Biodiversity Study for Georges River LGA
Consultation has concluded
Status update: The project has now been finalised and the full Biodiversity Study has been received by Council at its meeting dated 28 June 2021. The Study can be viewed on Council’s website. A quick summary is provided in the Information Sheet.
Information Webinar
Update: Thank you for participating in our information webinar. The presentation recording and transcript of all Questions and Answers can be found in the Document Library.
Council is committed to keeping the community informed throughout this process. An online webinar will be held to present an overview of the technical work that has been completed by this Study along with the complementary Foreshore Scenic Character Study.
The webinar will include two presentations by our technical consultants (Total Earth Care and Ethos Urban) and there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions of the project team and presenters.
Date: Tuesday 3 August 2021
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Project Overview
Georges River Council has partnered with Total Earth Care to undertake a Biodiversity Study of the entire Georges River Local Government Area (LGA). The Biodiversity Study will provide an encompassing assessment of the current biodiversity values across the entire LGA. This study aims to identify areas of high biodiversity value and importance to the LGA to ensure its protection.
We thank you for your contribution to date in sharing your knowledge and experience of biodiversity in your neighbourhood through the questionnaire and pinning your observations.
Your input will contribute to the results of the Biodiversity Study and help guide our field survey which includes the assessment of native plant communities and their condition, assessment of fauna habitat and targeted surveys for threatened plants and animals.
A webinar for key stakeholders and community groups engaged on the project was conducted on the 26th November at 6pm. The webinar provides an overview on the project and will enable discussions by key groups. This has been recorded and is available for viewing.
Ecologists from Total Earth Care have completed field surveys around the LGA.
The Biodiversity Study is now being finalised.
Consultation concluded
Thank you for giving us your input by pinning your observations on the biodiversity map and filling in the questionnaire. We have loved hearing from you about areas that you think are important to support our native plants and animals, any plant or animal sightings of importance and other comments or suggestions.
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Field surveys completed
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Ecologists from Total Earth Care have completed their field surveys across the LGA and are now finalising their report. Please see the Photos section to see some more photos from their site visits.
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Powerful Owls recorded in Evatt Park
Share Powerful Owls recorded in Evatt Park on Facebook Share Powerful Owls recorded in Evatt Park on Twitter Share Powerful Owls recorded in Evatt Park on Linkedin Email Powerful Owls recorded in Evatt Park linkAs fieldwork continues across the LGA ecologists have made some exciting observations, including Common Ringtail Possum, Common Brushtail Possum and the Powerful Owl. The Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) is Australia's largest owl species which is listed as Vulnerable in NSW. They roost by day, perched in the dense shade of a tree, and hunt at night. During the field surveys, Powerful Owls have been recorded in Evatt Park.
The Red Fox, a pest species, has been recorded in almost all survey reserved across the LGA. The red fox is responsible for the extinction of numerous native Australian species.
Please see Photos section for field photos.
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Field surveys underway
Share Field surveys underway on Facebook Share Field surveys underway on Twitter Share Field surveys underway on Linkedin Email Field surveys underway linkEcologists from Total Earth Care have been out and about conducting field surveys for the Georges River Biodiversity Study. Please see the Photos section to see some photos from their recent site visits.
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Fieldwork starting soon!
Share Fieldwork starting soon! on Facebook Share Fieldwork starting soon! on Twitter Share Fieldwork starting soon! on Linkedin Email Fieldwork starting soon! linkWe have received a huge amount of input from the public and local community groups. We appreciate the enthusiasm and knowledge that everyone has shared with both Council and Total Earth Care. This has assisted Total Earth Care in determining locations for more detailed surveys, what species should be targeted and other considerations that should be included in the assessment. This has all been incorporated into the survey planning.
Total Earth Care plan to be out in the field surveying from this week until approximately mid-February depending on the weather conditions. If you see them out and about please say hi!
Most field work will be conducted during the day, however some surveys will be conducted in the evening or early morning so please don’t be concerned if you see the team out spotlighting with torches in the bushland or playing owl calls through a speaker.We will keep you up to date with any interesting finds and photos.
