Contents
1 Name#
This instrument is the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (National Recovery Plan for the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion) Instrument 2026.
2 Commencement#
This instrument commences on the day after it is registered.
3 Authority#
This instrument is made under subsection 269A(2) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
© Commonwealth of Australia 2026
Ownership of intellectual property rights
Unless otherwise noted, copyright (and any other intellectual property rights) in this publication is owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (referred to as the Commonwealth).
Creative Commons licence
All material in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence except content supplied by third parties, logos and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms.
Inquiries about the licence and any use of this document should be submitted via our online contact form.
Cataloguing data
This publication (and any material sourced from it) should be attributed as: DCCEEW 2026, National Recovery Plan for the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Canberra. CC BY 4.0.
This publication is available at dcceew.gov.au/publications.
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
GPO Box 3090 Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone 1800 920 528
Web dcceew.gov.au
Disclaimer
The Australian Government acting through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication. Notwithstanding, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, its employees and advisers disclaim all liability, including liability for negligence and for any loss, damage, injury, expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing, using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Acknowledgements
This recovery plan was developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, and we thank them for their contributions. Particular thanks are given to the Camden and Campbelltown councils and the NSW Government Department of Climate Change, Environment and Water for providing considerable input to the recovery plan.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Image credits
Cover page: Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest, Menangle Park. © Caitriona Dowd (DCCEEW 2025)
Figure 1: Angophora subvelutina (broad-leaved apple). © Matt White (DCCEEW 2025)
Figure 2: Flowering Banksia integrifolia (coast banksia). © Matt White (DCCEEW 2026)
Figure 3: Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest, Spring Farm. © Teagan Nayler (DCCEEW 2025)
Figure 5: Fallen banksia trunks at Menangle Park. © Matt White (DCCEEW 2025)
Figure 6: Exotic Ochna serrulata (mickey mouse bush). © Matt White (DCCEEW 2025)
Figure 7: Exotic Opuntias spp. (prickly pear). © Matt White (DCCEEW 2025)
Figure 8: Habitat boxes installed at Menangle Park. © Matt White (DCCEEW 2025)
Figure 9: Banksia integrifolia (coast banksia) seed cone at Menangle Park. © Matt White (DCCEEW 2025)
Figure 10: Restoration works completed by Camden Council. © Teagan Nayler (DCCEEW 2025)
Tables
Table 1: Key recovery partners and other stakeholders .................................3
Table 2: Threat status and prioritisation of threats....................................21
Figures
Figure 1: Angophora subvelutina (broad-leaved apple)..................................5
Figure 2: Flowering Banksia integrifolia (coast banksia)..................................6
Figure 3: Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest, Spring Farm....................................9
Figure 4: Distribution of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion........10
Figure 5: Fallen banksia trunks located in Menangle Park................................14
Figure 6: Exotic Ochna serrulata (mickey mouse bush)..................................15
Figure 7: Exotic Opuntia spp. (prickly pear) in EBSF at Menangle Park.......................16
Figure 8: Habitat boxes installed at Menangle Park....................................17
Figure 9: Banksia integrifolia (coast banksia) seed cone at Menangle Park....................18
Figure 10: Restoration works underway by Camden Council at Spring Farm..................25
| DCCEEW | Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water |
| EBSF | Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest |
| EC | Ecological Community |
| EPBC Act | Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) |
| Ha | Hectares |
| IBRA | Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia |
| KTP | Key threatening process |
| LGA | Local Government Organisation |
| NGO | Non-Government Organisation |
| NPWS | National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| NSW | New South Wales |
This National Recovery Plan for the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion is made under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The plan identifies the activities required to stop the decline and support the recovery of the ecological community.
Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion is a unique, critically endangered ecological community. The ecological community is highly restricted to a very small area of up to around 16 hectares of fragmented habitat, with remaining known occurrences restricted to the south-western Sydney local government areas of Camden and Campbelltown.
The main threats to this ecological community are ongoing clearing and fragmentation from urban development and associated infrastructure, with legacy impacts from historical agricultural clearing and sand mining; invasive flora, fauna and disease; fire regimes that cause declines in biodiversity; and ongoing habitat disturbance due to its location amongst an increasingly urban environment, including damaging recreational activities, rubbish and garden waste dumping, light pollution, and hydrological changes from increased urban run-off. These threats have very severely reduced its extent and condition, placing the ecological community at imminent risk of extinction.
This Recovery Plan outlines the objectives and recovery actions to halt decline, protect remaining remnants and facilitate restoration. The objectives of this plan are to:
This National Recovery Plan for the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion is made in accordance with Part 13, Division 5 of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This plan considers the conservation requirements of the ecological community across its range and identifies the research and management actions necessary to stop decline, prevent extinction and support recovery of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest, so that its chances of long-term survival in nature are maximised.
The Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest is a critically endangered ecological community listed as a matter of national environmental significance under national law (EPBC Act). The ecological community is a unique combination of plants and animals occurring on sand (tertiary alluvium) deposited over thousands of years along the changing paths of the Nepean River system as it wound its way through south-western Sydney. It includes several species more typically found much further east on marine dunes on the New South Wales (NSW) coastline, notably Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia (coast banksia) and Eucalyptus botryoides (bangalay; hybridised with Eucalyptus saligna). It is now highly restricted to a very small area of up to around 16 hectares (ha) of fragmented habitat, based on latest spatial data plus on-ground investigations with experts during the listing assessment and development of the recovery plan, with remaining known occurrences in the south-western Sydney local government areas of Camden and Campbelltown. The Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest has a woodland or forest to scrub vegetation structure on typically deep, nutrient poor sandy soils near the Nepean River.
Historically, widespread clearing, and agricultural and industrial (particularly sand mining) land use, significantly reduced the extent and condition of the ecological community. Today, the remaining remnants face growing pressure from threats such as urban development (residential and infrastructure development), invasive flora and fauna, altered fire regimes that cause biodiversity decline and altered hydrology. These threats are intensified by the location of the ecological community within the expanding urban growth corridors of south-western Sydney. The recent identification of a small additional area (approximately 3.2 ha) at Menangle Park in Campbelltown has increased the known extent of the ecological community.
The Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest is listed as a Critically Endangered Ecological Community under the New South Wales state Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
The Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest was nationally listed in the Critically Endangered category of the threatened ecological communities list under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) in June 2020.
The Commonwealth Threatened Species Scientific Committee determined the eligibility for listing based on the very severe reduction in the ecological community’s geographic extent, with more than 90% of its original area estimated to have been cleared (Criterion 1) and the very restricted geographic distribution subject to a range of ongoing threats that are likely to cause further clearance, fragmentation and loss of integrity (Criterion 2). It continues to be subject to ongoing threats that may cause it to be lost in the immediate future. Criterion 4 was met due to very severe degradation in condition and function across most remnants, including loss of native species, weed invasion, and disruption of ecological processes. More listing information can be found within the Approved Conservation Advice for the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion (DAWE 2020).
This recovery plan is consistent with the aims and recommendations of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, which has been ratified by Australia, and will assist in meeting Australia’s responsibilities under that Convention.
The Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest occurs on the traditional lands at the confluence of the boundaries of the Country of the Tharawal/Dharawal, Dharug/Darug and Gundungurra/Gandangara peoples. This area has long supported First Nations peoples, with the Nepean River and associated floodplain providing a reliable source of water, food and natural resources, and forming part of important travel and trade routes through the region (Camden Council 2025).
Within the Spring Farm area where most of the ecological community now remains, numerous culturally significant features have been identified including evidence of historic First Nations occupation and activity (Kelleher Nightingale Consulting 2019). The landscape contains areas of elevated ground, sandy soils near water sources and landforms typically associated with areas of cultural significance (Kelleher Nightingale Consulting 2019). These landforms continue to hold meaning today, reflecting deep ties to Country and ancestral pathways that remain culturally important (Campbelltown Council 2025).
The preservation and recovery of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest within this broader landscape is not only ecologically important but also contributes to the ongoing cultural continuity and recognition of First Nations heritage in south-western Sydney.
Recovery planning is a collaborative effort. Groups likely to have a direct interest in recovery planning for the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest include (but are not limited to) those described in Table 1.
Table 1: Key recovery partners and other stakeholders
| Key partners | Engagement in recovery action |
| Local Government (e.g. Councils) | |
| New South Wales Government, including: | State planning, development and regulations (including strategic planning), affecting wildlife and environment, water and land use.Supporting biodiversity, land management and restoration by various landholders.Managing threats and restoring biodiversity and ecosystems, including threatened ecological communities, through strategies and programs (e.g. Saving our Species; Landcare). |
| First Nations peoples with connections to Country where Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest occur such as the Gundungurra, Dharug and Tharawal Peoples. | |
| Private landholders (including Endeavour Energy) | Protecting and managing lands containing, or adjacent to, Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest.Preventing impacts to the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest and considering conservation agreements or voluntary programs and recovery actions. |
| Developers and infrastructure providers | Protecting the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest from significant impacts arising from development activities and undertaking restoration. |
| Local residents and community groups and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) such as; | Undertaking threat management and restoration projects.Contributing long term monitoring, knowledge and support for sites.Facilitating community education and awareness, and involvement in recovery.Local nurseries stock and advise residents on most appropriate Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest species to plant and which to avoid (potential weeds) |
| Researchers and scientific experts (including ecological consultants, universities and nearby Mt Annan Botanical Gardens/Australian Plantbank) | Conducting ecological assessments and monitoring.Providing scientific advice on best practice prevention and mitigation of threats, seed collection, restoration and management.Supporting adaptive management through applied research. |
The Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest is a type of scrubby forest or woodland, sometimes shrubland, limited to sandy substrates associated with deep Tertiary sand deposits above the Nepean River floodplain, in south-western Sydney, New South Wales (NSW). Key elements of the canopy include Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia (coast banksia), Angophora subvelutina (broad-leaved apple), Eucalyptus botryoides x E. saligna (a natural hybrid of bangalay and Sydney blue gum) and various other species of Eucalyptus. The understorey is typically shrubby, but may also be dominated by herbs, particularly when disturbed.
