Projects in the Creekline
Bringelly Reserve Riparian Improvement Works
Bringelly Reserve includes open space, a creek tributary and environmentally sensitive land where the remnant native vegetation comprises of RFEF. The Reserve is within, and part of, the Upper Wianamatta South Creek Floodplain which discharges stormwater north to the Transport for NSW drainage channel at Bringelly Road.
The Reserve was overgrown with woody weeds as well as the sporadic accumulation of debris and organic material in the creek line which may have been contributing to the inundation of adjoining properties during high intensity rain events. A contractor was engaged to remove woody weeds and sediment from the creek line to improve the environmental sustainability of the site. Planting of the banks will be undertaken to provide further soil stability.
Narellan Creek Water Quality Improvement Project
Through a Deed of Agreement with Sydney Water, Council received $200,000 to undertake works to improve the water quality and amenity of the Narellan Creek Water Quality Management System. The key existing water quality feature in the Narellan Creek catchment is the Harrington Park Lake system which was built in the late 1990s.
Additional lake systems were constructed in the early 2000s which completed the Narellan Creek Water Quality Management System. Consultants have reviewed water quality issues, catchment threats and hot spots that are contributing to current poor water quality and have identified and recommended actions to improve water quality in the Harrington Park Lake system.
The focus of short term actions is to reduce observed water quality impacts, whilst the long term actions are targeted at sustaining a long term improvement in water quality. This independent report is being considered with short term actions to be prioritised for implementation in the coming year.
NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program
The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program (PSLP) is a significant investment in high quality public open space. In May 2021, Council was awarded $5.1 million through this grant program to deliver an almost 4.3 kilometre extension to the current recreational pathway network to connect the Nepean River to Camden’s main street via Camden Town Farm, Ferguson’s Land, and the Bicentennial Equestrian Park. Council has completed the design and consultation phases of the project and are currently delivering a range of works expected to be completed by December 2023.
Greener Places, Healthier Waterways
Council’s draft Greener Places, Healthier Waterways Vision outlines an aspirational goal to create greener places and healthier waterways across Camden. It recognises the ‘Green Grid’ is related to the ‘Blue Grid’ and that management of them together provides clear benefits to both. The draft Vision will be reported to Council for consideration in early 2023.