Despite its urban setting, Randwick City provides temporary or permanent homes to a wide array of life. Areas of native bushland and our natural coastline particular support local biodiversity hotspots, providing homes to over 450 indigenous plants and approximately 200 birds, 29 reptiles, 7 mammals and 16 frog species.

Our remnant bushland provides crucial habitat for several nationally rare and endangered plants, animals and ecological communities. These areas also provide a link with Australia’s pre-European settlement, forming part of our natural heritage.

What are the main threats to our local biodiversity?

• Habitat loss is the greatest threat to remaining biodiversity.
• Fragmentation of large areas of bushland into smaller vulnerable remnants
• Disturbance and/or predation on native animals by feral and domestic animals (including pets).
• Introduction of exotic plants, which replace native species. eg. by dumping garden waste or allowing garden escapes.
• Added water and nutrients, which make conditions more favourable for exotics over natives.
• Inappropriate management practices such as clearing native vegetation or removal of habitat features such as bushrock, logs, leaf liter or hollows.
• Changes in the season, frequency and intensity of bush fires, which affect the way many plant species regenerate after fire.

Randwick City Council’s actions to stem biodiversity loss:

Council's bushland management program is multifaceted and includes:

• Maintenance of natural areas through bush regeneration
• Public education including events, signage and consultation
• Monitoring biodiversity
• Managing state/ federally listed and environmental weeds
• Pest animal control
• Maintaining native plant stock at the Randwick Community Nursery
• Supporting opportunities for the community to get involved:
  • Bushcare & Parkcare Volunteers
  • Native Havens
  • Wildlife Watch programs