Machine learning meets micro-forests: High-tech win for local climate action at 2026 SA Climate Leaders Awards 

The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters is celebrating a double win for local climate action following the 2026 SA Climate Leaders Awards.

In a record year for nominations, two of the Council’s key initiatives were recognised for their innovation and commitment to building a more resilient community. 

Award winner: Smart Stormwater Systems 

Taking out the top prize in the Research and Education category, the Smart Stormwater Systems project represents a groundbreaking partnership between the Adelaide University, the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and the City of Mitcham. 

This initiative uses cutting-edge machine learning and sensors to manage local rainfall in real-time. 

These smart systems use automated control valves across the network, to enable the system to capture and reuse stormwater without the need for the expensive and disruptive infrastructure upgrades. 

Benefits for our community: 

• Reduced flood risk: Prototype testing showed the system could handle an 87% increase in rainfall intensity without increasing water outflow
• Greener neighbourhoods: At the Trinity Valley case study site, the technology doubled the amount of stormwater available to water local trees, parks, and wetlands
• Cost efficiency: The project has the potential to cut infrastructure upgrade costs by 15–60%, ensuring Council resources go further while protecting homes. 

Associate Professor Mark Thyer of Adelaide University noted that through collaboration with local councils, these systems are "driving climate resilience into the future" by successfully reducing flooding impacts on both the environment and the community. 

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Honourable mention: Green Connections 

The Council’s Green Connections initiative was also highly regarded by the judging panel, receiving an honourable mention in the Government category. 

This program was celebrated for its grassroots approach to cooling our suburbs and supporting local biodiversity. 

How Green Connections is cooling our City: 

• Cooler streets: During a South Australian summer, streets with strong tree canopy can be up to 5°C cooler than those without
• Empowering residents: The 2026 Native Tree and Plant Voucher Pilot program provided eligible residents in Urban Heat Island areas with $70 vouchers to plant climate-resilient native species at home
• Micro-forests: This initiative encourages neighbours to work together. When three or more households combine their vouchers, they can create shared micro-forest patches, connected green spaces that improve local cooling and biodiversity
• Community expertise: The program is supported by "Green Connectors" — local volunteers who provide expert planting advice and practical support to help residents care for their new native plantings. 

Building a resilient future together 

These awards, an initiative of the Premier’s Climate Change Council, highlight the growing momentum of climate action across South Australia. 

For the residents of the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters these projects represent a combined effort to protect our homes from extreme weather and the impacts of climate change while making our streets greener, cooler, and more pleasant places to live. 

The Council remains committed to these innovative partnerships and community-led programs that ensure our local environment is ready for the challenges of a changing climate. 

For more information and to read the case studies for the 2026 winners and finalists, visit: 2026 SA Climate Leaders Award winners