Further information about flora species can be found at Appendix 1 (Table 1) and a full description is in the Approved Conservation Advice (DAWE 2020), including key diagnostic characteristics and further information to assist in determining the presence of the ecological community.
Figure 1: Angophora subvelutina (broad-leaved apple)
The canopy may be dominated by Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia (coast banksia), especially on elevated and exposed sites, although such patches have become increasingly rare. Angophora subvelutina (broadleaved apple) may be prominent on some sites, including areas with impeded drainage/higher groundwater, and areas transitional with other forest assemblages. In taller forest or woodland areas, the canopy can be dominated by the natural hybrid Eucalyptus botryoides (bangalay) x E. saligna (Sydney blue gum) but can also include A. subvelutina (broad-leaved apple), E. baueriana (blue box), E. amplifolia (cabbage gum), and E. tereticornis (forest red gum). A subcanopy of coast banksia may be present and a subcanopy of Melaleuca decora (paper bark, white feather honey myrtle) and M. linariifolia (snow in summer) may be prominent in wetter sites or sites such as along/near watercourses; in areas with impeded drainage or high groundwater; and in areas transitional with the critically endangered River-flat eucalypt forest (Tozer et al. 2010; Douglas 2015; NSW Scientific Committee 2015; DAWE 2020).
Figure 2: Flowering Banksia integrifolia (coast banksia).
The shrub or mid layer is typically ‘scrubby’ – mostly sclerophyllous vegetation, including flora typically associated with coastal sand and sandstone plateau areas of NSW, though also with some mesophyllous species. Characteristic mid layer species include: Acacia decurrens (black wattle), A. implexa (hickory wattle), A. ulicifolia (prickly moses), Aotus ericoides (common aotus), Brachyloma daphnoides (daphne heath), Breynia oblongifolia (coffee bush), Dillwynia glaberrima (smooth-leaved dillwynia), Persoonia linearis (narrow-leaved geebung), Pimelea linifolia subsp. linifolia (slender rice-flower), and Ricinocarpos pinifolius (wedding bush) (NSW Scientific Committee, 1999, 2015; Tozer et al., 2010; DAWE 2020). In some areas the ecological community has more elements associated with dry rainforest and riverflat forest. Species include Clerodendrum tomentosum (hairy clerodendrum), Duboisia myoporoides (corkwood), Kunzea ambigua (tick bush), Ozothamnus diosmifolius (white dogwood), Platysace lanceolata (shrubby platysace), Clematis spp., Cayratia clematidea (native grape), Parsonsia straminea (hairy silkpod), and Denhamia silvestris (syn. Maytenus silvestris) (narrow-leaved orangebark).
Many of the understorey species that are known to be present are common, widespread, hardy and/or pioneering plants that are not specific to the ecological community. The ground layer often includes Dianella caerulea and D. revoluta (flax-lilies), Gahnia clarkei (tall saw-sedge), Gleichenia dicarpa (pouched coral fern), Hibbertia diffusa (wedge guinea flower), Lomandra spp. (mat rushes) and Pteridium esculentum (common bracken) (NSW Scientific Committee 2015; Tozer et al. 2010). Sites with taller forest tend to include understorey species that prefer wetter areas, such as Viola spp. (Violets), Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort), Dichondra repens (kidney weed), and Pteris tremula (tender brake). In some sites such as those intergrading with River-Flat Eucalypt Forest, a grassy understorey may be apparent, e.g. Microlaena stipoides (weeping grass) and Austrostipa ramosissima (stout bamboo grass) with sedges such as Gahnia and Carex species.
Many remnants of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest are now unlikely to support a natural and complete faunal assemblage due to a loss of many large, old, hollow-bearing trees; modifications to the understorey; and isolation and fragmentation (DAWE, 2020). As a result of clearing, fragmentation, invasive species and inappropriate fire regimes, the structure of vegetation and habitat elements across the ecological community has been, and continues to be, modified. However, remnants are still of value to local disturbance-tolerant or highly mobile vertebrate species, as well as a wide range of invertebrate species, particularly as stepping-stone habitat in otherwise cleared or developed landscape (DAWE, 2020). The Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest community at Spring Farm is also a core habitat for the local bare-nosed wombat population.
The conservation of this ecological community is essential for the continued local persistence of some native fauna such as wombats (Arcane Botanica 2025). In addition, for parrots, the banksia cones can provide an important local nutrition source and in turn they can help disperse the seed, but some cockatoo species could also limit seed viability if they become too abundant.
Further information about faunal species can be found at Appendix 1 (Table 2).
The vertebrate fauna of this ecological community includes the following species that have been recorded either within the ecological community or similar native vegetation near the Nepean River and in the Camden LGA (as described in DAWE 2020).
Fauna that forms part of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest community (nationally threatened species are highlighted in bold) may include:
Amphibians:
Limnodynastes dumerilii (eastern banjo frog), L. peronii (brown-striped frog), L. tasmaniensis (spotted marsh frog), Litoria verreauxii (Verreaux's tree frog) and Crinia signifera (common eastern froglet).
Reptiles:
Ctenotus robustus (striped skink), Lampropholis guichenoti (garden skink), Pygopus lepidopodus (common scaly-foot), Pogona barbata (eastern bearded dragon), Pseudechis porphyriacus (red-bellied black snake) and Varanus varius (lace monitor).
Birds:
Common birds may include: Anthochaera carunculata (red wattlebird), Cacatua galerita (sulphur-crested cockatoo), Cacatua sanguinea (little corella), Cracticus tibicen (Australian magpie), Corvus coronoides (Australian raven), Eolophus roseicapilla (galah), Eopsaltria australis (eastern yellow robin), Dacelo novaeguineae (laughing kookaburra), Malurus cyaneus (superb fairy-wren), Manorina melanocephala (noisy miner), Platycercus elegans (crimson rosella), Platycercus eximius (eastern rosella), Podargus strigoides (tawny frogmouth), Rhipidura leucophrys (willie wagtail), and Strepera graculina (pied currawong).
Less common birds may include: Acanthiza pusilla (brown thornbill), Anthochaera phrygia (regent honeyeater), Artamus cyanopterus (dusky woodswallow), Colluricincla harmonica (grey shrike-thrush), Caligavis chrysops (yellow-faced honeyeater), Malurus lamberti (variegated fairy-wren), Melanodryas cucullata cucullata (south-eastern hooded robin), Ninox novaeseelandiae (southern boobook owl), Pachycephala pectoralis (golden whistler), Pardalotus striatus and P. punctatus (striated and spotted pardalotes), Petroica rosea (rose robin), Rhipidura albiscapa (grey fantail) and Sericornis frontalis (white-browed scrubwren). In addition, Zanda funerea (yellow-tailed black cockatoo) have been observed feeding on banksias in the ecological community at Spring Farm (J. Billing, A. Chalklen and M. White 2014) and the nationally threatened Lathamus discolor (swift parrot) is a migratory species that could utilise the ecological community in some years over winter (Jones et al. 1997).
Mammals:
Tachyglossus aculeatus (short-beaked echidna), Petaurus breviceps (sugar glider), Trichosurus vulpecula (common brushtail possum), Pseudocheirus peregrinus (common ringtail possum), Vombatus ursinus (bare-nosed wombat), Wallabia bicolor (swamp wallaby) and Pteropus poliocephalus (grey-headed flying-fox). Phascolarctos cinereus (koala) has been recently confirmed in the area and the ecological community includes important regional feed trees such as Eucalyptus teriticornis and Angophora subvelutina.
The Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest is restricted to a very small area in the Cumberland subregion of the Sydney Basin IBRA bioregion (DCCEEW 2025). At the time of listing in 2020, an estimated 5 ha of Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest was known to occur in the Camden local government area (LGA) (Tozer et al. 2010; Douglas 2015; DAWE, 2020). After the national listing, subsequent surveys identified additional small patches (approximately 3.2 ha) of Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest at Menangle Park within the Campbelltown LGA. The range of the ecological community is within the jurisdiction of Greater Sydney Local Land Services.
Known occurrences are associated with extensively cleared and mined tertiary sand deposits located at the once-rural locality of Spring Farm, a rapidly urbanising area that is adjacent to the established suburb of Elderslie. The recently identified patches at Menangle Park occur within a similar landscape context, also associated with typically deep tertiary sand deposits. Although previously an agricultural and peri-urban area, it is now subject to increasing urban development pressure. Additional very small patches may have been present on tertiary sands further downstream, such as near the confluence of the Warragamba River with the Nepean River, but these either no longer remain or have not been confirmed due to a very small patch size and degraded condition.
Although it is not expected that many other remnant sites of the ecological community exist, current mapping is indicative and does not allow for future sites that may be found or successfully restored. Additional occurrences of the ecological community may be identified following on-ground assessment.
