June 2026 Update
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback on the Lime Kiln Bay Wetland Restoration project. The final design has been developed to improve how the wetland works, support water quality, reduce odours, improve access for maintenance and help protect the local environment.
The final design includes upgrades to the wetland system at Lime Kiln Bay. The project will help improve water flow, reduce odours and support a healthier wetland environment.
The design includes:
- improvements to the gross pollutant trap system to help capture litter, debris and pollutants
- works to improve water flow during high rainfall
- new sediment ponds to increase the removal of suspended sediment
- new macrophyte zone to help filter nutrients and pollutants
- upgrades to sections of path and bridge infrastructure near the wetland
- planting to help support the local environment and offset tree removal required for the works.
Please note that the render does not show all planned vegetation and planting. Additional vegetation and planting is planned as part of this project at Oatley Heights Park.
We received strong feedback from the community and we have prepared a summary of what we heard and how feedback has been considered.
| What we heard | Council response |
|---|
| The render needed more detail. Some people found it hard to understand what changes were proposed. | The render showed the project at a high level. The project focuses on improving how the existing wetland works, rather than redesigning the whole reserve. |
| The gross pollutant traps need to work better. People said litter and pollutants can enter the ponds during heavy rain. | The northern gross pollutant trap will be repaired to improve performance. Maintenance concerns have also been raised so clearing can occur before forecast storms where possible. |
| The ponds have too much sediment. People asked for sediment to be removed to reduce flooding and safety concerns. | The design will address sediment build-up and improve access for future maintenance. This will help Council manage the ponds more safely and effectively. |
| Trees and wildlife habitat should be protected. People were concerned about the removal of mature trees and habitat. | Tree removal will be limited to what is needed for construction and will stay within the existing wetland footprint. For each tree removed, two trees will be planted on site or nearby. |
| The wetland islands are valued. People said the islands support wildlife and add to the look of the area. | The islands in the sediment ponds will be removed to improve wetland function. The small grass island with an established tree in Dairy Creek will be kept. |
| Sewage overflow remains a concern. People raised concerns about overflow events near Dairy Creek. | Council recognises this concern. While this issue is outside the scope of this project, Council will refer it to the responsible authority for investigation and action. |
| Paths and bridges need improvement. People asked for upgrades near creek crossings and storm-damaged areas. | Some paths and tracks next to the wetland will be upgraded as part of this project. Other areas, including the Riley Street entry and southern path, may be considered in future works. |
| Access could be improved. People asked for better access from Waterfall Road. | Accessible paths from the Waterfall Road entrance are outside the current project scope. This may be considered in future works. |
| The fire trail and vehicle bridge need to stay safe and usable. | The vehicle bridge will be upgraded to meet relevant standards and maintain fire trail access across the wetland. Broader fire trail upgrades are outside the current scope. |
| People want better signs and education. Suggestions included wayfinding, wetland information, cultural information and QR codes. | Council will explore opportunities for improved signage, including wayfinding and interpretive information, during the construction phase. |
| People asked for seating and wildlife viewing areas. | Benches are not included in the current project scope. Council may consider visitor improvements as part of future works. |
| People support more native planting. Suggestions included native grasses, trees, habitat boxes and local plant species. | Planting has been developed in consultation with Council’s Bushcare Team. Plant choices aim to match local vegetation communities and support the wetland environment. |
| The wetland needs long-term maintenance. People asked how Council will maintain the upgraded wetland. | Maintenance has been considered in the design. The works will improve access for maintenance and ongoing care will be supported by Council staff, contractors and Bushcare volunteers. |
| Bushcare groups should stay involved. | Council’s Bushcare Team has worked with the project team on plant selection. Bushcare volunteers will continue to support ongoing maintenance and may be involved in offset planting where possible. |
What happens next
Council will plan for construction of the Lime Kiln Bay Wetland Restoration project. Construction is expected to start in the future and we will provide more information before works begin.
Where is Lime Kiln Bay and what is it like?
Lime Kiln Bay Wetlands is a key natural area in Oatley that helps clean stormwater before it flows into the Georges River. Built in 1999, it also provides a quiet space for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature.
We are planning to upgrade the wetlands to fix problems like stagnant water, bad smells, and invasive plants. We want your feedback on the proposed changes and how you use the area.
The Lime Kiln Bay Wetlands sit between homes and natural wetlands leading to the Georges River. The area includes walking paths, a fire trail, and bridges connecting to nearby parks. Council manages the space with activities like bush regeneration to protect local plants and animals.
Over time, issues such as poor water flow, sediment buildup, invasive weeds, and pest turtles have affected the wetlands’ health and visitor experience.
What are the project benefits?
