Almost five hectares of rare native bushland has been added to Wolli Creek Regional Park in Sydney’s inner southwest.

 

The expansion of Wolli Creek Regional Park – which has been in planning since 1998 – brings it one step closer to becoming one of Sydney’s largest parks.

With the addition of this native bushland, the park is now 45 hectares – and it’s now possible to walk from Bexley North to Earlwood, and Earlwood to Wolli Creek.

 

 

As well as providing green space and recreational areas, the park also conserves iconic bushland along Wolli Creek – which is home to more than 460 plant and animal species.

These include a colony of Grey-headed flying foxes – Australia’s largest native bat – which is currently listed as vulnerable.

Why is the park expanding?

The NSW Government committed $13 million in the last budget to complete and maintain Wolli Creek Regional Park, which is found in one of the most densely populated parts of NSW. In doing so they highlighted the importance of maintaining bushland and open spaces as more people move to the area.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said, ‘Expanding the Wolli Creek Regional Park ensures plants, animals, and people can enjoy more of the area’s unique natural landscape’.

‘Reserving additional land takes us a big step closer to completing the park and provides the highest level of long-term security for these diverse ecosystems’, she added.

 

Penny Sharpe at the opening of the new section of park last week

What are future plans for the park?

The additional 4.7 hectares is a win for humans, flora, and fauna alike, and a much-appreciated outcome for the local communities who have been campaigning for the park’s completion.

The NPWS will continue to work with key stakeholders to complete the transfer and acquisition of the final 4.7 hectares.

The local Wolli Creek Preservation Society will continue its important bushland regeneration work in the park. You can help them out by signing up as a volunteer and participating in planting sessions, bush restoration, bird surveys, and more.

 

Images supplied by Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water 

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