Biodiversity
The PRCG sub-committees were established as part of the recommendations of the PRCG’s Implementation Plan and their aim is to progress the initial actions of the Plan and further develop opportunities for addressing regional issues relating to each theme. The sub-committees are made up of technical staff from member councils and agencies in the catchment and they enable councils and agencies to build important partnerships and networks, pool resources and reduce duplication in some key environmental areas.
The Biodiversity Sub-committee is involved in the following activities:
» This year Strathfeld and Ashfield councils are leading the Growers for Greenspace project, to promote the protection and rehabilitation of biodiversity corridors on both public and private land across the Strathfeld, Ashfield, Blacktown, Bankstown, City of Canada Bay and Hunters Hill council areas.
This 18 month project has been funded by a grant from the NSW Environmental Trust.
» This year the sub-committee is also coordinating a new project Biodiversity Awareness Education for local council outdoor officers. A consultant has been engaged to develop a an educational package and deliver two trial workshop for council outdoor officers from Ashfield, Strathfield, Canada Bay, Bankstown, Hunters Hill, Ryde, Auburn, Holroyd and Blacktown councils. The project is aligned with the requirements of councils to be environmentally sustainable and meet legislative requirements to enhance and protect natural resources. The project aims to build the awareness and capacity of council officers whose work activities may have an impact on biodiversity and natural areas (terrestrial and aquatic habitats). The target audience for the education is outdoor staff working on the ground in positions such as gardeners, greenkeepers, labourers, team leaders, plant operators (mowers, tractors, poison operators etc).
» Sub-committee members are collating maps of the extent and quality of biodiversity across the catchment. The Sydney Metropolitan CMA has provided several GIS maps to assist in determining high priority areas for rehabilitation and corridors within the catchment.
» In late 2008, all Councils within the catchment were actively encouraged to include biodiversity protection and improvement in any new development or redevelopment proposals. Councils’ strategic planning officers were contacted and provided with a list of points for consideration in the current development of their Local Environmental Plans.