The proposed works will deliver multiple benefits to our community and environment:
| | Improve water quality entering the Georges River |
| | Remove invasive plants to support native wildlife |
| | Improve wetland pedestrian bridges and paths for safer access |
| | Replanting and landscaping around the wetlands |
How will the benefits be delivered?
We plan to widen the wetland ponds to improve water flow and upgrade water filters (Gross Pollutant Traps) to catch more sediment and rubbish. We will also be reviewing improvements for the existing pedestrian bridge on the pathway that connects the wetlands to Bay Road and Riley Street.
The fire trial bridge further into the wetlands will also be reviewed for upgrades. This project will also involve removing invasive weeds and planting new to support existing native species.
What is a high flow bypass?
A high flow bypass is a special channel or route that allows excess stormwater to flow around the main wetland during heavy rain. This protects the wetland’s plants and structure by preventing damage from strong flows and stops sediment and pollutants from being stirred up and washed downstream.
What is a GPT (Gross Pollutant Trap)?
Gross Pollutant Trap, or GPT, is a device that captures large rubbish, debris, and sediment from stormwater before it enters the wetland. It acts like a filter, using screens and settling areas to trap things like leaves, plastic, and dirt.
The current Gross Pollutant trap (GPT) at Lime Kiln Bay
Why might tree removal be required, and will they be replanted?
Some trees may need to be removed to make space for the new wetland design, improve water flow, or rebuild paths and bridges. To balance this, we will plant new native vegetation in other areas of the site, which helps offset the loss, supports local wildlife, and maintains the natural feel of the wetlands.
How can our community be involved?
Our consultation closed 28 July 2025.
During the consultation period, we asked our community to view our site render, which shows the improvements and changes we are proposing. We also wanted to know:
| | Your feedback on the Lime Kiln Bay design render |
| | How you currently use the Lime Kiln Bay Wetlands area |
| | Any suggestions you have about the proposed improvements
|
You can still contact us if you have questions by quoting 'SF24/4570' and send your correspondence:
| | In person at Georges River Libraries and Customer Experience Centres |
| | email: mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au |
| | post: PO Box 205, Hurstville BC NSW 1481 |
Do you need assistance reading and accessing this page?
For a free interpreter call us via the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, please contact the National Relay Service:
- Voice Relay number: 1300 555 727
- TTY number: 133 677
June 2026 Update
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback on the Lime Kiln Bay Wetland Restoration project. The final design has been developed to improve how the wetland works, support water quality, reduce odours, improve access for maintenance and help protect the local environment.
The final design includes upgrades to the wetland system at Lime Kiln Bay. The project will help improve water flow, reduce odours and support a healthier wetland environment.
The design includes:
- improvements to the gross pollutant trap system to help capture litter, debris and pollutants
- works to improve water flow during high rainfall
- new sediment ponds to increase the removal of suspended sediment
- new macrophyte zone to help filter nutrients and pollutants
- upgrades to sections of path and bridge infrastructure near the wetland
- planting to help support the local environment and offset tree removal required for the works.
Please note that the render does not show all planned vegetation and planting. Additional vegetation and planting is planned as part of this project at Oatley Heights Park.
We received strong feedback from the community and we have prepared a summary of what we heard and how feedback has been considered.
| What we heard | Council response |
|---|
| The render needed more detail. Some people found it hard to understand what changes were proposed. | The render showed the project at a high level. The project focuses on improving how the existing wetland works, rather than redesigning the whole reserve. |
| The gross pollutant traps need to work better. People said litter and pollutants can enter the ponds during heavy rain. | The northern gross pollutant trap will be repaired to improve performance. Maintenance concerns have also been raised so clearing can occur before forecast storms where possible. |
| The ponds have too much sediment. People asked for sediment to be removed to reduce flooding and safety concerns. | The design will address sediment build-up and improve access for future maintenance. This will help Council manage the ponds more safely and effectively. |
| Trees and wildlife habitat should be protected. People were concerned about the removal of mature trees and habitat. | Tree removal will be limited to what is needed for construction and will stay within the existing wetland footprint. For each tree removed, two trees will be planted on site or nearby. |
| The wetland islands are valued. People said the islands support wildlife and add to the look of the area. | The islands in the sediment ponds will be removed to improve wetland function. The small grass island with an established tree in Dairy Creek will be kept. |
| Sewage overflow remains a concern. People raised concerns about overflow events near Dairy Creek. | Council recognises this concern. While this issue is outside the scope of this project, Council will refer it to the responsible authority for investigation and action. |
