Palmerston is considered to be one of Australia's fastest growing Cities. As a result, environmental values within Palmerston are under pressure from the pace and form of urban development occurring within the municipality. Local residents, Council and community groups are working together to ensure the protection of many of the key environmental values around Palmerston. These include the preservation of bush land, climate change, water quality and biodiversity.

Community awareness and interest has traditionally been strong and has contributed to the setting aside of land for reserves which would otherwise have been developed. An example has been the creation of the 20 Ha Palmerston Escarpment Reserve, which has ensured that a green corridor will be protected in the long term.

Council has facilitated several successful initiatives to address some of the environmental issues effecting Palmerston. The Mitchell Creek Landcare Group have been actively involved in planning and planning issues throughout the catchment, and have revegetated and maintained vegetation along the creek.