8. Bring in nature

• Bank Naturalisation and Planning of Priority Corridors Project: The Bank Naturalisation Officer has collaborated with council staff to confirm priority sites and assess site-specific opportunities and constraints, narrowing the shortlist to six locations for concept design. A procurement process is underway, with the scope and RFQ being prepared for concept and detailed designs, including cost estimates.
• Parramatta River and Waterways Network (PRAWN): The May meeting, hosted at The Habitat in Ryde, featured discussions on Dharug-led catchment management, mangrove removal, OzFish engagement, and reviving the Eel Festival.
• Landcare events and activities:
  • PRCG presented at the Regional Landcare Bushcare Forum on 23 May. PRCG also supported the facilitation of a field trip to McIlwaine Park and Cabarita Park beach to demonstrate different ways sites can be activated to connect with the river. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to rain.
  • Planning is underway with Landcare’s Young Adult Officer and Murama for a youth-focused Landcare activity at the Murama Healing Space in June 2025.

• Bank Naturalisation and Planning of Priority Corridors project: The Bank Naturalisation Project Officer has been meeting with relevant staff in member councils to discuss shortlisted sites and identify opportunities and constraints for each. Following consultations and site visits, the list of priority sites has been refined due to site constraints, with the following sites proceeding: Archer Creek (Ryde), Blacktown Creek (Blacktown), Duck River (Cumberland), Iron Cove Creek (Inner West), Tarban Creek (Hunters Hill), and Vineyard Creek (Parramatta).
• Parramatta River and Waterways Network (PRAWN): The February meeting, hosted by The Sunshine Project, featured a foreshore walk and planning session. Members outlined key projects and expressed interest in involving the recreational fishing community in future river health initiatives.
• Landcare events and activities:
  • Local Landcare Coordinators met on 17 January for a collaboration session.
  • A mangrove clean-up at Ermington Wharf is being planned for World Mangrove Day in July with Landcare NSW’s Young Adult Officer.
  • PRCG will speak at the Regional Landcare Bushcare Forum on 23 May 2025 and support a field trip, highlighting affiliated partners working on catchment priorities.

• Bank Naturalisation and Planning of Priority Corridors project: Stage 1 is complete, with nine priority sites confirmed for Stages 2 and 3. Due to limited grant funding, the project will deliver shovel-ready designs to attract further funding. Recruitment for the Project Officer is underway, with a start date expected on 11 December. Community consultation will inform the next design phase.
• Parramatta River and Waterways Network (PRAWN): November meeting, hosted by Friends of Toongabbie, included a bushcare site tour and community consultation on Sydney Water’s proposed Camellia facility. PRAWN now has a Terms of Reference, flyer, shared Google Drive, and is developing a logo.
• Landcare events and activities:
  • Landcare NSW Gathering
  • Greater Sydney Landcare (GSLC) Gathering
  • Streamwatch training
  • Governance and change management workshops
  • GSLC 10th Birthday celebration
  • Future collaboration opportunities planned with Landcare’s Young Adult Officer.

• Bank Naturalisation and Planning of Priority Corridors project: Civille is finalising the prioritisation framework and site selection for catchment naturalisation, with a final workshop on 6 August to confirm priorities. Interim findings will be presented at the August PRCG Full Group meeting.
• Landcare Enabling Program: PRCG submitted financial and written reports for the annual Landcare Enabling Program to Greater Sydney Landcare. The next tranche of funding, supporting PRCG and other host organisations across the Sydney Basin through to June 2027, is expected by late July. The total grant amount is $231,589.38, including $3,000 for professional development.
• Local Small Commitments Allocation: The submission deadline for this grant was extended to 1 August to allow PRCG time to complete it during its transition to Inner West Council.