| Paths and bridges need improvement. People asked for upgrades near creek crossings and storm-damaged areas. | Some paths and tracks next to the wetland will be upgraded as part of this project. Other areas, including the Riley Street entry and southern path, may be considered in future works. |
| Access could be improved. People asked for better access from Waterfall Road. | Accessible paths from the Waterfall Road entrance are outside the current project scope. This may be considered in future works. |
| The fire trail and vehicle bridge need to stay safe and usable. | The vehicle bridge will be upgraded to meet relevant standards and maintain fire trail access across the wetland. Broader fire trail upgrades are outside the current scope. |
| People want better signs and education. Suggestions included wayfinding, wetland information, cultural information and QR codes. | Council will explore opportunities for improved signage, including wayfinding and interpretive information, during the construction phase. |
| People asked for seating and wildlife viewing areas. | Benches are not included in the current project scope. Council may consider visitor improvements as part of future works. |
| People support more native planting. Suggestions included native grasses, trees, habitat boxes and local plant species. | Planting has been developed in consultation with Council’s Bushcare Team. Plant choices aim to match local vegetation communities and support the wetland environment. |
| The wetland needs long-term maintenance. People asked how Council will maintain the upgraded wetland. | Maintenance has been considered in the design. The works will improve access for maintenance and ongoing care will be supported by Council staff, contractors and Bushcare volunteers. |
| Bushcare groups should stay involved. | Council’s Bushcare Team has worked with the project team on plant selection. Bushcare volunteers will continue to support ongoing maintenance and may be involved in offset planting where possible. |
What happens next
Council will plan for construction of the Lime Kiln Bay Wetland Restoration project. Construction is expected to start in the future and we will provide more information before works begin.
Where is Lime Kiln Bay and what is it like?
Lime Kiln Bay Wetlands is a key natural area in Oatley that helps clean stormwater before it flows into the Georges River. Built in 1999, it also provides a quiet space for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature.
We are planning to upgrade the wetlands to fix problems like stagnant water, bad smells, and invasive plants. We want your feedback on the proposed changes and how you use the area.
The Lime Kiln Bay Wetlands sit between homes and natural wetlands leading to the Georges River. The area includes walking paths, a fire trail, and bridges connecting to nearby parks. Council manages the space with activities like bush regeneration to protect local plants and animals.
Over time, issues such as poor water flow, sediment buildup, invasive weeds, and pest turtles have affected the wetlands’ health and visitor experience.
What are the project benefits?
The proposed works will deliver multiple benefits to our community and environment:
| | Improve water quality entering the Georges River |
| | Remove invasive plants to support native wildlife |
| | Improve wetland pedestrian bridges and paths for safer access |
| | Replanting and landscaping around the wetlands |
How will the benefits be delivered?
We plan to widen the wetland ponds to improve water flow and upgrade water filters (Gross Pollutant Traps) to catch more sediment and rubbish. We will also be reviewing improvements for the existing pedestrian bridge on the pathway that connects the wetlands to Bay Road and Riley Street.
The fire trial bridge further into the wetlands will also be reviewed for upgrades. This project will also involve removing invasive weeds and planting new to support existing native species.
What is a high flow bypass?
A high flow bypass is a special channel or route that allows excess stormwater to flow around the main wetland during heavy rain. This protects the wetland’s plants and structure by preventing damage from strong flows and stops sediment and pollutants from being stirred up and washed downstream.
What is a GPT (Gross Pollutant Trap)?
Gross Pollutant Trap, or GPT, is a device that captures large rubbish, debris, and sediment from stormwater before it enters the wetland. It acts like a filter, using screens and settling areas to trap things like leaves, plastic, and dirt.
The current Gross Pollutant trap (GPT) at Lime Kiln Bay
Why might tree removal be required, and will they be replanted?
Some trees may need to be removed to make space for the new wetland design, improve water flow, or rebuild paths and bridges. To balance this, we will plant new native vegetation in other areas of the site, which helps offset the loss, supports local wildlife, and maintains the natural feel of the wetlands.
How can our community be involved?
Our consultation closed 28 July 2025.
During the consultation period, we asked our community to view our site render, which shows the improvements and changes we are proposing. We also wanted to know:
| | Your feedback on the Lime Kiln Bay design render |
| | How you currently use the Lime Kiln Bay Wetlands area |
| | Any suggestions you have about the proposed improvements
|
You can still contact us if you have questions by quoting 'SF24/4570' and send your correspondence:
| | In person at Georges River Libraries and Customer Experience Centres |
| | email: mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au |
| | post: PO Box 205, Hurstville BC NSW 1481 |
Do you need assistance reading and accessing this page?
For a free interpreter call us via the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, please contact the National Relay Service:
- Voice Relay number: 1300 555 727
- TTY number: 133 677
