Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest
A component of Shale communities, this grassy woodland is characterised by open gentle topography, high biodiversity within the ground cover layer, and low rainfall areas on deep clay soils derived from Wianamatta Shale. The canopy is dominated by Grey Box, Red Gum, Rough Barked Apple and Narrow Leaved Ironbark. The midstory is dominated by Blackthorn and Hickory Wattle. The grassland is a diverse mix of grasses such as Kangaroo Grass and Barbed Wire Grass.
A component of Shale and Sandstone transition communities, this tall open forest on shale and shale-enriched sandstone soils was once common in Sydney but was targeted for timber production. Characterised by a diverse midstory, grassy ground cover, and a canopy of small trees dominated by Turpentine, Red Mahogany, Sydney Red Gum and various Ironbark species.
Occurrence: Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury, Fairfield, Holroyd and Liverpool local government areas
Occurrence: Bankstown, Campbelltown, Canterbury, Hurstville, Holroyd and Sutherland local government areas THREATS
Fragmentation of remnants Weed Invasion
Inappropriate Fire Regimes Urban & Industrial Development
Ne
ed
Ph
ot o
Cumberland Shale Plain Woodland
THREATS
GEORGES RIVER CATCHMENT KEY ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL PLANT COMMUNITIES
Fragmentation of remnants Urban & Industrial Development
Weed Invasion Inappropriate Recreational Activities
Cumberland Riverflat Forest
Shale-Sandstone Ironbark Forest
Occurrence: Bankstown, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Liverpool and Sutherland local government areas
Occurrence: Bankstown, Fairfield, Holroyd, Hurstville, Liverpool and Sutherland local government areas
Weed Invasion Inappropriate Fire Regimes Urban & Industrial Development Inappropriate Recreational Activities
THREATS
A component of Riparian communities, this open eucalypt forest thrives on broad alluvial flats along Georges River and Prospect Creek. Variable communities on alluvial soils either directly influenced by waterways or which have adapted to flood events. Characterised by an assemblage often dominated by Paperbark, Blue Box, Cabbage Gum and She Oak species as well as reedlands.
THREATS
This tall Eucalypt forest is a component of Shale and Sandstone Transition Communities, characterised by a shrubby understory on sandstone outcrops. Dry vegetation forest which occurs where clay soils of the Wianamatta Shale meet sandy soils of Hawkesbury Sandstone. Identifying canopy species are Grey Gum, Sydney Turpentine and Spotted Gum, although they frequently do not occur together.
Sea Level Change Urban & Industrial Development
Estuarine Mangrove Forest
Estuarine Saltmarsh
Photo: zoology.unimelb.edu.au
THREATS
Occurrence: Bankstown, Hurstville, Kogarah, Liverpool, Rockdale and Sutherland local government areas Sea Level Change Urban & Industrial Development
Reclamation Inappropriate Recreational Activities
Occurrence: Bankstown, Canterbury, Fairfield, Hurstville, Kogarah, Liverpool and Sutherland local government areas Sea Level Change Urban & Industrial Development
Reclamation Inappropriate Recreational Activities
RIVERKEEPER WORKS Riverside Park, Chipping Norton, Liverpool
Seagrass Meadows Simple communities comprised of one or two species of seaweed which are submerged in saline water and across alluvial deposits of sand and mud. Seagrass meadows are easily damaged by inappropriate boating activities.
Occurrence: Bankstown, Hurstville, Kogarah, Rockdale and Sutherland local government areas THREATS
Mangroves are characterised by low and closed forests on mudflat shores. The Grey Mangrove is found in the lower and mid River; the River Mangrove is found in brackish water upstream.
THREATS
These succulent herbs and rushes growing on tidal land are a component of Saline communities. Landfill has destroyed many areas of saltmarsh on the lower and mid Georges River. These communities occur in or just above salty tidal areas of the river. Various communities often have distinct edges that separate one from the other, such as mangroves, saltmarsh, She Oak forest and reedlands.
Reclamation Inappropriate Recreational Activities
Sea Level Change Inappropriate Recreational Urban & Industrial Development Activities
BEFORE
AFTER
Eagle Farm Reserve, Eagle Vale, Campbelltown
BEFORE
AFTER
THE GEORGES RIVER CATCHMENT The Georges River begins its journey approximately 60km south-west of Sydney in the town of Appin. From here the river flows north towards Liverpool, through the Chipping Norton Lakes, then east until it reaches Botany Bay. The catchment area of the Georges River covers an area of approximately 960 km2 and, with over 1.2 million people living within its boundaries, is one of the most highly urbanised catchments in Australia. The river has a number of important tributaries including Bunbury Curran Creek, Cabramatta Creek, Prospect Creek, Williams Creek, Salt Pan Creek, Mill Creek, and the Woronora River.
PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION In addition to the GRCCC’s nine member councils, the Georges Riverkeeper Program has established a wide array of partnerships which reflect stakeholders’ interest in keeping the Georges River a clean, safe and beautiful place to visit. Program partners include: Corrective Services NSW; Intensive Correction Order Teams National Green Jobs Corps National Parks and Wildlife Service National Parks Association Conservation Volunteers Australia Legend
ABOUT THE MAP
Vegetation Community Alluvial Communities
GIS data layers for vegetation communities were provided by Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority.
Marine Seagrass Communities Riparian Communities Saline Communities Sandstone Communities
³
Shale Communities Shale/Sandstone Transition Community
These data layers have been nominally grouped based on underlying geology.
Landuse Open Space Industrial Residential 0
1.5
3
6
9
12 km
Other
Local Council Bushcare Officer Contacts Bankstown Council Campbelltown Council Fairfield Council
9709 9999 Hurstville Council 4645 4194 Kogarah Council 9725 0758 Liverpool Council
9330 6222 9330 9505 9821 7729
Rockdale Council Sutherland Council Wollondilly Council
9562 1663 9524 5672 4677 1122
The GRCCC represents Local Government in the Georges River Catchment of NSW. Member councils include Bankstown City, Campbelltown City, Fairfield City, Hurstville City, Kogarah City, Liverpool City, Rockdale City, Sutherland Shire and Wollondilly Shire Councils. The Riverkeeper Program is an initiative of GRCCC member councils with a collective responsibility for the health of the Georges River catchment. Maps supplied courtesy of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority. The GRCCC is currently hosted by Hurstville City Council. Copyright GRCCC Riverkeeper Program 2011 Report Card. Cover photo by C. Tippler. Printed on 100% recycled paper.
RIVERKEEPER PROGRAM REPORT CARD 2010-2010
SYDNEY
SYDNEY
FAIRFIELD
TOTAL CATCHMENT RUBBISH COLLECTION Riverkeeper Program rubbish collection teams provide broad-scale removal of rubbish from the river’s foreshores, creeks and tributaries. Member councils identify rubbish ‘hotspots’ on the river for inclusion in the Riverkeeper workplan. The Riverkeeper Program services the GRCCC’s member councils who have a collective responsibility for the health of the Georges LIVERPOOL River catchment.
32,802 TOTAL KGs
CANTERBURY
EPPING
KGs HOURS # SITES
A+
2,525 234.5 5
INGLEBURN
Plastics
Open River - Upper Georges River * KGs 1,215 HOURS 153 # SITES 2
Rubbish comes in many forms, each causing a unique danger to aquatic SUTHERLAND habitat. Studies have shown that plastics account for over 60% of debris found within mangrove communities, and over 90% of debris found in marine systems. Plastics cause harm when ingested by seabirds, marine mammals and fish species. Plastics can potentially introduce invasive species by allowing ‘passengers’ to adhere to drifting bags and debris.
A+
Eagle Farm Reserve Area M2 HOURS
1,015 CAMPBELLTOWN 139
Kennedy Creek, Appin Area M2 HOURS
The accumulation and occurrence of rubbish on foreshores depends on a variety of factors. Tidal influence, land form, vegetation type, weather conditions, bank steepness and condition of foreshores, and the buoyancy of rubbish all play a part in the collection of rubbish.
220 66
Illegal Dumping Items of large rubbish typically found include car tyres and batteries, televisions, trolleys, furniture, mattresses, general building waste, milk crates and polystrene packaging.
Micro-rubbish HEATHCOTE Micro-rubbish is characterised by the smallest pieces of rubbish, no bigger than 15 mm, such as polystyrene, bottle tops, rubber and broken debris. ROYAL Micro-rubbish is extremely harmful to aquatic animals and insects, and degrades foreshore and riverbed soils.
1,235 M2 PLANTINGS = 0 3,740 KGs
KGs HOURS # SITES
A+
3,622 384 8
BOTANY BAY
Area M2 HOURS
FAIRFIELD
Parkes Reserve, Canley Vale Area M2 349 HOURS 100
KGs HOURS # SITES
A+
SYDNEY
7,422 764 9
CANTERBURY
Cabramatta Creek
INGLEBURN
LIVERPOOL
KGs 877 CRONULLA HOURS 44 # SITES 3
A+
Riverside Park, Chipping Norton Area M2 220 HOURS 66
AFTER
HURSTVILLE
HURSTVILLE
Myles Dunphy Reserve Area M HOURS
2
A+
810 256
INGLEBURN Open River - Mid Georges River * KGs 2,944 HOURS 643 # SITES 9
A+
Yeramba Lagoon Area M HOURS
2
3,140 2,315
BUSH REGENERATION = RUBBISH COLLECTION =
CAMPBELLTOWN
Mill Creek, Sandy Point Area M2 3,750 HOURS 246
Clarendon Road Boat Ramp Area M2 290 SUTHERLAND HOURS 176
KURNELL
CAMPBELLTOWN
CRONULLA
17,166 M2 PLANTINGS = 3,148 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS = 3,702 18,389 KGs COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS = 2,664
Bush Regeneration teams target the removal of African Olive, African Boxthorn and Privet in remnant Cumberland Plain Woodland. *Open River - Upper Georges River corresponds to all remaining worksites on the main river foreshore.
