The Adelaide Hills is recognised as one of the most beautiful settings close to a major Australian city. The meld of ecological, cultural, recreational and other landscape features is referred to as the Adelaide Hills 'environment'.
The physical character of the hills is based largely on upthrust and eroded ancient sandstone formations cloaked in a variety of bushland habitats.
Peramangk and Kaurna indigenous cultural landscapes abound.
The need for careful and sustainable management of development and farming in the area is well-recognised. There is a strong desire to enhance ecological sustainability, support economic viability and retain the essential character of the landscape and cultural heritage.
Council's current work practices seek to apply these principles of responsible land management under operational conditions of continually changing legislative regimes.
Many special interest groups, individual residents and interested visitors have all contributed over many years to the preservation of remnant bushland and the culturally significant and eye-catching landscape, the re-establishment of indigenous vegetation, close monitoring of water quality, control of pests and research into native fauna and flora.