Over multiple years, we restored key wetland habitats within the Sydney Airport precinct, balancing ecological rehabilitation with aviation safety requirements. Through our weed management services, we transform degraded areas into strong ecosystems.

Method & Technique:

• Bush Regeneration
• Broadscale Herbicide Spraying
• Aquatic Weed Control
• Planting
• Ecological Restoration
• Aquatic Weed Treatment
• Habitat Management

Project Outcomes:

We successfully completed a multi-year bush and wetland regeneration project for our client, Sydney Airport, spanning from 2019 to 2022. The project began with a focus on intensive primary works to control dense infestations of invasive species such as Cestrum parqui (Green Cestrum), Lantana camara, Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (Bitou Bush), Ludwigia peruviana (Water Primrose), and various exotic climbers. These weeds were treated in staged sections to support effective restoration and site recovery.

Sydney Airport’s vision was to rehabilitate the riparian habitat around two wetland ponds, creating a functional and resilient natural area while minimising the risk of attracting large bird populations near the airport. Our team worked to achieve this balance by restoring native vegetation and managing habitat complexity appropriately.

From 2020 to 2022, we carried out regular maintenance works to consolidate earlier progress. Weed densities were effectively maintained or reduced across most work zones, with major improvements noted in Engine Pond West, Engine Pond East , and Mill Stream . Native vegetation showed strong regeneration, supported by our follow-up work and favorable seasonal rainfall.

In 2022, the final year of the contract, our efforts shifted to controlling vine and herbaceous weeds such as Rumex sagittatus and Anredera cordifolia, particularly in areas with good native cover or previous plantings. We also carried out supplementary planting to increase biodiversity, enhance habitat corridors, and reduce future weed re-establishment in cleared zones.

Throughout the project, a diverse range of native fauna were observed, including Striped Marsh Frogs, Eastern Water Skinks, Blue-tongued Skinks, Black Swans, Pelicans, Honeyeaters, Swamp Hens, and Superb Fairy-wrens — highlighting the ecological value of this urban stepping stone habitat.

This project was completed to a high standard, with all objectives met through careful planning, consistent follow-up, and strong teamwork. It stands as a successful example of large-scale ecological restoration in a complex urban setting.

Before	After

Before	After

Our work at Viva Energy’s Clyde terminal aims to restore and rehabilitate habitats for the Green and Golden Bell Frogs.

Project Details 

Our aim is to develop and maintain a secure core habitat that is reasonably self-sustaining and meets the known ecological requirements of the entire life cycle of the Green and Golden Bell Frog (GGBF).

To meet this goal, our team planted 70,000 plants in three breeding ponds on site with associated frog corridor grasslands. We also conducted the maintenance works to ensure the habitat remained optimal for the GGBF.

The Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea) has gone from being one of the most commonly found frogs on the east coast, to one of the most threatened, with the risk of extinction. A large contributing factor for this decline in population is habitat isolation. 

Their Habitat Preference 

The species live in large, open-water swamps or ponds that have a variable water level, dense vegetation with grassy and rocky areas around them. The species preferred habitats that they use for breeding, foraging, shelter and hibernation include waterbodies that:

• Are unshaded and free of predatory fish
• Have grassy areas and shelters nearby.

Site Map

Services Provided

Our team have been carefully clearing and disposing of vegetation to avoid harming any GGBF that may be present. Our team also focused on rebuilding the habitats that include the removal of She-Oak Trees that are shading Green and Golden Bell Frog Habitat. Additionally, we controlled large areas of Spiny Rush and conducted the planting of appropriate macrophyte species to enhance the natural habitat qualities for GGBF.

More details on the services we provided on this site include: 

• Weed control works that started from the banks of waterbodies, working outward towards dry land, replacing the weeds removed with native plants.
• Control of Gambusia (Mosquito Fish).
• Removal of all Swamp Oak individuals that occur within or fringing ponds and pools, including along the raised bund that intersects the central pools.
• All Juncus acutus are to be progressively removed from the Wetlands. The native Typha orientalis is to be culled from the centre of pools and ponds, with some T. orientalis retained around the banks of all waterbodies.
• Targeted small populations of unwanted emergent and aquatic vegetation for removal which was then followed by removal of the larger infestations.
• Extensive primary treatment on weeds such as Lantana Camara, Casurina Sp and Acacia Salinga have been cleared around the ponds. Opening up the area to allow 40% of the perennial wetland area with direct sunlight. This warms up the temperature of the water, creating more productivity for the aquatic vegetation.

Rebuilding and bringing back the natural habitats for the Green and Golden Bell Frogs is always a profound project to work on. Our efforts into restoring the land and natural habitats will result in unhindered breeding and promote increased activity.