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Why use this indicator?The establishment of extensive biodiversity-rich habitat corridors will support ecosystems, protect water quality and encourage movement of flora and fauna not only within the City but within the region. The establishment and extension of biodiversity-rich corridors also has the potential to provide aesthetic and recreational value for the community. Conservation and restoration of existing indigenous vegetation is a key component in maintaining biodiversity. With an extensive proportion of existing native vegetation on private land it is essential that the community is engaged in biodiversity conservation. What is the current situation?Approximately 65ha of natural bushland is being rehabilitated through Bushland Management works. There is currently no data captured regarding the loss of habitat due to land clearing for development and agricultural activities. Data collation on net habitat loss is required for future reports. Work undertaken by landcare and bushcare groups continues to increase the area and value of indigenous vegetation areas. Without further data on land clearing, Council is unable to determine the overall trend of area and value of biodiversity rich habitats. Core areas of habitat exist on both private and public lands, with 954ha in the City's three Nature Reserves and 1545ha in the proposed Wianamatta Regional Park. Council also actively maintains 13 km2 of open space, a large proportion (21.5%) consists of natural areas including remnant vegetation patches that are rich in biological diversity. Council has also implemented measures to protect natural areas that are biodiversity rich habitats. Local Environmental Plans and accompanying Development Control Plans are used to control development activities that are likely to impact on biological diversity. Plans of management have also been prepared, which provide a clear, concise approach for the protection, management and rehabilitation of land. Plans of Management have been created for Weir Reserve, Greygums Reserve, Tench Reserve Riparian Corridor, and the Jamison Creek Riparian Corridor. A new Plan of Management for the River Road Riparian Corridor was adopted by Penrith City Council in January 2008. Penrith City Council, in alliance with Blacktown City Council, and in collaboration with State Government agencies and the community, will also implement the Ropes and South Creek Regional Open Space Strategic Management Plan (ROSSMP). The Plan addresses regional sustainability objectives contained in the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Blueprint, Catchment Action Plan, and River Health Strategy. Through the ROSSMP, biodiversity will be enhanced on a regional level and wildlife corridors will also become more accessible to the community for passive recreation. The ROSSMP will increase the area of biodiversity rich habitats through the revegetation of 91ha with native species. Additionally, the condition of approximately 200ha of habitat will be improved through rubbish removal, erosion control and weed control. 12 km of creek line is also being improved through aquatic weed control undertaken by the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (HNCMA). What is the desired trend?No net loss in the proportion of the City's 'green web' that is biodiversity-rich habitat. What does this mean for the Sustainability of Penrith City?Penrith Council has adopted the Penrith Biodiversity Strategy with the goal “…to
protect the native biological diversity of the Penrith Local Government
Area and maintain ecological processes and systems”. The strategy sets
out a number of actions to achieve this goal.
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