• Bank Naturalisation and Planning of Priority Corridors project: The $1 million project (2023–2026) aims to protect and enhance riparian vegetation in the Parramatta River catchment (excluding Hills Shire) through mapping, site selection, and on-ground works. Stage 1 includes a literature review, riparian mapping, and prioritisation of 20 restoration sites, with results due in June. Consultants were engaged in February 2024, and data collection and Working Group meetings are ongoing.
• NSW Local Land Services and Landcare NSW: From July 2019 to February 2024, PRCG received $255,902.94 through the Landcare Enabling Program to fund the Riverkeeper role; the financial report for this grant has been completed.
• Greater Sydney Landcare (2024–2027): A new four-year grant of $231,589.38, including $3,000 for professional development, funds the Riverkeeper/Local Landcare Coordinator role at PRCG. Managed by Greater Sydney Landcare, this grant also supports expanded regional staffing and is due for reporting in July 2024.
• Local Small Commitments Allocation: Cr Penny Pedersen successfully nominated a $25,000 grant for river education, water quality testing, and citizen science projects in Lane Cove; the application is underway.
• Parramatta River and Waterways Network (PRAWN): Met on 5 May at Field of Mars to discuss coastal saltmarsh conservation. Key issues discussed: tree vandalism, school engagement, health partnerships, pollution reporting, and saltmarsh protection. Next meeting: August 2024.
• Biodiversity and Education Subcommittee: Met on 21 May to discuss progress in citizen science, biodiversity strategies, and community engagement across bushcare, landcare, and waterway projects.

• Landcare Grant Funding 2023–2027: The outcome of the PRCG’s funding submission is expected by January 2023.
• Parramatta River Bank Naturalisation project: Distribution of RFQ for stage 1 project. Review of consultant submissions and appointment of successful consultant. Project inception meeting with consultant.
• Parramatta River Landcare Group Network: Established in December, the Network is chaired by the Habitat Network (City of Ryde) and includes local environmental organisations. Goals: build capacity, boost volunteer engagement, strengthen collaboration with member councils, and support the Local Land Coordinator/Riverkeeper in delivering the Riverkeeper Program.
• Biodiversity and Education Subcommittee: Met on 20 February 2024 to share updates on habitat protection projects for PRCG icon species, including Bar-tailed Godwit and Coastal Saltmarsh restoration led by Ju’eta Amir (City of Canada Bay), alongside reports on biodiversity and stormwater education by member councils; minutes available on request.

• Landcare NSW Funding Extension: Funding was extended to October 2023 to support the submission for the 2023–2027 funding round, enabling continued delivery of environmental health and citizen science programs aligned with the catchment plan.
• Parramatta River Bank Naturalisation project: Establishment of project working group and development of RFQ for stage 1 project to undertake catchment mapping and site prioritisation.

• Citizen Science Program 2023: A citizen science action plan for 2023 was developed in collaboration with the Biodiversity and Education Subcommittee.
  Toongabbie Creek Turtle Field Excursion: On 19 February, Friends of Toongabbie Creek and PRCG hosted a citizen science event featuring Dr Ricky Spencer (Western Sydney University), who led a field trip to observe the eastern long-necked turtle—an iconic Parramatta River species.
• Coastal Saltmarsh Bus Tour: PRCG and City of Canada Bay organised a citizen science bus tour on coastal saltmarsh, with presentations by Kylie Burrows and Ju’eta Amir (City of Canada Bay), and Swapan Paul (Sydney Olympic Park Authority). The event drew strong participant engagement.
• Biodiversity and Education Subcommittee: The subcommittee met on 29 August, focusing on the Parramatta River Bank Naturalisation grant, Landcare initiatives, and Riverfest planning.

• Landcare NSW: Turlough Guerin, CEO of Landcare NSW, presented at the Full Group meeting; The PRCG team took part in strategic planning sessions to help shape Landcare NSW’s future direction ahead of the next round of program funding.
• Riverkeeper Program:
  • PRCG supported Seven Hills Community Fair in partnership with Blacktown City Council (18 March).
  • Sustainable Saturday at Concord organised by City of Canada Bay Council (1 April).
• Citizen Science:
  • Bus tour of Parramatta River Coastal Saltmarsh, organised by City of Canada Bay and PRCG. Presenters included Kylie Burrows and Ju’eta Amir from City of Canada Bay followed by Swapan Paul from Sydney Olympic Park Authority (6 May).
  • City of Parramatta Bushcare program hosted citizen science session on microbats (28 April).

