.
Strategic targets we are meeting
Creating community engagement
This is helping us achieve Goal 1.4 of our Green & Blue Maitland target.
Protect important natural spaces
This is helping us achieve Goal 1.2 of our Green & Blue Maitland target.
Increases canopy cover in residential areas
This is helping us achieve Goal 2.3 of our Livable & resilient communities target.
Find your community
Green Communities Program
Learn how you can positively contribute to our environmental wellbeing at home and in the community through our Green Communities program of information and events.
The program includes workshops, school programs and the environmental youth forum, covering topics such as reducing food waste, recycling, gardening and more.
Landcare
Proactive community involvement is important for a sustainable environment, and Maitland City Council is committed to working with Hunter Region Landcare Network (HRLN) to protect and enhance natural spaces.
We’re working on shaping a healthy and resilient natural environment where people and native wildlife can thrive, together.
Landcare groups meet regularly to maintain and improve natural areas by engaging in activities such as bush regeneration, weed control, planting and revegetation, flora and fauna monitoring, erosion control, as well as training and education.
Get involved
Landcare offers more than just tree planting and weed control. Connecting with your local Landcare group to protect green spaces and promote positive ecological outcomes is a great way to meet new people and make friends, get outdoors and look after your wellbeing and mental health.
Subscribe to our newsletters
Green communities & Environmental Educators
Stay connected with our Green Communities and Environmental Educator newsletters to get the latest updates on sustainable living, seedling giveaway, planting events and environmental education.
View previous Green community newsletters and Environmental Educators newsletters.
Resources for teachers
Supporting sustainability educators
Our program supports schools to educate the next generation of environmental advocates through hands-on sustainability education connected to our local environment. It focuses on improving environmental health, reducing impact and building resilience for the wellbeing of our community.
Support includes school incursions, events and educational resources designed to assist educators in delivering practical environmental learning. Email our Environment team to book or find out more.
Interactive learning support
Tips for living sustainably
Energy saving tips
You can save energy by following a few simple tips:
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use
- Open curtains for natural light and warmth during the day
- Switch appliances off at the wall and avoid standby energy use
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads
- Choose appliances with high energy star rating to save money in the future
- Set your air conditioner at 24°C in summer and 19°C in winter to reduce running costs
To assist in monitoring household energy usage, Council also has energy power meters available for loan from any library branch.
For additional hints and tips, view our brochure on saving energy, or use the NSW Government's Energy Switch Comparison Tool, to compare gas and electricity plans for NSW households.
Solar power
The Australian Government’s Solar Consumer Guide provides useful information to assist residents looking to install rooftop solar and batteries.
The guide also links to the SunSPOT solar and battery calculator which assists residents in sizing and choosing the location for future rooftop solar systems and will assist in calculating future energy savings.
Water saving tips
You can save water by following a few simple tips:
- When purchasing water using appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, choose one with a high water efficiency star rating to save you water in the future.
- Repair leaking taps as soon as they are identified as dripping taps can waste between 30 to 200 litres of water per day.
- Install water efficient tapware/shower head or retrofit with aerators or flow control valves.
For additional hints and tips, view our brochure on saving water.