Integrated Projects
Integrated Projects involve the combination of stormwater management, bushland management and creek rehabilitation techniques. Stormwater can cause a range of problems for bushland. Stormwater flowing from urban areas can introduce nutrients (from detergents, fertilisers and animal faeces) that can harm native plants and encourage weeds. Changed stormwater flows can waterlog previously dry soils, changing the type of vegetation that grows in an area. Stormwater can also introduce sediments, litter and pesticides into bushland areas and natural creek systems, impacting on water quality.
Lawry Plunkett Reserve Environment & Heritage Project
Lawry Plunkett Reserve is an important habitat for native plants and animals and a site of heritage value.
The Lawry Plunkett Reserve Environment and Heritage Project was implemented as an integrated project with the aim of restoring bushland, creeklines and reintroducing the heritage aspect of the site.
As a component of the Project, works were undertaken to reconstruct creeks to channel stormwater, minimising erosion, weed dispersal and other impacts on the bushland, and to create habitat for aquatic flora and fauna. Weeds were removed from the reserve and native planting was undertaken to reestablish natural bushland. Over 6000 trees, shrubs and groundcovers, all grown from locally sourced seed, were planted on site.
Community Involvement
Community involvement was one of the most important aspects of the project and has included a variety of community involvement activities and a catchment based education programs. These programs were guided by the findings of catchment surveys and series of consultation sessions held with local residents and the Balmoral Environment Network (BEN).
Stormwater Works
On ground stormwater works included the installation of several Stormwater Quality Improvement Devices (SQIDs) on stormwater outlets that discharge into the reserve. These devices capture gross pollutants improving water quality of the harbour.
Heritage Interpretation
Lawry Plunkett Reserve contains remnants of the Balmoral tramway system that operated between 1922 and 1958, including an impressive cutting.
The reserve also contains important evidence of Aboriginal occupation of the area, with a large midden at the bottom of the reserve, near the Esplanade.
During the project an interpretative walk was established in the lower part of the cutting, including the reinstatement of heritage items, highlighting the natural and cultural heritage of the reserve.
Taylors Bay Stormwater Project
Taylors Bay is a picturesque cove that lies in Port Jackson, near Bradleys Head. The Bay is surrounded by the bushland of Sydney Harbour National Park, and upper parts of the catchment are residential areas of Mosman.
Mosman Council conducted the Taylors Bay Stormwater Integrated Project in partnership with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to reduce the effects of stormwater on the bushland of the National Park and the waters of Taylors Bay, and to reduce erosion to creek lines and walking tracks. This was achieved through a combination of community education, bush regeneration and engineering works.
The project was funded by the Federal Government’s Coast and Clean Seas program, a component of the National Heritage Trust, Mosman’s CEC and the NPWS.
Education Campaign
A range of education activities were undertaken as a component of this project to raise the profile of the outstanding natural values of Taylors Bay, and inform people of the harm that stormwater can cause bushland and waterways. Community involvement activities included intertidal discovery tours, interpretative bushwalks, community meetings and private property stormwater audits.
On-Ground Works
On-ground works were carried out at Taylors Bay to remove pollutants from stormwater, prevent stormwater dispersal, and reduce weed infestation. Several stormwater quality improvement devices (SQIDs) were installed during the project.
One SQID was installed at the end of Burrawong Ave, designed to primarily catch leaves, vegetation and litter. Downstream of this device a section of creek has also been rehabilitated to reduce erosion from stormwater flows and prevent subsequent downstream sedimentation.
A larger SQID was installed at the end of the combined pipe near Buena Vista Ave. This SQID has been monitored during Council’s CEC monitoring project to assess its effectiveness. A third SQID was installed to treat stormwater draining from Iluka Rd.
In addition, bush regeneration was undertaken on-site, the walking track in the National Park was improved, and steps were constructed to allow boat users to access their dinghys on the foreshore without needing to use steep informal tracks though the bushland.
Awards
The work that Mosman Council and NPWS achieved during the project was recognised externally, with Mosman Council being awarded as the joint winner of the Local Government Excellence in the Environment Awards, in division B of the stormwater management category.
Beauty Point Foreshores Project
The Beauty Point Foreshores Project, an integrated stormwater, bushland and environmental education project, was undertaken to protect an area of near-natural shoreline in Middle Harbour and its surrounding bushland.
The waters of Beauty Point/Pearl Bay support extensive stands of seagrass that provide a nursery ground for many fish species and stingrays. The bushland of Beauty Point is also significant because it encompasses a range of habitats and aspects. The bushland also contains important evidence of Aboriginal occupation of the area, including shell middens.
Project Works
Works included the definition of four creeks with sandstone boulders to reduce erosion from stormwater flows and reduce the entry of weeds and nutrients into bushland. Council also installed 29 pit baskets in street drains to catch gross pollutants and leaf litter. The walking track that runs along the Beauty Point foreshore was also improved to allow for greater pedestrian access.
As part of the community education campaign, several interpretative bushwalks were held and street side drains in the catchment were stenciled with the words “This Drains to Middle Harbour”. The project also included Council’s Be a Bush Friendly Neighbour campaign and the launch of a native plant guide for Mosman gardeners.