*Open River - Mid Georges River corresponds to all remaining worksites on the main river foreshore.
A+
KURNELL SUTHERLAND
APPIN
A+
Forbes Creek, Engadine Area M2 190 HOURS 126
Woronora River KGs HOURS # SITES
A+
2,360 176 3
Silver Beach, Kurnell
A+
419 118 3
Open River - Lower CRONULLA Georges River * KGs HOURS # SITES
A+
1,905 507 14
2,740 305 4
Taren Point KGs HOURS # SITES
A+
1,436 260 4
HEATHCOTE LOWER GEORGES RIVER SUBCATCHMENT BUSH REGENERATION = RUBBISH COLLECTION =
1,543 M2 PLANTINGS = 0 10,673 KGs
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS = 546 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS = 1,773
ROYAL NATIONAL PARK Rubbish is typically collected from Mangrove Forests and along open bay beaches. Lower River foreshores are often a mixture of seawalls and rocky foreshores, which prevent rubbish from accumulating on the shoreline. Rubbish in the lower river ends up at Towra Point, Quibray Bay and Woolooware Bay. Removal of noxious and environmental weeds such as Lantana, Bitou Bush, Mother-of-Millions and Balloon Vine in riparian sandstone communities and on Botany Bay foredunes. *Open River - Lower Georges River corresponds to all remaining worksites on the main river foreshore.
LILYVALE
APPIN
KGs HOURS # SITES
KGs HOURS # SITES
COALCLIFF
BULLI HEIGHTS
1,496 222 5
Kogarah Bay
317 183 2
3,524 828 9
Wind patterns and tidal influences at Chipping Norton Lakes and Salt Pan Creek contribute to the accumulation of large amounts of HEATHCOTE rubbish on a regular basis. Prospect Creek has been negatively impacted by a high degree of urbanisation. Mangroves and reedlands in the riparian areas of the Mid Georges River catchment help to filter and collect rubbish along this stretch of the river. ROYAL NATIONAL PARK in remnant Bush regeneration works in the region include the targeted removal of Balloon Vine, Madeira Vine and Lantana Cumberland Riverflat Forest.
LAKE CATARACT
KGs HOURS # SITES
BOTANY BAY
Salt Pan Creek KGs HOURS # SITES
368 134
Botany Bay Foreshore
Lime Kiln Bay RANDWICK KGs HOURS # SITES
Cook Park, Brighton Area M2 HOURS
BOTANY BAY
MID GEORGES RIVER SUBCATCHMENT
The Upper Georges River catchment is characterised by numerous creeks and tributaries that carry large volumes of water during rain LILYVALE events and seasonal flows. These creeks and tributaries drain urban and industrial areas, transporting large amounts of rubbish into the APPIN river, which accumulate along the foreshores, degrading the natural environment.
BOTANY
Poulton Park Foreshore Area M2 175 HOURS 30
BOTANY
NATIONAL PARK
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS = 205 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS = 388
7,942 486
Chipping Norton Lakes
KURNELL
RANDWICK
LOWER GEORGES RIVER REPORT CARD 2010-11
Mirrambeena Reserve
A+
UPPER GEORGES RIVER SUBCATCHMENT BUSH REGENERATION = RUBBISH COLLECTION =
LIVERPOOL
Prospect Creek
BEFORE
Most of the rubbish that makes its way through the conventional stormwater system into the river is caused by littering in urban areas.
3,148 TOTAL PLANTINGS
4,453 TOTAL VOLUNTEER HOURS
MID GEORGES RIVER PARRAMATTA REPORT CARD 2010-11
HURSTVILLE
HOW RUBBISH COLLECTS
19,944 TOTAL M2
CANTERBURY
BOTANY
UPPER GEORGES RIVER REPORT CARD 2010-11
Riverkeeper Program regeneration teams are restoring degraded, remnant bushland on foreshores, creeks and tributaries identified by councils across the catchment. Work is being undertaken along the river system to improve ecological health and species biodiversity. Riverbank vegetation provides habitat for local flora and fauna, prevents erosion and sedimentation and filters stormwater runoff, which in turn protects and improves water quality.
RANDWICK
4,821 TOTAL VOLUNTEER HOURS
Bunbury Curran Creek
TOTAL CATCHMENT BUSH REGENERATION
FAIRFIELD
LILYVALE