The ecological community occurs at elevations typically around 60 to 100 m above sea level. It is normally above the 100-year flood level, though it is possible that some regrowth on mined sand deposits is now at a lower altitude and thus artificially within the present floodplain. It is found in a region that receives around 750 mm rainfall annually (Tozer et al. 2010), although rainfall volume, intensity and timing, as well as evaporation rates, are expected to vary with climate change.
The ecological community is confined to typically deep sandy substrates on high-level tertiary alluvium associated with the ancestral Nepean River (Willan 1925; NSW Scientific Committee 2015; Tozer et al. 2010). These deposits, also known as the Camden high-level sand mass, have been subject to detailed geological investigation, revealing a complex and variable composition including aeolian sands, clayey sands, lateritic bands, and colluvial materials derived from surrounding Wianamatta Shale (Hazelton in Clements et al. 2002). Clay rich layers within the sandmass can support a perched aquifer, with shallow groundwater commonly occurring within 3 m of the surface (Longworth & McKenzie 1981; Wallace 1983) at Spring Farm. Groundwater discharge along incised watercourses, such as Spring Creek, has influenced local hydrology and vegetation patterns.
Soils are typically nutrient poor and variably drained, distinguishing them from more recent alluvial deposits (Keith 2004). Localised groundwater discharge may create wetter microsites, often characterised by fern or sedge dominated understoreys and a Melaleuca subcanopy. The sandy substrate strongly influences species composition, with floristic affinities to coastal dune systems and the sandstone plateaux of the southern Sydney Basin (Keith 2004; Douglas 2015).
Figure 3: Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest, Spring Farm.
Figure 4: Distribution of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion
All known ‘populations’ or occurrences of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest are considered important, and all habitat areas are critical to the survival of the ecological community. As the ecological community is highly restricted in its extent and is highly fragmented, every remaining patch regardless of size, condition, or location is important to its persistence and recovery.
Other areas important to the survival of Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest include areas of native vegetation within 100 m of this ecological community, including those that meet the national description and condition thresholds for the other threatened ecological communities in western Sydney. These areas buffer and/or link patches and have functions that include allowing gene flow of flora and providing routes for movement and habitat for fauna, including pollinators and other functional species of the ecological community.
All patches, regardless of condition, should be assessed, monitored, protected from further degradation and included in recovery actions where possible. Small or degraded remnants may retain key ecological functions, support native flora and fauna and serve as sources for natural regeneration or restoration efforts. Recommended minimum 60 m buffer zones should be employed for these. For example, small patches at Menangle Park are known to have tree hollows and there is evidence of the presence of a variety of fauna, including relatively large arboreal species such as owls and koalas. It is preferable that native vegetation with a diversity of core local species be established in these areas, to act as an effective buffer from surrounding threatening processes.
Other important areas for conservation and restoration of Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest are areas that formerly contained the ecological community and have the correct soils/substrate and other abiotic requirements.
Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest occurs within an urban landscape subject to extensive urban expansion, infrastructure development, altered fire regimes, weed invasion and habitat fragmentation. These pressures affect all remnants regardless of their size or condition and place their long-term persistence at risk.
All ‘populations’ or occurrences of the ecological community, including small, degraded patches and replanted patches, should be managed for protection and recovery (including replanting and reconnection) to avoid further loss or degradation.
Vegetation clearance and conversion to other land uses have been, and remains, a major contributor to the decline of native vegetation across the Cumberland IBRA subregion, including the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest. Historically, the ecological community was primarily impacted by agricultural clearing, most of which occurred before 1947 (Clements et al. 2002), as well as sand mining and rural-residential and peri-urban development.
Urbanisation remains one of the most significant current drivers of habitat loss, particularly due to ongoing housing development and infrastructure expansion across western Sydney. Despite the intent of strategic planning instruments such as the Spring Farm Urban Release Area (Clements 2002) and the Camden Contributions Plan (Camden Council 2011), the ecological community has continued to experience loss of extent and degradation.
Current threats and their prevalence and intensity are described below. Different remnants may be subject to different combinations of threats, often acting simultaneously and at varying intensities (NSW OEH 2012). There is also likely to be significant interaction between threats such as between habitat fragmentation (including edge effects), weed invasion and altered fire regimes. Due to its extremely limited extent, fragmentation and proximity to urban development, Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest is vulnerable to both large-scale and incremental impacts. Even relatively small disturbances can result in disproportionate and in some cases irreversible impacts on ecological integrity, species composition and long-term recovery potential.
Key threats to the ecological community include:
The primary threat to the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest is habitat loss, particularly from vegetation clearance and fragmentation. This has occurred historically for agriculture and sand mining, and more recently is associated primarily with urbanisation, residential and infrastructure development. Vegetation has been cleared extensively across the Cumberland Plain, including this ecological community.
Early clearing was largely associated with cropping and grazing, most of which occurred prior to 1947 (Clements et al. 2002), and was later followed by orchards, poultry farms, sand extraction, energy infrastructure and residential development from the 1960s (Clements et al. 2002; NSW Scientific Committee 2015). In recent decades, urban expansion has become the dominant cause of clearing and habitat loss, particularly in areas identified for major housing or infrastructure growth (NSW Scientific Committee 2015; Greater Sydney Commission 2018). Remaining remnants now occur within a highly modified urban and peri-urban matrix and are subject to ongoing development pressure, including incremental clearing associated with construction, infrastructure upgrades and changes in land use.
While much of the ecological community was cleared first in association with agricultural development, sand mining became one of the primary causes of further clearance. Sand extraction typically involves the complete removal of native vegetation and soil profiles from the extraction zone, and post extraction revegetation is often not able to recreate the structure, species composition or ecological function of those ecological communities in their original form (NSW NPWS 1997).
Sand and gravel extraction potentially represents an ongoing threat to the ecological community. The resource is now nearly commercially exhausted or mostly beneath infrastructure, but some sand mining in the 2010s cleared more of the remaining or regenerated native vegetation that might otherwise have constrained subsequent urbanisation (Douglas, 2015).
Vegetation mapping and condition data from the NSW Biodiversity Values Map and State vegetation Type Mapping, confirm the ongoing reduction in geographical extent of the community (NSW DPE 2025) with estimates suggesting that less than 10% of the community’s original extent remains (Douglas 2015; NSW DPE 2025; DAWE, 2020). Given this extremely limited extent, any further clearing or land conversion regardless of scale, is likely to result in irreversible loss and further compromise the long-term survival (viability) and recovery of Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest.
Figure 5: Fallen banksia trunks located in Menangle Park. Logs should be retained because of their habitat values (e.g. hiding and sunning spots), they help retain moisture in the landscape and they will eventually be broken down into soil.
As a result of extensive clearing of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest and surrounding native vegetation, remaining patches of this ecological community are now very small, isolated and highly fragmented. These remnants now have high edge to area ratios, making them more susceptible to degradation and ongoing disturbance.
Most remnants are small, degraded, and located in areas subject to ongoing urbanisation pressure. Such patches are less buffered against surrounding land-uses and are more vulnerable to impacts, such as invasion by weeds (Tozer 2003; Cuneo et al. 2009), or other disturbances from surrounding activities. Edge effects in small remnants can also rapidly spread invasive plant species, which can displace native flora and suppress regeneration (Tozer 2003). There is also increased exposure to damaging winds, drought and heat, and to artificial light pollution from roads, buildings and vehicles. Light pollution from urban areas can disrupt or mask natural timing signals, act as a movement barrier, and alter the amount of light available for vision and photosynthesis. These disruptive effects can alter the lifecycle, distribution, behaviour, reproduction and survival of a large range of organisms within an ecological community (DCCEEW 2023).
Fragmentation also results in a loss of connectivity between remnants leading to declines in species and genetic diversity the reduced capacity of populations to recover following disturbance and an increase in predator pressure on native fauna (Anderson and Burgin 2002).
Invasion by non-native plant species, including perennial pasture weeds, escaped garden plants, and other exotic weeds are all a threat to Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest. Weed incursion in the Cumberland IBRA subregion region has been facilitated by soil disturbance through earthworks, land clearing and track encroachment; vehicles and road corridors; livestock grazing and movement; and the introduction of invasive horticultural plants (e.g. African olive). Soil disturbance that facilitates weed establishment and spread can also occur due to grazing by invasive or domestic fauna such as rabbits and livestock (NSW DEC 2005). Increased water, nutrients and pollutants associated with surrounding urbanised areas can alter soil properties and favour weed establishment (NSW DEC 2005).
Figure 6: Exotic Ochna serrulata (mickey mouse bush) is an example of an escaped garden plant in EBSF at Menangle Park.
Weed incursion into the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest is an ongoing problem, in part facilitated by enrichment of the sandy soils with nutrients from surrounding rural land use, and now increasingly due to plantings of invasive garden plants associated with surrounding urban development (NSW Scientific Committee 2015). Many weeds are known to occur in the Cumberland IBRA subregion (including within and surrounding the ecological community) in densities that displace native plants and reduce native species diversity and regenerative capacity (Benson 1992; DAWE 2020). A subset of these species represent the highest risk to the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest, including weeds that function as “transformer” species capable of driving significant structural and functional change in the ecological community.
Some remnants of the ecological community are highly impacted by these high-risk or transformer weeds. Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) has been found to present a serious threat, potentially forming dense stands that suppress understory growth through shading and litter accumulation and alter soil conditions (Richardson et al. 2025). Removal of Monterey pine has been shown to improve light availability and soil quality, creating opportunities for native species to reestablish and gradually restore understory structure (Arcane Botanica 2025). Active bushland restoration could result in decreased weed cover and abundances over time in all remnants (Arcane Botanica 2025). African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) has been identified as an invasive weed of particular concern in the ecological community (NSW NPWS 2004; NSW OEH 2012; DAWE 2020).
