Masterplan stages

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Parramatta River Bank Naturalisation and Priority Corridors Project

A key goal of the Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG) is to improve ecosystem health within the catchment. One of the primary strategies is to protect and enhance riparian vegetation, which provides vital habitat for several iconic species.

The vision aims to:

Naturalise where possible
Enhance the viability, condition, connectivity, and extent of nature riparian vegetation
Provide a corridor for the movement of flora and fauna species between reserves and areas of remnant vegetation
Protect and/or provide bank and creek bed stability
Contribute to improved water quality.

Project objectives and scope

In June 2023, the PRCG was awarded a $1,000,000 grant over three years as part of the NSW Government’s Election Commitment to undertake the Parramatta River Bank Naturalisation and Priority Corridors project.

The objectives of the grant are to:

Develop strategic policy to protect and enhance existing riparian vegetation
Identify priority sites within the PRCG catchment for riverbank revegetation
Deliver initial implementation (on-ground works).

The project will fund specialists or consultants to deliver the following:

Stage One	Conduct a literature review, drawing on council and agency existing data sets. Undertake catchment mapping. Conduct workshops with councils, agency members and Sydney Water to establish and publish priority corridors for restoration across the catchment. Develop riparian planning controls/LEP clause for member councils.
Stage Two	Design a capital works program with concept and detailed designs for specific projects, prepare cost estimates, and coordinate approvals for capital works project.
Stage Three	Undertake capital works at priority sites (identifying any opportunity for co-funding by landowners and other grants).

This project covers the riparian areas of the Parramatta River catchment within the 10-member council Local Government Areas. It includes creeks and streams, such as Duck River and its tributaries, as well as other streams in the catchment. However, it excludes the riverbank of the Parramatta River from Charles Street Weir to Cockatoo Island.

Implementation of the Parramatta River Masterplan

Launched in 2018, Duba, Budu, Barra – Ten Steps to a Living River: The Parramatta River Masterplan was the result of extensive consultation and represents the views of PRCG members and the community. The Parramatta River Bank Naturalisation and Priority Corridors project will assist implementation two key Masterplan steps:

Step 4: Standardise and Standards (see page 70) – Establish a whole-of-catchment land-use policy and statutory planning mechanism.
Step 8: Bring in Nature (see page 78) – Maintain, improve, and create new habitats for the Parramatta River catchment’s five iconic species mascots as indicators of water quality and catchment health.

Progress to date

2023	The Project Working Group, consisting of representatives from member councils and Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA), was established and reports to the PRCG Executive and the Full Group. It is supported by the PRCG Coordinator and Project Officer. The Working Group meets regularly.
2024	Consultant appointed to undertake Stage 1 project on literature review, mapping, development of prioritisation framework and identification of the list of priorities.
2025	Project Officer appointed to coordinate Stage 2 of the project.

Funded by:
NSW Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water

Amount:
$1,000,000 over three years from July 2023 to June 2026.

More information:
Melissa Cate Christ, Project Officer
Email: melissa.cate.christ@ourlivingriver.com.au

Our Plan for the River