Mosman Municipal Council

Environment

• Environmental management
• CEC
  • Bushland
  • Stormwater
  • Seawalls
  • Integrated Projects
• Trees
• Bushland and Biodiversity
• Pests and Weeds
• Gardening
• Coastal and Marine
• Water Management
• Ecologically Sustainable Living
• Atmospheric Environment
• Food Safety
• Public Health
• Noise

Integrated projects cover multiple areas such as stormwater quality, creek rehabilitation, bushland restoration, seawall works and where possible also include non-structural activities such as community education, water quality monitoring, heritage conservation, and intertidal habitat research.

Integrated projects have added substantial value to the CEC and ultimately the community and our environment.

Key Achievements

• Reconstructing creeks to channel stormwater, reduce erosion, minimise weed dispersal and prevent other negative impacts on bushland;
• Redesigning seawalls to reduce effects of wave action and create intertidal habitat;
• Significant bushland improvements, providing improved habitat areas for our flora and fauna;
• Involving the community through catchment based education programs and the Bush friendly neighbour campaign;
• Conserving heritage items and developing interpretive walks;
• Providing safe public access to foreshore and bushland areas through the establishment of walking tracks;
• Contributing the expertise of a dedicated multi-disciplinary team;
• Winner of the 2006 ICMA Community Sustainability Award.

Case Study – Lawry Plunkett Environment and Heritage Project

Prior to this CEC project Lawry Plunkett Reserve was not accessible to the community. It was highly degraded, covered in weeds, and stormwater runoff flowed through the site in an uncontrolled fashion causing erosion problems and nutrification of the soil. The CEC helped to restore the site by incorporating stormwater quality improvement, creek works, bushland restoration, heritage interpretation, community access and a large community education program.

Up to 500 metres of formalised creeks were constructed to channel stormwater runoff and minimise erosion. The creeks were armoured with sandstone boulders and incorporated drop structures and pools to prevent the build up of sediment and create habitat. To improve stormwater quality entering the creeks SQIDs were installed to capture stormwater pollutants.

Weeds were cleared from the site and approximately 7,000 native grasses, shrubs, sedges and trees were planted to restore the bushland area. A bush walking track of crushed sandstone was constructed meandering through the site from The Esplanade/Botanic Road to Mulbring Street, providing a bushwalking experience and access to Balmoral Beach.

The historical values of Lawry Plunkett Reserve were highlighted throughout this project. The old tramway cutting was cleared of vegetation and Council worked with the Sydney Tramway Museum to install physical items at the tram cutting including tram tracks, wheels, brakes and an overhead cable. Interpretive signage was also installed at the tram cutting and along the walking trail to raise awareness of the heritage and natural values of the reserve.