Other aggressive weeds of particular concern that have been observed in remnants include prickly pear (Opuntia spp.), Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica), African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), firethorn (Pyracantha angustifolia), blackberries (Rubus spp.), African olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata) and lantana (Lantana camara) (NSW Scientific Committee 2015; DAWE 2020; Arcane Botanica 2025). More recent weed incursions, or species that were previously present at low abundance but have since expanded, include madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia), moth vine (Araujia sericifera), asparagus fern (Asparagus virgatus), bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides), climbing asparagus fern (Asparagus plumosus), boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera), camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), Cape ivy (Delairea odorata), privets (Ligustrum lucidum, L. sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and ehrharta grass (Ehrharta erecta) (Arcane Botanica 2025).
A list of weeds that are known to, or may, be present within the ecological community is at Appendix 2 Table 1.
Figure 7: Exotic Opuntia spp. (prickly pear) in EBSF at Menangle Park.
Loss of fauna and ecosystem function can also be caused to the ecological community by a range of feral and domestic introduced species including dogs, cats, foxes, black rat, house mouse, as well as non-native birds such as the Indian myna and non-native insects such as the non-native wasps and the European honeybee. These species occur in large numbers in the remnant bushland of the region and may reduce the abundance and diversity of native species and compromise the community’s ecological integrity, through predation and competition for resources (Jones et al. 1997; DAWE 2020).
Rabbits, hares, deer, and goats may be present in or near some known remnants of the ecological community (Ridgeway 2015; Douglas 2015). These are a threat through herbivory, trampling and other physical damage to vegetation, and through soil disturbance that can promote weed invasion. Impacts also occur from domestic livestock and horses where remnants are located near agriculture or peri-urban land use. Rabbit burrows and diggings can also accelerate soil erosion. Rabbits favour sandy soils making ecological communities such as the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest particularly vulnerable.
Figure 8: Habitat boxes installed at Menangle Park. These can provide supplementary habitat, although they are not as effective as maintaining natural hollows.
Some fauna species that are native to Australia but were historically less common in western Sydney, have increased substantially in response to urbanisation. This growth is now associated with declines in endemic native fauna and ecosystem function.
Cacatua galerita (sulphur-crested cockatoos) have significantly increased in numbers following urban development and can displace rarer local species by aggressively competing for nesting hollows (Jones et al. 1997). In addition to hollow competition, high densities of sulphur-crested cockatoos can exert substantial feeding pressure on banksia and acacia seed pods, which can reduce seed availability and limit natural regeneration.
One of the most common birds in the Narellan area is Cacatua sanguinea (little corella) (DCCEEW 2020). This species is primarily from west of the Great Dividing Range in NSW, but has established locally in large flocks, due to factors including changes to their habitat and water availability in their historic range (Australian Museum 2022). Similar to sulphur-crested cockatoos, it is a serious competitor for nesting resources, and their flocking behaviour may also have impacts on seed resources.
Manorina melanocephala (noisy miners) are a sedentary honeyeater native to eastern Australia and are now extremely common across fragmented and disturbed landscapes as well as urban areas (DCCEEW 2024). Their abundance is strongly linked to habitat simplification and edge-dominated environments created through clearing and urbanisation (DCCEEW 2024). At high densities, noisy miners aggressively exclude smaller birds from habitat through coordinated mobbing behaviour (Clarke and Grey 2010). Although they are not currently considered a severe threat to Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest, there is potential for them to begin to dominate patches, and ongoing fragmentation could favour future increases in their abundance. Over-abundant noisy miners is listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under the EPBC Act (DCCEEW 2024).
The vegetation composition of the ecological community is influenced by a range of factors including, its disturbance history and patch size (NSW Scientific Committee 2015). Due to its proximity to urban areas, there may be more frequent fires due to inappropriate hazard reduction burning to reduce the perceived risks to property (NSW Scientific Committee 2010). Additionally, urbanisation and increased population could lead to increased risk of fire from arson which poses a potentially significant threat to the ecological community (NSW DECCW 2010).
Burning the ecological community too often may result in the loss of species diversity if native species do not have enough time to mature and set seed. The NSW Scientific Committee (2010) noted that low seedling recruitment observed in the ecological community is thought to be associated with too frequent fire and extended dry periods.
Regeneration of coast banksia may be a particular concern, even after a single fire. Standing plants of this species are generally killed by fire when the canopy is scorched. Its fruits are not serotinous (i.e. they are released immediately at maturity), unlike most other banksias, and do not persist in the soil. The species may rely on seed dispersal for post-fire regeneration. Thus, in highly fragmented, weedy remnants, there is likely to be a high risk of regeneration failure.
Conversely, the exclusion of fire for too long may have a detrimental impact on the ecological community, particularly through loss of understorey plant diversity (NSW DEC 2005), especially those species that require fire to regenerate such as Pteridium esculentum (Austral bracken). Several characteristic shrub species of the ecological community which regenerate post fire may have also declined due to exclusion of fire e.g. Ricinocarpos pinifolius (wedding bush) and Brachyloma daphnoides (daphne heath). This can be caused by measures to avoid fires as residential areas are expanding near the ecological community. Leary (2005) also comments on the substantial reduction and modification of ground cover, due to the alteration of fire regimes. Implications of this include the reduction of habitat for small reptiles, invertebrates and mammals.
Figure 9: Banksia integrifolia (coast banksia) seed cone at Menangle Park.
A 1997 survey by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) found that of the 62 mammal species known from the western Sydney region at the time of European settlement only 15 of these species had stable populations in the region at the time of the survey (NPWS 1997). Ten years later, further intensive surveys across the Cumberland IBRA subregion found that many species had been lost or were in decline (Leary 2005). Some remnants no longer support a diverse range of native fauna due to a loss of hollow bearing trees, modifications to the understorey, and isolation and fragmentation of remaining stands (Lindenmayer and Fischer 2013; Leary 2005).
The 1997 NPWS survey found there had been a severe depletion of habitat features needed to support fauna of the region. For example, large hollow-bearing trees were largely absent, while the additional ground habitat provided by these trees as fallen timber had also been reduced. Across the Cumberland IBRA subregion survey sites, the diameter of trees measured was small (mean 22 cm), while fewer than 3% contained hollows or fissures, indicating limited current value in providing nesting habitat for hollow-dependent fauna (such as some bird species, bats and some other arboreal mammals) (Leary 2005). While specific information on hollow development is limited, modelling of eucalypt woodland in south-west NSW indicates that the lag time for development is likely to have severe implications for species such as parrots and arboreal mammals, in the absence of immediate intervention (Manning et al. 2013).
Due to the fragmented nature of the ecological community, its disturbance history and the fact that it is surrounded by cleared or significantly modified land, the ecological community would no longer support some native fauna species (DAWE 2020). The fragmentation of the ecological community and the loss of habitat for local flora and fauna continue to compromise the ecological processes and species composition of the ecological community.
Urbanisation of the landscapes that adjoin and/or support the ecological community can result in significant changes to hydrological processes, particularly given how small and isolated remaining patches are. Road construction and urban development reduce surface permeability and increase the volume and rate of stormwater runoff entering remnant vegetation.
Many new roads have been built adjacent to and in the catchment for the ecological community at Spring Farm and more are planned. This can change stream flow patterns, causing erosion in some areas, and deposition of high nutrient and sediment loads elsewhere, which encourages weed invasion and compromises habitat for fauna such as frogs (NSW DEC 2005; NSW DECCW 2010). Urbanisation and agriculture also bring increased water pollution risks from agrichemicals used to establish and maintain lawns, gardens, and formal parks, along with nutrient and bacterial loads from domestic animal waste, and hydrocarbons and detergents washed into stormwater systems from washing of cars on hard surfaces. The ecological community includes remnants along Spring Creek, and further pollution of this waterway risks additional contamination of its riparian soils, in addition to more direct harm to its flora and fauna.
Transmission of plant pathogens occurs through various vectors such as humans and invasive fauna, and on larger scales, through contaminated vehicles and machinery. Effective hygiene practices can help to manage human and mechanical transmission. The ecological community is at risk of infection by phytophthora dieback (Phythophthora cinnamomi) and myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii). Phytophthora is a plant pathogen that can survive for long periods in soil and is a listed Key Threatening Process in NSW and under the EPBC Act. Banksia species in particular are highly susceptible to dieback that can lead to progressive canopy decline, reduced flowering and seed production and eventual plant death. The naturally nutrient poor sandy soil of Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest provides limited buffering against pathogens, increasing vulnerability.
Any activity that contributes to the transfer of soil material onto unaffected areas like foot traffic, stock movement and machinery movement can spread this disease (Phytophthora Technical Group 2007). A range of hygiene measures help control the spread of this disease like adhering to the protocols for the movement of machinery and foot baths. Further information on Phytophthora is available in the Threat Abatement Plan for Disease in Natural Ecosystems Caused by Phytophthora cinnamomic (DCCEEW 2018).
Myrtle rust is a serious fungal pathogen that affects plants belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Myrtle rust is now widely distributed in coastal areas across NSW, including the Sydney region (NSW DPI 2012; Makinson 2018).