• Landcare NSW – LLS Funding: A four-year, $215,660 grant from NSW Local Land Services (LLS) via Landcare NSW funds 60% of the Riverkeeper role, designated as a Local Landcare Coordinator. The grant concludes in June 2023, with final reports due in May. Landcare NSW is advocating for increased funding in the next four-year tranche. CEO Turlough Guerin will present at the March Full Group meeting.
• Biodiversity and Education Subcommittee: Met on 21 February, hosted by Hunter’s Hill Council. Key focuses included citizen science initiatives, habitat and corridor mapping, and educational opportunities for council staff and volunteers.
• Citizen Science: Friends of Toongabbie Creek and PRCG held a turtle monitoring excursion along Toongabbie Creek, led by Dr Ricky Spencer (WSU) on 19 February.

• Landcare NSW:
  • Landcare mini grant funds will be spent on providing nest boxes for councils and community organisations, including workshops on Citizen Science apps.
  • Riverkeeper attended the Greater Sydney Landcare network AGM (18 September 2022).
  • Riverkeeper attended the Local Government Biodiversity Network meeting.
• Riverkeeper Program:
  • Wentworth Point Environment Group Planning Meeting (7 September)
  • Sydney Olympic Park Youth Eco Summit (16 & 17 November)
  • PRCG hosted an information stall at the Bayview Park swim site launch on 13 November.

• Landcare NSW: PRCG team co-hosted and participated in the Greater Sydney Landcare Network gathering for bushcare and land care volunteers and staff held at The Connection, Rhodes (3 July).
• Biodiversity and Education Subcommittee: Meeting held on 16 August with a focus on citizen science and how to use the resultant data with two guest speakers – Dr Joanna Haddock, Senior Threatened Species Officer – Biodiversity & Conservation Division, DPE North West Branch; and Nadiah Roslan, Project Coordinator – FrogID Australian Museum Research Institute.
• Carnarvon Golf Club: In conjunction with the Greater Sydney Landcare Group’s Canopies project, held a third planting on 19 August where 1100 trees, shrubs and ground covers were planted by 35 volunteers and staff.
• Riverfest 2022: Held from 17 September (World Clean Up Day) to 25 September (World Rivers Day). This year’s celebration of the Parramatta River and its tributaries focused on litter clean-ups as well as opportunities to learn more about the catchment’s biodiversity.
• Riverkeeper Program:
  • City of Canada Bay Sustainable Schools and Childcare Network – Junior Riverkeepers
  • Local Government Biodiversity Network – Update on Biodiversity Actions in the Parramatta River Catchment
  • Burramatta NAIDOC – Parramatta Park (July)
  • Greater Sydney Harbour Regional Litter Prevention Strategy Steering Group member – also conducted local litter checks jointly with SCCG and partner councils at two sites (August).

• Biodiversity and Education Subcommittee: In-person workshop held on 13 May to focus on reviewing and refocusing on actions for Step 8 Bring in Nature. Presentations were given by Jenny O’Meara and Viveca McGhie of Sydney Olympic Park Authority, as well as Carl Tippler of ET Environmental.
• Riverkeeper Program:
  • EPA Strategic Stakeholders workshop (June)
  • Litter Congress (Keep Australia Beautiful)
  • Presentations at the Landcare NSW Conference on community engagement with Charlene Bordley, and the FRANC Stormwater NSW Conference, jointly with Catarina Fraga Matos (Canterbury Bankstown)
  • ‘Yarning on Country – Knowing the past, working together for the future’ event, organised by Greater Sydney Local Land Services
  • Particpated in the Places to Swim Advisory Panel.

