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The aim of this project was to support Local Government to implement priority natural resource management (NRM) actions from existing Estuary Management Plans (EMP), which will lead to improved estuary and coastal resource condition, through on-ground works in the SMCMA region. Funding was allocated for on-ground projects in riparian areas adjacent to, or flowing directly into estuaries. Three key sites within the Sydney Metropolitan area have been identified for works. Projects include the Prince Edward Park Saltmarsh Conservation project (City of Canada Bay) and Oatley Bay Bank Stabilisation project (Kogarah Council), and the Deep Creek Restoration Project (Warringah Council).
Project Progress:
The three project sites for on-ground estuarine works were identified from actions within Estuary Management Plans, an Expression of Interest process open to Councils in the Sydney Metropolitan region, and site inspections by SMCMA officers. Two projects have been completed and one is currently underway.
Prince Edward Park Saltmarsh Restoration 
This project aimed to address management recommendations outlined in the City of Canada Bay ? Estuarine Vegetation Management Plan. Works were carried out in Prince Edward Park and consisted of the monitoring and removal of Casuarina glauca saplings encroaching into saltmarsh areas, and the management of terrestrial weeds (e.g. Kikuyu) into saltmarsh.
As part of the works, sandstone rocks were installed in strategic locations to restrict trampling of saltmarsh (Sarcocornia, Tetragonia, Sporobolus and Juncus species). Some erosion control was also included to reduce the impact from runoff.
Low growing, hardy plants, grown from plants on the site or from the lower
Parramatta
River
catchment area, were planted next to the saltmarsh to protect the saltmarsh from mowing and reduce the impact of freshwater runoff. These plantings also encourage migratory birds to use the area, as the impact from dog walkers and bicycles is reduced. Two interpretative signs were also installed at the site.
The project was received well by residents who frequent the park and the Bushcare volunteers who feel very positive of the support from Council and the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority.
Oatley Bay Bank Stabilisation
 Kogarah Council currently has an Estuary Management Plan (EMP) and Study for
Oatley
Bay
.
The
Oatley
Bay
foreshore and the waterways that drain into the bay were suffering from severe bank instability and erosion. The main area of concern was the foreshore of Moore Reserve, which slopes very sharply (approx 45ยบ) toward the water, has large areas devoid of vegetation and significant bank material is lost during storm events.
This project aimed to stabilise the public foreshore of
Oatley
Bay
and prevent erosion of waterways that drain into the bay and so reduce the volume of sediments coming into the Bay. Before works commenced there were obvious signs of past mistreatment of the site, which included chunks of concrete and metal, and poor drainage infrastructure. Since works have been completed on the banks of Poulton Creek and Moore Reserve, those features were replaced with native plantings, which include the introduction of saltmarsh species, and loose stone drainage paths which gives the foreshore a much more natural appearance. Works were carried out with the assistance of local bushcare groups.
Deep Creek Restoration Project
The Deep Creek project site is next to
Garigal
National Park
and is contained within Crown land under the care, control and management of Warringah Council. The project aims to address habitat rehabiltation and improving the habitat value of a tributary corridor to Narrabeen Lagoon. This will involve protection and rehabilitation of key terrestrial vegetation communities through bush regeneration works including weeding works and native plantings, and community education through descriptive signs that highlight the conservation values of the reserve.
This project will complement existing bush regeneration works being carried out in Narrabeen Lagoon, by enabling the expansion of this work to include weed control in the surrounding endangered vegetation communities.
Coordinator/Project delivered by: Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority
Project Partners: City of
Canada
Bay
, Kogarah Council and Warringah Council
Funding Source: Australian Government's Caring for Our Country
Total funding amount: SMCMA: $183,364, Local Government cash and in-kind contributions: $136,354
Project timeframe: June 2008 to February 2010
Status: Active (City of
Canada
Bay and Kogarah Council projects have been completed)
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