Rural tree dieback caused by excessive feeding from outbreaks of Cardiaspina psyllid insects has caused substantial impacts, including tree mortality, to vegetation in the Cumberland IBRA subregion (DCCEEW 2020). Insect outbreaks are made worse by the loss of some woodland bird species that would feed on them, especially from small patches such as for this ecological community.
Climate change poses a serious long-term direct threat Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest and is likely to compromise the integrity of the ecological community by altering the survival rates of constituent species and changing species composition and function (Dunlop et al. 2012). Changes in temperature, rainfall patterns and the frequency of extreme weather events are expected to interact with existing pressures on the ecological community, including altered fire regimes, weed invasion and hydrological change.
The ability of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest to adapt to changing climatic conditions is limited by the highly fragmented nature of remaining remnants, their small size and isolation, and the limited dispersal capacity and long generation times of some characteristic species. These factors reduce opportunities for natural adaptation or migrations in response to climate change and increase the likelihood of localised decline or loss. Climate change is also likely to exacerbate existing threats affecting the ecological community. Increased temperatures and prolonged dry periods may place additional stress on vegetation already affected by fragmentation and degraded condition, while intensified rainfall events may increase erosion, sedimentation and nutrient mobilisation. Such changes are likely to favour invasive species and further alter species composition and ecological process (ACS 2025). Recent research indicates that large rainfall events have intensified over the past century in New South Wales and are projected to increase in both frequency and magnitude under future climate scenarios (Babister et al 2021). These changes are likely to place additional pressure on the ecological community through interactions with altered hydrology, erosion and disturbance.
Eco Logical Australia (2010) investigated the vulnerability of various natural and cultural assets in the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment to climate change and have identified several impacts relevant to the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest including:
Vegetation such as the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest also play an important role in moderating local climate conditions though shading, evaporation and cooling effects. Loss or degradation of remaining remnants may therefore contribute to increased local temperatures and exacerbate the ‘urban heat island effect’ in western Sydney.
Different patches of this ecological community may be experiencing different combinations of threats at varying intensities. There is significant interaction between threats.
Table 2: Threat status and prioritisation of threats
| Threat | Threat status, likelihood and consequence | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Clearing for urban development, infrastructure and sand mining | Timing: OngoingConfidence: ObservedTrend: Decreasing at Spring Farm; Increasing in Menangle ParkExtent: Across the entire rangeConsequence: Extreme | Very High |
| Invasive flora /weeds | Timing: OngoingConfidence: ObservedTrend: IncreasingExtent: Across the entire range.Consequence: Major | Very High |
| Other urban impacts such as rubbish and garden waste dumping and light pollution | Timing: OngoingConfidence: ObservedTrend: IncreasingExtent: Across the entire rangeConsequence: Unknown | High |
| Invasive or domestic fauna/aggressive or overabundant native fauna(non-native rabbits, hares, deer, foxes, cats, goats, rats, mice, wasps and bees; domestic livestock and horses; and aggressive/overabundant native birds) | Timing: OngoingConfidence: ObservedTrend: StaticExtent: Across the entire rangeConsequence: Moderate | Medium |
| Recreational activities(e.g. dirt bikes, mountain bikes, cars) | Timing: OngoingConfidence: ObservedTrend: IncreasingExtent: Across part of the rangeConsequence: Moderate | Medium |
| Fire regimes that cause declines in biodiversity(e.g. accidental fires and arson; or fire exclusion for long periods) | Timing: OngoingConfidence: InferredTrend: StaticExtent: Across the entire rangeConsequence: Major | Medium |
| Hydrological changes and runoff | Timing: OngoingConfidence: ObservedTrend: StaticExtent: Across the entire rangeConsequence: Unknown | Medium |
| Climate change | Timing: OngoingConfidence: ObservedTrend: IncreasingScope: Across the entire rangeConsequence: Unknown | Medium |
| Pathogens and disease Phytophthora die back (P. cinnamomi) and myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii)Psittacine beak and feather diseaseChytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) | Timing: FutureConfidence: PotentialTrend: Increasing outside the ECExtent: Across part of the rangeConsequence: Moderate | Low |
Threat status, likelihood and consequence
Priority rating
To mitigate the risk of extinction of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion ecological community and help recover its biodiversity and function
Of primary importance to the recovery of this ecological community are principles highlighted in the National Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration in Australia (Standards Reference Group SERA 2021):
“Ecological restoration is not a substitute for sustainably managing and protecting ecosystems in the first instance.
The promise of restoration cannot be invoked as a justification for destroying or damaging existing ecosystems because functional natural ecosystems are not transportable or easily rebuilt once damaged and the success of ecological restoration cannot be assured.”
Certain species, particularly fauna and flora sensitive to changes in the environment, and mature stages of long-lived plants, may not be easy to recover in practice, if lost from a site.
The destruction of any of the few patches remaining that meet the description of the ecological community represents a net loss because it is unlikely that all the species and ecological functions of the intact site can be replicated elsewhere. It is therefore more cost-effective and less risky to retain an intact occurrence or area than to allow degradation or loss and then attempt to restore it or establish an occurrence in another area to replace it.
This Recovery Plan sets out the threats to the ecological community and identifies the actions necessary to stop the decline and support recovery of the ecological community across its range, so that its chances of long-term survival in nature are maximised in each area where it remains.
The four objectives of this Recovery Plan are:
Performance criteria to achieve the objectives for this recovery plan are as follows:
Figure 10: Restoration works underway by Camden Council at Spring Farm.
| Objective 1: | Protect the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest to prevent further losses and decline from threats. | ||
| Action | Description | Priority | Potential partners |
| 1.1 | Retain all remaining patches of this ecological community, as well as areas that have been successfully restored to meet the definition as outlined in this plan and the Approved Conservation Advice, and buffer zones (recommended minimum 60 m, see Action 1.2 and Section 3.2 Critical Habitat and other important considerations), to help prevent further loss of extent and condition due to clearance and fragmentation of remnants and other threats. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentPrivate landholdersLocal community |
| 1.2 | Apply and protect appropriate buffer zones (recommended minimum 60 m) around the outer edges of patches of Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest. Due to ongoing loss, fragmentation and other increasing threats since the ecological community was listed in 2020, the recommended minimum buffer zone distance has increased from 30m to 60m. Prevent activities in the buffer that will or are likely to damage this ecological community . The most effective buffer zones typically consist of intact, relatively undisturbed native vegetation (see also Action 1.3), followed by areas revegetated with local native species.Larger buffer zones should be applied where activities have impacts that may extend beyond 60 m. The size of a larger buffer zone should be based on:On ground surveys should confirm the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest patch boundary and inform appropriate buffer size and placement. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentPrivate landholdersDevelopers and infrastructure providersEcological consultantsLocal community |
| 1.3 | Retain adjacent native vegetation, near patches of the ecological community, where this vegetation is important for connectivity, diversity of habitat and acts as buffer zones between the ecological community and threats or development zones. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentPrivate landholdersDevelopers and infrastructure providersEcological consultantsLocal community |
| 1.4 | Securely fence off areas to protect the ecological community from impacts, including inappropriate or incidental clearing, sand extraction/mining, grazing, dumping of waste, and recreational users (e.g. trail bike riders). | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentCommunity groupsPrivate landholders |
| 1.5 | Protect and manage the size, condition and ecological function of existing offset areas (including restoration areas and buffer zones). Ensure that they are permanently maintained for conservation purposes. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentPrivate landholdersDevelopers and infrastructure providers |
| 1.6 | Prevent invasive species from establishing and numbers increasing in the ecological community and surrounding area through appropriate invasive species control.Install wildlife-friendly barriers, fencing or tree guards (particularly to protect regeneration, restoration or sensitive areas) to prevent impacts on flora and fauna from invasive fauna and the potential spread of diseases. In doing so, also undertake appropriate biomass/weed control within barriers. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentPrivate landholders |
| 1.7 | Prevent impacts to surface and groundwater hydrology that may affect Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest.Ensure planning controls protect the ecological community’s groundwater dependent ecological functions.Control stormwater and other urban runoff, particularly from nearby developments.Prevent direct discharge of urban stormwater into Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest remnants and associated buffer zones.Ensure stormwater management for adjacent urban areas and developments incorporates best practice design with outlet placement and systems designed to avoid concentrated flows, erosion, pollutant transfer and pathogen entry. Systems should promote dispersive, filtered and treated flows, maintaining natural infiltration into the sandy substrate. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentDevelopers and local industry |
| 1.8 | Identify, monitor and manage risks associated with pathogens and disease introduction (including via soil movement, machinery and urban runoff), including targeted actions to assess the extent of Phytophthora cinnamomi, and risk pathways, to prevent introduction or spread.Apply mandatory hygiene protocols to all construction, maintenance and restoration activities at and adjacent to patches of Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest. | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentDevelopersCommunity groups |
| 1.9 | Identify, manage, and reduce impacts from recreational activities including trail bikes, mountain bikes, other vehicles, offtrack walking, dog and cat movement, and informal track creation that contribute to vegetation trampling, soil disturbance, erosion, and the introduction and spread of pathogens and weeds (e.g. via tyres and footwear) | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentCommunity groupsLocal recreation groups (trail bike, cycling clubs, 4WD associations)Local schools and volunteers |
| 1.10 | Protect the ecological community from impacts of fire by supporting appropriate fire management regimes and support involvement of /collaboration with landholders, developers, councils, fire management authorities and First Nations to investigate ecological burning and cultural burning. | 3 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentFire Management Authorities |