• Carnarvon Golf Club: In conjunction with the Greater Sydney Landcare Group’s Canopies project, planted 250 trees with a 97% seedling survival rate. Second round of tree planting was held on 24 March 2022. The Golf Club is seeking funding and technical support for an Alligator weed removal project.
• Riverkeeper Program activities:
  • Seaside Scavenge (19 February)
  • Bayview Park Low Tide Clean Up (29 February)
  • Carnarvon Gold Club tree planting (24 March).

• Biodiversity and Education Subcommittee: Held on 17 August 2021. Presentations and discussion on the following topics were provided: Citizen Science App, Love Your Waterways, Regional Litter Prevention Strategy, Riverfest program.
• Carnarvon Golf Club: Successfully received a small grant to install floating wetlands in their dam to assist with nutrient removal of the golf course irrigation supply. PRCG provided advice and a letter of support for the project.

• Riverfest 2021: Held online from 15–24 October, featuring over 20 webinars, talks, and children’s story time sessions focused on local wildlife and waterway health.
• Citizen Science App: The Parramatta River Citizen Science app for tracking iconic species is currently being tested with council staff.
• Floating Wetlands Project: PRCG supported Carnarvon Golf Club in securing a grant to install floating wetlands in their on-site dam.

• Sediment Runoff Webinar: A webinar on the impacts of sediment runoff on waterway health and marine life, led by a Georges Riverkeeper ecologist, was held for partner councils and catchment groups ahead of the May Get the Site Right campaign.
• Biodiversity and Education Subcommittee: The subcommittee met on 19 May 2021. Blacktown City Council presented on sub-catchment prioritisation, and EarthWatch Australia proposed introducing the Swarovski Waterschool program in 15 local primary schools.
• Coastal Management Planning: The Greater Sydney Harbour Coastal Management Plan project team hosted a webinar on the upcoming Stage 2 Coastal and Estuaries planning grant, supported by 20 councils and due for submission in July 2021.

• Biodiversity and Education Subcommittee: The Subcommittee convened to discuss upcoming initiatives and opportunities for collaboration.
  World Wetlands Day Webinar: A webinar was held to mark World Wetlands Day, raising awareness about the importance of wetland ecosystems.
• Litter Vacuum: PRCG purchased a litter vacuum to help remove lightweight litter such as styrofoam. The device, nicknamed ‘ORC’, was launched during Clean Up Australia Day events in March and demonstrated at multiple sites. The Maritime Services Environmental team also trialled its use along high tide marks and hard-to-reach areas.

• Rapid Assessment of Riparian Training: On 21 November, PRCG partnered with Local Land Services (LLS) and Cumberland City Council to deliver Rapid Assessment of Riparian training for LLS coordinators, council staff, and volunteers.
• Biodiversity and Education Subcommittee Meeting: The Subcommittee met on 16 September, featuring presentations on Step 4 of the Masterplan, riparian corridor planning, and a Masters student project on the Citizen Science app.

• A Biodiversity Subcommittee meeting was held.
• A Citizen Science app is being developed by a Macquarie University masters student and will be presented at the next Biodiversity Subcommittee meeting.

A Citizen Science app is being developed by a Macquarie University masters student in partnership with PRCG and DPIE Environmental Science.

• Attended the Murama Healing Space event 14 March 2020.
• Riverkeeper position vacant and reviewed. Position extended to four days per week and approved by Full-Group (recruitment suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic).
• Biodiversity subcommittee postponed due to Riverkeeper position vacancy.

• Ecological Health Survey distributed to all members and reported back to officers meeting.
• Biodiversity Subcommittee to be reformed in early 2020 as a working group to establish Workplan (postponed due to COVID-19 and Riverkeeper vacancy).

• PRCG presence at National Tree Day events at Canterbury Bankstown and Strathfield Councils.
• Attended NSW Powerful Owls research update.
• Attended 202020 Vision Roadshow on urban tree canopies.

• Strategic plan under development for Citizen Science program.
• 1 Million Turtles and Living Seawall projects progressed.