A total of 3,000 native plants have been planted as part of National Tree Day celebrations at Elizabeth Macarthur Reserve in Camden South, thanks to a combined effort by the local community, Sydney Water, Downer BMD Joint Venture and Camden Council.

The plants are a key part of a transformation of the site, following the removal of exotic and weed species along the waterway within the Reserve. The project aimed to significantly increase biodiversity values and provide important habitat for native animals.

Sydney Water Project Manager, Shree Pawar, said he was excited to see the project come to life.

“This initiative is important in meeting Sydney Water’s internal position to maintain or improve the biodiversity outcomes for the project, but most importantly, contributing to the community and creating more green spaces to help with cooling for years to come,” he said.

BMD General Manager NSW/ACT, John Vida, said he was honoured for BMD to be a part of the project.

“As a business, we are committed to leaving a lasting impact on the communities in which we operate and we look forward to identifying new ways to give back to the Camden Council region as we continue to deliver the West Camden Water Recycling Plant Upgrade,” he said. 

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, thanked Sydney Water, Downer and BMD for their cooperation with Camden Council in making the project happen.

“This combined effort has led to a fantastic result for Elizabeth Macarthur Reserve and I’d like to thank all parties for making this possible,” she said.

Project works include:

• Planting of 3,000 native species from the River Flat Eucalypt Forest species palette as part of National Tree Day;
• Woody weed removal with material mulched onsite;
• Site preparation to get the area ready for planting;
• Installation and maintenance of erosion control measures;
• Maintenance and watering to ensure successful establishment of the plants; and
• Installation of signage to share project information and identify the project partners.