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The aim of the project was to promote and support the implementation of high priority actions in new and existing Estuary Management Plans in the Sydney Metropolitan Region. Specifically, to support Local Councils in implementing priority natural resource management (NRM) actions from existing Estuary Management Plans (EMP), which will lead to improved estuary and coastal resource condition through on-ground works.
Project funding was used to support Local Government works in riparian areas adjacent to, or flowing directly into estuaries. Four key sites within the Sydney Metropolitan area were identified for works through DNR's estuary program. Project sites include Manly Lagoon Rehabilitation Works (Manly), saltmarsh restoration works in
Boronia
Park
on the
Lane
Cove
River
(Hunters Hill), Claydon Reserve Stormwater Quality Upgrades (
Kogarah
Bay
), and the Little Salt Pan Creek Biodiversity Project (
Bankstown
). All projects have been completed.
Manly Lagoon Riparian Zone Bushland Restoration
 This project was carried out in accordance with the Estuary Management Plan, Floodplain Management Plan and Integrated Catchment Management Strategy for Manly Lagoon. The project involved the regeneration of riparian vegetation around the eastern section of Manly Lagoon and
Kierlie
Park
, in accordance with Integrated Catchment Management Strategy Action number 30.
Works aimed to substantially improve bushland health in the target region and value-add to existing projects also underway on both sides of Manly Lagoon (revegetation works by Manly Council and Warringah Council), and in the water body of Manly Lagoon (removal of contaminated sediment, sewerfix, and other works).
Some of the activities completed throughout the project included weed removal (including Kikuyu, Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) and Pennywort (Hydrocotyle bonariensis) ), revegetation, and habitat rehabilitation on the eastern riparian zone of Manly Lagoon. As the extent of weeds on the site has significantly reduced, native saltmarsh plant species have increased in distribution, and the aesthetics of the reserve has increased.
Initially it was anticipated that approximately 0.9 hectares of native coastal vegetation would be enhanced/rehabilitated; this however increased to 1.1 hectares over the course of the project.
Restoration of Estuarine Plant Communities ?
Boronia
Park
 Boronia Park, along the
Lane
Cove
River,
contains valuable estuarine habitat that is present below Brickmakers Creek. The area available to Coastal Saltmarsh was greatly limited by the establishment of Asparagus Fern and weed grasses that have dominated the banks landward of the mangroves. Terrestrial weeds on the mangroves were treated successfully in 2002 via the removal of weed containing sediments from on top of the mangrove substrate allowing for increased fauna and mangrove germination.
Works funded through this program included:
- The expansion and protection of endangered Saltmarsh vegetation through the removal of invasive weeds including Asparagus Fern,
Buffalo
and Ehrharta grass,
- Protecting terrestrial flora and fauna and aquatic habitats,
- Maintaining visual amenity through intensive weed removal and by improving the condition of fringing mangrove and terrestrial vegetation,
- Improve recreational amenity and estuary user facilities through the construction of a 25 metre section of boardwalk (part of the highly visited Great North walk) and by improving access to the natural area,
- The erection of educational signage to encourage value building of the natural area; and,
- Restoring river banks and reducing channel sedimentation by reinstating vegetation along river and creek corridors providing a 30 metre wide strip along each bank.
Claydon Reserve Stormwater Quality Upgrade
 Works included the installation of an in-line stormwater quality improvement device (SQID) to treat 50 hectares of catchment area in accordance with management actions outlined in the Kogarah Bay Estuary Management Plan and Kogarah's Stormwater Management Plan. Community consultation was also carried out and the Kogarah Bay Progress Association was supportive of the works.
A 100m² saltmarsh restoration component was also incorporated as part of the project, as the untreated stormwater had significantly affected the health of the saltmarsh species in the vicinity of the stormwater outlet. Seedlings of four saltmarsh species planted at the site were local provenance and were planted appropriately.
The on-ground works aimed to treat stormwater discharges reducing sedimentation and litter entering Kogarah Bay and improve water quality and aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity. Similar in-line stormwater quality improvement systems installed in the Kogarah Local Government Area collect on average 6 tonnes of sediment and 7 tonnes of litter per unit annually.
Little Salt Pan Creek Biodiversity Corridor Project
The project was undertaken to improve the capacity of Little Salt Pan Creek to provide a healthy ecosystem and to maintain, protect and enhance biodiversity along the corridor in accordance with the Little Salt Pan Creek Biodiversity Corridor Masterplan and the Estuary Management Plan.
Approximately 165 metres of habitat connectivity, condition and extent was improved through extensive bush regeneration and revegetation activities. Approximately 7,500 riparian plants were planted, significantly increasing the condition and extent of the corridor. Extensive bush regeneneration in the remnant bushland has also contributed to improving bushland condition.
Works also included the closure of an informal track, weed removal, riparian planting and regeneration in order to improve habitat condition, reduce fragmentation of remnant bushland and improve the bushland to creek corridor. Volunteers from the local Bushcare group contributed to the on-ground rehabilitation works.
As the site is heavily used for passive recreation by the local community, recreational amenity was improved through both the revegetation works, and the installation of two bridges over the creek to link pathways and existing recreational trails.
Coordinator/Project delivered by: Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority
Project Partners: Bankstown
City Council, Hunters Hill Council, Kogarah Council and Manly Council
Funding Source: Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust (NHT)
Total funding amount: SMCMA: $183,364; Local Government cash and in-kind contributions: $136,354
Project timeframe: June 2007 to June 2008
Status: Completed |
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