The Alexandrina Council has implemented a Roadside Marker Scheme (RMS) as a proactive approach to protect and conserve significant roadside vegetation, ensuring that native flora and fauna along local roadsides thrive.

Launched in Alexandrina in 2013, the RMS helps to protect approximately 500 vital sites across the region, some of which are home to nationally listed threatened species.

It was created to guide local authorities on managing these ecologically sensitive areas by marking stretches of roadside vegetation, alerting roadworks, maintenance, and pest control teams to areas that require careful handling.

This initiative supports the conservation goals outlined in the Native Vegetation Act 1991, which places responsibility for managing roadside vegetation with councils. By adopting the RMS, the council says it has committed to protecting remnant vegetation, providing crucial wildlife habitats, and prioritising conservation along key stretches of the roadside.

Tis well as protecting biodiversity, roadside vegetation acts as a buffer against climate change. It reduces atmospheric and road surface temperatures, provides essential shade, and absorbs carbon dioxide, enhancing overall climate regulation.

Diverse landscapes in the Alexandrina region—from the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges to the River Murray and Southern Ocean coastline—are represented along these corridors, making them valuable not only ecologically but also as part of the region’s natural heritage.

To make these conservation zones clear, each RMS site is marked with two distinct markers: one facing oncoming traffic and a blue end marker with a white diagonal line to signal the zone’s end. They help council teams manage the approximately 50 active RMS sites spanning around 400 kilometres, using weed control and other measures to maintain and restore native vegetation.

The council encourages residents to play a role in preserving these areas by observing a few key guidelines:

• Council Approval Needed: Any landscaping, planting, or vegetation removal on roadside verges requires Council approval.
• Firewood Collection: Collecting firewood from these sites is prohibited, and fines apply for unauthorised activities.

For those interested in taking an active role in conservation, the council invites residents to apply through the Residential Landscaping Application Form, or by reaching out to the Environmental Projects Team Leader at 8555 7000.