Funding for Restoration Project

The Warriewood-Ingleside Escarpment and adjoining Irrawong Reserve and Warriewood Wetlands will be further protected and restored - thanks to $90,000 funding awarded to Pittwater Council from the NSW Environment Trust’s Environment Restoration and Rehabilitation Program.

Funding focuses on Mullet Creek, which runs through all three reserves and into Narrabeen Lagoon. The grant will help fund work including restoring native wetland vegetation, protecting the biodiversity of the significant plant communities and maximising the wetlands’ natural functions through a staged program to remove woody weeds.

About the Warriewood-Ingleside Escarpment

Covering over 70 hectares, the Warriewood-Ingleside Escarpment is a key wildlife refuge with a number of water courses passing through it. At 26 hectares in size, the Warriewood Wetlands is the largest remaining sand plain wetland in northern Sydney and home to communities of plants and animals that have been listed as endangered due to their rarity. These include Swamp Oak Forest and Freshwater Wetlands, as well as endangered native animals and birds such as the Squirrel Glider and the Regent Honeyeater.

Irrawong Reserve at Garden Street Warriewood, covering 4.5 hectares, links the Escarpment to the Warriewood Wetlands and is a key part of the wildlife corridor between the coast and the Kuringai and Garrigal National Parks.

The wetlands and reserve have a diverse bird population of more than 100 species, including Lyre Birds, the rarely seen Top Knot Pigeon which visits in summer and Regent Honey Eaters, found in winter.

What Council is Doing

Over the next three years Council will remove species known as ‘woody weeds’ from along Mullet Creek at the top of the catchment to reduce weeds at the source. Private land-owners such as the Westpac Training College are already working with Council to remove weeds, and other private property owners at the top of Mullet Creek are being encouraged to follow their example.

Woody weeds such as the Coral Trees and Privet threaten wetlands because they grow vigorously, take over areas of native plants and can grow over areas of open water. Woody weeds spread by seeds or suckers, and even branches on the ground can regrow into new plants.

Pittwater Council’s Natural Resources Manager Mia Dalby-Ball says controlling weed species at the top of the catchment, including those on private property, is the key to managing the wetland area.

“The other important aspect is increasing the number of people involved in restoration work and our support for existing community volunteers,“ Ms Dalby-Hall says.

“We’re fortunate to have a dedicated volunteer group to help us manage the wetlands, but given the size of these three reserves, we want to increase the community’s involvement and interest in caring for this land.”

Recently, the Council installed a new boardwalk and walking trails, enabling easier access to areas of the wetland that were previously off limits.

Dogs and bikes are prohibited from the wetlands due to the sensitivity of the environment and limitations on access.

Warriewood Wetlands and Irrawong Reserve, part of Mullet Creek Catchment.
Map of Mullet Creek Catchment (Yellow = Catchment, Blue = Creekline) 

Coral Tree (Erythrina crista-galli)

Coral Tree (Erythrina crista-galli) is a significant woody weed within the Mullet Creek Catchment.

Erythrina crista-galli is a shrub or small tree which grows to approximately 6 metres high. It has small prickles on the trunk and branches. Its leaves are oval in shape, 3-6 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. In summer and spring it produces long shoots of scarlet red pea flowers which attract many bird species.     

Erythrina crista-galli is easily dispersed by seed and suckering. Branches left on the ground can re-grow into new plants. This species invades natural areas such as creeklines and wetlands. 

Erythrina crista-galli is a deciduous tree and requires treatment in the growing season. It can be drilled or frilled in-situ and poisoned as felled trees and branches will re-shoot if in contact with the ground.

Other Woody Weeds targeted in this restoration project include:

• Ligustrum spp.
• Senna pendula var. glabrata
• Cinnamomum camphora
• Olea europaea subsp. africana

Attention!!!

Council will be carrying out activities over the next three years to restore and protect these wetlands. Activities will focus on weed control, protection of habitats/wildlife corridors and support of community bushcare groups.

Noxious weed inspections of properties adjoining the wetlands and within the Mullet Creek catchment will be carried out to identify and target weeds that may be causing problems in the wetland reserves.

It’s a great time to get involved!!!

If you would like to get a head-start eradicating weeds on your property that could spread into the wetland areas, Pittwater Council can help you with advice and information.

Are you a good neighbour?

• Protect native vegetation on your property
• Plant natives local to your property and help maintain a diverse plant community
• Compost garden and lawn clippings, don’t dump in bushland
• If you don’t want it on your property, the community doesn’t want it on public land
• Identify, control and remove weeds on your property
• Restrict pets (dogs and cats) from entering bushland. Keep cats indoors to protect our wildlife

To find out more, please email karin_nippard@pittwater.nsw.gov.au or phone 9970 1363

Related Info   

• Wetland Restoration at Warriewood Wetlands and Irrawong Reserve - 3-Fold Brochure (PDF)
• More about Irrawong Reserve ...
• More about Warriewood Wetlands ...