| 1.11 | Undertake lighting risk assessments for Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest and then implement appropriate artificial lighting design, controls and mitigation (including buffer zones as per 1.1).For new urban areas, plan early to maintain naturally dark habitat patches and connecting corridors (including avoiding light “barriers”) whenever possible. Ensure that temporary lighting is not directed into remnants of the ecological community at night during nearby construction works.In existing urban areas, remove, redirect or shield artificial lights within and close to patches wherever possible, and reduce intensity to as low as practicable to restore naturally dark habitat. | 213 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentDevelopers and infrastructure providersEcological consultantsLocal residents |
| Objective 2: | Manage and restore the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest, including appropriate threat management, restoration and other conservation initiatives.Increase the extent of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest by restoring to increase the size of existing patches, improve connectivity between existing patches and establishing new patches. | ||
| Action | Description | Priority | Potential partners |
| 2.1 | Restore to increase the size of existing patches and enhance connectivity between patches of the ecological community and other native vegetation to, reduce the proportion of edge area in patches (i.e. patch edge to patch interior ratio), reduce isolation effects, and increase strategic wildlife corridors.Ensure that all management and regeneration activities are undertaken in a manner based on best practice guidelines that provide for the retention or restoration of a biodiverse and functional ecosystem. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentFirst Nations peopleNGOsCommunity groupsPrivate landholdersEcology researchers |
| 2.2 | Adaptive physical and chemical control of weeds as appropriate.Implement adaptive weed control informed by the identification and mapping of weed species that pose the greatest risk e.g. transformer weeds, including species known or likely to occur within or adjacent to remnant patches (as outlined in Appendix 2).Identify priority weed species and weed management approaches in collaboration with relevant stakeholders e.g. bush regeneration groupsEnsure the consideration of impacts on the flora and fauna of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest when enforcing weed or pest species control. Avoid herbicides, rodenticides and other chemicals known to harm native flora and fauna or adjust application to minimise impacts (e.g. avoid spray drift with spot application or manual removal). | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentFirst Nations peopleNGOsCommunity groupsPrivate landholdersEcology researchers |
| 2.3 | Investigate and trial appropriate fire management regimes including supporting ecological and cultural burning and improve understanding of impacts of different burning methods. Collaborate with First Nations peoples and fire ecologists to ensure appropriate timing and intervals between fires, to assist with weed control and restoration of flora and fauna diversity and to reduce future fire risks. | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentFirst NationsResearchers |
| 2.4 | Prior to any burning, seeds of species (such as coast banksia) should be collected in case they are required for re-introduction, as the persistence of this species in small fragmentated remnants is important yet highly uncertain. Before and after any fire, feral animal populations should be managed. | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentFirst NationsCommunity groupsEcology researchers |
| 2.5 | If natural regeneration is not possible, conduct revegetation in Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest patches and buffer zones with native vegetation. Use seedlings grown from locally endemic seeds or collected from areas with a suitable genetic provenance for each species. | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentFirst NationsCommunity groupsResearchers (including Australian PlantBank at Mt Annan Botanical Gardens) |
| 2.6 | Investigate, trial, and implement soil translocation as a restoration method in areas where Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest has been highly degraded, cleared, or has limited natural regeneration. Soil translocation should aim to conserve and re-establish intact soil seedbanks.Soil collection, transport, and placement must follow Australian best practice guidelines for ecological restoration and must only occur where donor sites can be protected from long term ecological harm. Soil profiles should be transplanted with minimal disturbance, and post-translocation monitoring should measure germination success, species assemblage recovery and weed suppression. | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentFirst NationsCommunity groupsEcological researchers |
| 2.7 | Identify, monitor, and mitigate impacts to surface and groundwater hydrology that may affect Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest, including changes associated with urban development, groundwater extraction, reduced aquifer recharge, stormwater diversion, and altered infiltration dynamics within sandy substrates.Assess potential impacts on the shallow sand aquifer that supports the ecological community prior to any development activities. | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentDevelopers and infrastructure providersEcological consultantsFirst Nations |
| 2.8 | Plant material should be sourced from a provenance better suited to current and future climatic conditions if there is insufficient local material and failure rates suggest consistently low levels of seed viability (e.g. due to inbreeding depression), or if climate change (e.g. increased temperatures in western Sydney) impact seed viability. | 3 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentFirst NationsCommunity groupsEcology researchers (including Australian PlantBank at Mt Annan Botanical Gardens) |
| Objective 3: | Communicate, engage, and support key stakeholders, First Nations, and other partners that are involved with the recovery of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest. | ||
| Action | Description | Priority | Potential partners |
| 3.1 | Engage and support community Landcare/Bushcare-type groups to contribute to on-ground restoration, protection initiatives and communication of the significance of the ecological community and recovery efforts. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentCommunity groups |
| 3.2 | Communicate risks and mitigation activities from urban or infrastructure development and maintenance to key stakeholders. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal Government |
| 3.3 | Adopt best practice for effective threat management and restoration through an adaptive management approach based on partnerships around co-design, co-implementation and social learning.Promote wide acceptance and capacity building, including explicit use of local knowledge in planning, management actions and monitoring supported by relevant local plans, cost-effectiveness and risk based collective decision making. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentFirst NationsCommunity groupsEcological researchers |
| 3.4 | Install and maintain information signs on the edges of patches that have been fenced off to educate community members of the environmental values and importance of Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest, and the impacts caused by recreational users, pet dogs and cats. Signs should also advise that rubbish and garden waste dumping, and trail bike access is illegal. | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentCommunity groups |
| 3.5 | Support opportunities for Traditional Owners to be involved in the development and implementation of management for the ecological community and share traditional ecological and cultural knowledge with land managers and the broader community. | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentFirst Nations |
| 3.6 | Promote awareness in the community (including local nurseries) about local weeds and plants escaping from gardens, their prevention and management, including which plants to avoid (from Appendix 2) and which to promote (from Appendix 1). Prevent dumping of garden refuse and green waste. Provide information alongside invitations to participate in local bush regeneration groups, weed-control activities, and other community stewardship initiatives. | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentCommunity groupsLocal nurseries |
| 3.7 | Conduct monitoring consistent with the methods described by the Ecological Monitoring System Australia (EMSA) (O’Neill et al. 2023), with monitoring data readily available, analysed and applied to evaluate management effectiveness, threats and inform adaptive management and restoration decisions. | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentCommunity groupsEcological researchers |
| 3.8 | Work collaboratively with local recreation groups, community volunteers and land managers to monitor and report damage and develop behavioural change initiatives that encourage protection. | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentCommunity groupsLocal recreation groups (trail bike, cycling clubs)Local schools and volunteers |
| 3.9 | Engage with school and volunteer groups, citizen scientists, naturalist groups, greater Sydney Landcare Network, to assist with on-ground monitoring, management and promotion of the ecological community and the sites where it occurs. The vegetation is highly localised and has the potential to generate support among residents. | 3 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentCommunity groupsLocal schools and volunteersEcological researchers |
| Objective 4: | Research and monitoring to improve understanding of the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest and the best methods to aid its management and recovery. | ||
| Action | Description | Priority | Potential partners |
| 4.1 | Undertake targeted research, mapping and on-ground surveys to identify previously unknown sites where Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest may exist and to help plan how long-term protection and restoration can be optimised. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentEcological researchers and consultants |
| 4.2 | Adapt previous management and good research outcomes from initial Camden restoration sites across the range and provide feedback into future planning and management for the conservation of Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentCommunity groupsEcological researchers |
| 4.3 | Develop/monitor/evaluate restoration best practice methods and effectiveness, for example trial ‘trigger’ practices such as brush matting and strategic soil disturbance, threat management methods for pests and weeds, and effectiveness of low intensity burning regimes. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentCommunity groupsFirst NationsEcological researchers |
| 4.4 | Improve confidence in the mapped distribution of the ecological community by addressing known data gaps and uncertainties, including comprehensive mapping of the threats described above. Undertake targeted surveys in areas with suitable habitat to identify new or previously unmapped occurrences and assess these areas against the national ecological community description. Update indicative mapping as new evidence becomes available and seek to protect areas where the ecological community is likely to occur. | 1 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentEcological researchers and consultants |
| 4.5 | Before and after any burning trials, undertake surveys, including for condition such as native and weed cover, overall diversity of flora and fauna (including invertebrates), as well as fire-sensitive and threatened flora and fauna. Ensure this survey information is publicly accessible. | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentCommunity groupsEcological researchers and consultants |
| 4.6 | Investigate the extent to which Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest relies on the underlying sand aquifer as a Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem. This research should identify the hydrological processes essential for the survival, regeneration and long-term resilience of the ecological community, and evaluate how changes to groundwater levels, recharge, or urban development may affect ecological function.The findings should be incorporated into future planning, threat mitigation, buffer zone requirements and restoration strategies to ensure hydrological processes supporting the ecological community are protected. | 2 | NSW GovernmentLocal GovernmentEcological researchers and consultants |
Anderson L and Burgin S (2002) Influence of woodland remnant edges on small skinks (Richmond, New South Wales). Austral Ecology, 27(6), 630-637, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1442-9993.2002.01224.x
Arcane Botanica (2025) Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest Monitoring at Spring Farm, Saving our Species Management Site. Prepared for NSW DCCEEW.
ACS (Australian Climate Science) (2025) Australian national climate risk assessment report, ACS, Commonwealth of Australia.
