Zone 1 is complete. Clearing of zone 2 will begin in August 25, with planting occurring in early 2026.
Georges Riverkeeper (GRK), also referred to as the Georges River Combined Council’s Committee, has successfully secured funding through the federally supported Urban Rivers and Catchment Program. The grant application was submitted on behalf of four councils: Bayside, Georges River, Fairfield, and Liverpool.
Bayside Council has received $180,000 in federal funding for the project, to be utilised between March 2025 and February 2028. An additional $120,000 in matching funds will be provided by Council, bringing the total project budget to $300,000.
The requirement of the grant is to carry out bush regeneration 1.4 ha of the Reserve, with works to include:
- Completed 100% removal of priority weeds through photo points and condition mapping.
- Maintenance weeding across the site completed.
- Revegetation of 7,000m2 of the Reserve - Planted 5,500 canopy, mid and groundcover plants.
To undertake the works, the area has been broken up into three zones and each zone will be cleared and replanted with native species that are native to that local area by contractors engaged by Council.
The work involves remove a large area of weeds on the western side of Tonbridge creek and replanting species that are native to the area.
Hawthorne Street Natural Area is located on Tonbridge Creek. Tonbridge creek is tidal and is known to be an important fish nursery area for Botany Bay and Georges River.
The eastern side of the creek contains remnant bushland consisting of two EPBC listed endangered ecological communities including Bangalay Sand Forest and Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest which is generally in good condition. The western side of the creek is in poorer condition with ecosystem transforming weeds including lantana and morning glory persisting to the riparian area. To create habitat connectivity to the endangered vegetation communities on the eastern side of the creek, the project proposes to treat the weeds in staged manner and replant extensively with native species.
Due to the disturbed nature of the site planting will be required as opposed to native regeneration. The bushland around Tonbridge Creek on the eastern side is protected, special bangalay sand forest and swamp oak flood plain forest.
Zone 1 has been cleared and will be replanted in July 25 and then clearing of zone 2 will start in August 25 with planting occurring in early 2026.