Australian Museum (2022) Little Corella Animal Factsheet. Last updated 29/07/22. Australian Museum, Sydney. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/little-corella/
Babister M, Retallick M, Podger S and Ling F (2021) Climate Change and Flooding Effects on the Hawksbury Nepean, WMA Water. https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3127188133/view.
Benson DH (1992) ‘The natural vegetation of the Penrith 1:100,000 map sheet’. Cunninghamia 2 (4), 541–96. https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/Volume-2%284%29-1992-Benson_2f541-596.pdf.
Billing J, Chalken A and White M (2014) Unpublished field observations of the proposed threatened ecological community, Nepean Sands Scrub & Forest. Department of Environment, Canberra.
Camden Council (2011) Spring Farm Elderslie Banksia Scrub Regeneration Area, Camden Contributions Plan 2011.
Camden Council (2023) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, NSW Government. https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/community/support/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-communities
Campbelltown Council (2025) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Campbelltown City Council. https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/Services-and-Facilities/Community-Services-and-Programs/Programs-suitable-for-you/Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander.
Clarke MF and Grey MJ (2010) Managing an overabundant native bird: the noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala), Temperate Woodland Conservation and Management. CSIRO Publishing. DOI:10.1071/978064310139515.115.126.2010.15
Clements A (2002) Conservation Implementation Strategy: Spring Farm Urban Release Area, Camden Local Government Area. Prepared for Lean & Hayward Pty Ltd. Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd, North Sydney.
Clements A, Moore R, Rodd J, McDonald A, Rodd T, Wilkins S, Gorrod E and Hazelton P (2002) Vegetation Assessment: Spring Farm Urban Land Release Area, Camden Local Government Area, Prepared for Lean & Hayward Pty Ltd.
Corby R (2014) Personal communication, 8 December 2014, Natural Resource Officer, Camden Council.
Cumberland Ecology (2023) Menangle Park Stage 2B: EBSF Quarterly Monitoring Report.
Cumberland Ecology (2024) Vegetation Management Plan 2 Menangle Park – Parks K and L Conservation Area.
Cuneo P, Jacobson CR, and Leishman MR (2009) Landscape‐scale detection and mapping of invasive African Olive (Olea europaea L. ssp. cuspidata Wall ex G. Don Ciferri) in SW Sydney, Australia using satellite remote sensing. Applied Vegetation Science, 12(2), 145-154. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1654-109X.2009.01010.x
DAWE (Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment) (2020) Approved Conservation Advice for the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest ecological community.
DCCEEW (Department of Climate Change, Environment and Water) (2024) Listing advice- Aggressive exclusion of birds from potential woodland and forest habitat by over-abundant noisy miners.
DCCEEW (Department of Climate Change, Environment and Water) (2018) Threat abatement plan for disease in natural ecosystems caused by phytophthora cinnamomic.
DCCEEW (Department of Climate Change, Environment and Water) (2023), National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife.
DCCEEW (Department of Climate Change, the Environment and Water) (2025). Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA), Version 7.1, Commonwealth of Australia.
Doerr VAJ, Doerr ED, and Davies, MJ (2010) Does structural connectivity facilitate dispersal of native species in Australia’s fragmented terrestrial landscapes, Environmental evidence, 3(9).
Douglas SM (2015) Assessment of proposed listing of Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest and intergrades of the Nepean River region and associated draft Conservation Advice, Unpublished consultancy for the Ecological Communities Section, Commonwealth Department of Environment, Canberra, Ecological Surveys & Planning, Bundanoon.
Dunlop M, Hilbert DW, Ferrier S, House A, Liedloff A, Prober SM, Smyth A, Martin TG, Harwood T, Williams KJ, Fletcher C and Murphy H (2012) The Implications of Climate Change for Biodiversity Conservation and the National Reserve System: Final Synthesis, report prepared for the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, and the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship, Canberra.
Eco Logical Australia (2010) Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment – key natural assets in the Hawkesbury Nepean catchment, report prepared for the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority, Penrith NSW.
Greater Sydney Commission (2018) Western City District Plan. https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-04/western-city-district-plan.pdf
Jones H, Recsei J, Delaney R, Barker C, Williams S and Chessman B (1997) Native fauna of Western Sydney - Urban bushland biodiversity survey, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville.
Keith DA (2004) Ocean shores to desert dunes: the native vegetation of New South Wales and the ACT, NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Sydney.
Kelleher Nightingale Consulting PTY LTD (2019) Spring Farm Parkway Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment, Prepared for NSW Roads and Maritime Services, Campbelltown Local Government Area. https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/media/documents/rww/projects/01documents/spring-farm-parkway/spring-farm-park-appendix-h.pdf
Leary T (2005) Fauna survey of Parks and Wildlife Division estate on the Cumberland Plain with some observations on the remnant mammal fauna. P15 in (Eds. B Pellow, C. Morris, M Bedward, S. Hill, J Sanders, J Clark) The ecology and management of Cumberland Plain habitats: a symposium (University of Western Sydney: Campbelltown).
Lindenmayer DB and Fischer J (2013) Habitat fragmentation and landscape change: an ecological and conservation synthesis, Island Press.
Longworth and McKenzie Pty Ltd (1981) Elderslie Sand and Soil Deposits – Land Management Study. Volume VI – Summary Environmental Impact Statement, prepared for Camden Council and the McArthur Development Board, Dated November 1981.
Makinson RO (2018) Myrtle Rust reviewed: the impacts of the invasive pathogen Austropuccinia psidii on the Australian environment. Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre, Canberra. https://www.apbsf.org.au/myrtle-rust/
Manning AD, Gibbons P, Fischer J, Oliver D L and Lindenmayer, DB (2013) Hollow futures? Tree decline, lag effects and hollow‐dependent species, Animal Conservation, 16(4), 395-403. https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12006Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
NSW DCCEEW (Department of Climate Change, Environment and Water) (2022) Saving our Species strategy (Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest), Saving our species strategies.
NSW DEC (Department of Environment and Conservation) (2005) Recovering Bushland on the Cumberland Plain: Best practice guidelines for the management and restoration of bushland, Hurstville, NSW.
NSW DECCW (Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water) (2010) Cumberland Plain Recovery Plan, Sydney, NSW.
NSW DPE (Department of Planning and Environment) (2025) Biodiversity values map and database.
NSW DPI (Department of Primary Industries) (2012) Biosecurity: Myrtle rust.
NSW DPIE (Department of Planning and Environment) (2025) The Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.
NSW NPWS (National Parks and Wildlife Service) (2004) Endangered Ecological Community Information: Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest.
NSW NPWS (New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service) (1997) Overview and Recommendations of Western Sydney Urban Bushland Biodiversity Survey, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
NSW OEH (Office of Environment and Heritage) (2012) Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest – profile.
NSW Scientific Committee (2015) Elderslie banksia scrub forest community - endangered ecological community listing: Final determination.
Richardson FJ, Richardson R G and Shepherd RCH (2025) Weeds of the south-east: an identification guide for Australia, CSIRO PUBLISHING.
Ridgeway P (2015) Personal communication via submission, 28 April 2015. Senior Land Services Officer (Biodiversity), Great Sydney Local Land Services.
SERA (2021) National Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration in Australia, Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia, Canberra.
SMEC (2002) Geotechnical Report – Spring Farm Urban Land Release Area, Prepared for Lean and Hayworth Pty Ltd.
Steenbeeke G (2014) Personal communication, 8 December 2014, Senior Threatened Species Officer, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
Steenbeeke G (2015) Personal communication, 8 May 2015, Senior Threatened Species Officer, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
Stroud WJ, Sherwin L, Ray HN, Baker CJ and Smart KG (1985) Map accompanying Sherwin L and Holmes GG (1986) Geology of the Wollongong and Port Hacking 1:100 000 Sheets 9029, 9129, Geological Survey of New South Wales, Department of Mineral Resources.
Tozer M (2003) The native vegetation of the Cumberland Plain, western Sydney: systematic classification and field identification of communities, Cunninghamia 8(1), 1–75.
Tozer MG, Turner K, Keith DA, Tindall D, Pennay C, Simpson C, MacKenzie B, Beukers P and Cox S (2010) Native vegetation of southeast NSW: a revised classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands, Cunninghamia 11(3), 359- 647.
Wallace I (1983) ‘Investigation, planning and development of sand and soil resources near Camden, New South Wales’ in Knight M.J., Minty E.J. and Smith R.B. (Eds.) Collected case studies in engineering geology, hydrogeology and environmental geology, Engineering Geology Specialist Group of the Geological Society of Australia, Inc.
Willan TL (1925) Geological map of the Sydney District, NSW Department of Mines, Sydney.
Table 1: Native plant species of the ecological community.
# Dominant canopy species. Threatened species in bold.
Some First Nations names are provided where known.
At any one time, above-ground individuals of some species may be absent, but the species may be represented below ground in soil seed banks or as dormant structures such as bulbs, corms, rhizomes, rootstocks or lignotubers.
| Scientific name | Common Name |
|---|---|
| Trees and tall shrubs | |
| Angophora subvelutina # | broad-leaved apple |
| Acacia decurrens | black wattle |
| Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia # | coast banksia, white banksia, honeysuckle |
| Brachychiton acerifolius | Illawarra flame tree |
| Brachychiton populneus | Kurrajong |
| Eucalyptus amplifolia | cabbage gum |
| Eucalyptus baueriana | blue box |
| Eucalyptus benthamii | Camden white gum |
| Eucalyptus botryoides x Eucalyptus saligna # | hybrid bangalay, southern mahogany x Sydney blue gum Kai’yeroo (D'harawal) |
| Euclyptus eugenoides | thin leaved stringybark |
| Eucalyptus tereticornis | forest red gum |
| Exocarpos cupressiformis | native cherry, cherry ballart, Goo’weregan (D'harawal) |
| Melaleuca decora | paper bark, white feather honey-myrtle, Bujor (D'harawal) |
| Melaleuca linariifolia | snow in summer, Gurren’durren (D'harawal) |
| Melia azedarach | white cedar |
| Pittosporum undulatum | sweet pittosporum |
| Low to medium shrubs | |
| Aotus ericoides | common aotus, golden pea |
| Acacia decurrens | Boo'kerrinkin (D'harawal), black wattle, green wattle, Sydney green wattle |
| Acacia implexa | hickory wattle, Weetjellan (D'harawal) |
| Acacia parramattensis | Parramatta wattle, Sydney green wattle |
| Acacia ulicifolia | prickly moses, juniper wattle |
| Brachyloma daphnoides | daphne heath |
| Breynia oblongifolia | coffee bush |
| Bursaria spinosa | sweet native blackthorn, blackthorn, Kurwan (D'harawal) |
| Clerodendrum tomentosum | hairy clerodendrum, downy chance tree, hairy lolly bush |
| Dillwynia glaberrima | smooth parrot-pea, smooth-leaved dillwynia |
| Duboisia myoporoides | corkwood, poison corkwood, yellow basswood |
| Kunzea ambigua | tick bush, white kunzea, white tick-bush |
| Leptospermum polygalifolium subsp. polygalifolium | tantoon, ti-tree |
| Ozothamnus diosmifolius | white dogwood, rice flower, sago bush, pill flower |
| Persoonia linearis | narrow-leaved geebung |
| Pimelea linifolia | slender rice flower, granny's bonnet, queen-of-the-bush |
| Platysace lanceolata | shrubby platysace |
| Ricinocarpos pinifolius | wedding bush |
| Ferns, forbs and graminoids | |
| Aristida ramosa | cane wire-grass, purple wiregrass |
| Austrostipa ramosissima | stout bamboo grass |
| Cayratia clematidea | native grape |
| Centella asiatica | Indian pennywort, gotu cola |
| Clematic aristata | old man’s beard |
| Commelina cyanea | native wondering jew |
| Cynodon dactylon | common couch |
| Cyperus polystachyos | |
| Dianella caerulea | blue flax-lily, blueberry lily |
| Dianella revoluta | black-anther flax-lily, Pokulbi (D'harawal) |
| Dichondra repens | Yilibili (D'harawal), kidney weed |
| Einadia nutans subsp. nutans | climbing saltbush |
| Einadia trigonos | fishweed |
| Eragrostis brownii | Brown’s lovegrass, brown love grass, common love grass, Bentham's love-grass |
| Einadia trigonos | wiry panic |
| Gahnia clarkei | tall saw-sedge |
| Gleichenia dicarpa | pouched coral-fern, tangle fern, wiry coral fern |
| Glycine clandestina | Scott’s head broad-leaved glycine, twining glycine |
| Glycine microphylla | small leaf glycine |
| Glycine tabacina | variable glycine |
| Gompholobium minus | dwarf wedge pea |
| Hibbertia diffusa | wedge Guinea flower |
| Hinnertia scandens | Guinea flower |
| Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides | |
| Imperata cylindrica | blady grass |
| Kennedia rubicunda | dusky coral-pea, red Kennedy pea |
| Lomandra filiformis | wattle mat-rush |
| Lomandra longifolia | spiny-headed mat-rush |
| Microlaena stipoides | weeping grass, meadow rice grass |
| Oplismenus aemulus | |
| Oplismenus imbecillis | |
| Passiflora spp. | native passionfruit |
| Phyllanthus gunnii | shrubby spurge |
| Pteridium esculentum | Gurgi (Cadigal), bracken |
| Pteris tremula | tender brake, tender brakefern |
| Ranunculus inundatus | river buttercup |
| Rumex brownii | swamp dock |
| Solanum prinophyllum | forest nightshade |
| Lobelia purpurascens(syn. Pratia purpurascens) | white root |
| Veronica plebeia | creeping speedwell, trailing speedwell |
| Viola spp. | native violet |
Sources: NSW Scientific Committee (1999, 2015); Tozer et al. (2010); NSW OEH (2012); Department of the Environment (2014a); Douglas (2015), Cumberland Ecology (2023) Cumberland Ecology (2024).
Table 2: Native fauna species that are known to occur or may occur in the ecological community.
Threatened species in bold.
| Scientific name | Common Name |
|---|---|
| Birds | |
| Acanthiza pusilla | brown thornbill |
| Anthochaera carunculata | red wattlebird |
| Anthochaera phrygia | regent honeyeater |
| Artamus cyanopterus | dusky woodswallow |
| Botaurus poiciloptilus | Australasian bittern |
| Cacatua galerita | sulphur-crested cockatoo |
| Cacatua sanguinea | little corella |
| Calyptorhynchus funereus | yellow-tailed black cockatoo |
| Colluricincla harmonica | grey shrike-thrush |
| Corvus coronoides | Australian raven |
| Cracticus tibicen | Australian magpie |
| Dacelo novaeguineae | laughing kookaburra |
| Eolophus roseicapilla | galah |
| Eopsaltria australis | eastern yellow robin |
| Caligavis chrysops | yellow-faced honeyeater |
| Lathamus discolor | swift parrot |
| Malurus cyaneus | superb fairy-wren |
| Malurus lamberti | variegated fairy-wren |
| Manorina melanocephala | noisy miner |
| Melanodryas cucullata cucullata | hooded robin (south-eastern) |
| Ninox novaeseelandiae | southern boobook owl |
| Pachycephala pectoralis | golden whistler |
| Pardalotus punctatus | spotted pardalote |
| Pardalotus striatus | striated pardalote |
| Platycercus elegans | crimson rosella |
| Platycercus eximius | eastern rosella |
| Podargus strigoides | tawny frogmouth |
| Rhipidura leucophrys | willie wagtail |
| Rhipidura albiscapa | grey fantail |
| Sericornis frontalis | white-browed scrubwren |
| Strepera graculina | pied currawong |
| Mammals | |
| Chalinolobus dwyeri | large-eared pied bat |
| Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (SE mainland population) | spot-tailed quoll, Spotted-tail quoll, tiger quoll, bindjulang |
| Miniopterus orianae oceanensis | eastern bent-wing bat |
| Micronomus norfolkensis | eastern coastal free-tail bat |
| Petaurus breviceps | sugar glider |
| Phascolarctos cinereus (combined populations of Qld, NSW and the ACT) | koala |
| Pseudocheirus peregrinus | common ringtail possum |
| Pseudomys novaehollandiae | New Holland mouse, pookila |
| Pteropus poliocephalus | grey-headed flying-fox |
| Scoteanax rueppellii | greater broad-nosed bat |
| Tachyglossus aculeatus | short-beaked echidna |
| Trichosurus vulpecula | common brush-tailed possum |
| Wallabia bicolor | swamp wallaby |
| Reptiles and Amphibians | |
| Ctenotus robustus | striped skink |
| Eulamprus heatwolei | yellow-bellied water skink |
| Heleioporus australiacus | giant burrowing frog |
| Lampropholis guichenoti | garden skink |
| Limnodynastes dumerilii | eastern Banjo Frog, Banjo frog |
| Limnodynastes peroni | striped marsh frog, brown-striped frog |
| Limnodynastes tasmaniensis | spotted marsh frog, spotted grass frog |
| Litoria verreauxii | Verreaux's tree frog, whistling tree frog |
| Pogona barbata | bearded dragon |
| Pseudechis porphyriacus | red-bellied black snake |
| Pygopus lepidopodus | common scaly-foot |
| Varanus varius | lace monitor |
| Invertebrates | |
| Meridolum corneovirens | Cumberland land snail |
Sources: Jones et al., 1997; NSW Scientific Committee (2015); Douglas (2015); Department of the Environment (2014a); DAWE (2020).
Table 1: Weed species that are known or may occur in the ecological community.
# -Weeds of National significance (WONS).
| Scientific name | Common Name |
|---|---|
| Ageratina adenophora | crofton weed |
| Alternanthera philoxeroides # | alligator weed |
| Amaranthus viridis | slender amaranth |
| Anredera cordifolia # | Madeira vine, jalap, lamb's-tail, mignonette vine, anredera, Gulf Madeiravine, heartleaf Madeiravine, potato vine |
| Araujia sericifera | moth vine |
| Arctotheca calendula | capeweed |
| Asparagus aethiopicus, Asparagus virgatus # | asparagus fern, ground asparagus, basket fern, Sprenger's fern, bushy asparagus, emerald asparagus |
| Asparagus asparagoides # | bridal creeper, bridal veil creeper, smilax, florist's smilax, smilax asparagus |
| Asparagus plumosus, Asparagus scandens # | climbing asparagus fern |
| Atriplex prostrata | mat saltbush |
| Chascolytrum subaristatum (syn. Briza aristata) | briza |
| Bromus spp. | brome grasses |
| Brunfelsia australis | Yesterday, today and tomorrow |
| Cabomba caroliniana | cabomba, common cabomba, fanwort, Carolina fanwort, watershield, Carolina watershield, fish grass, Washington grass |
| Carduus spp. | thistles |
| Carissa spinarum | bush plum |
| Cenchrus clandestinus | kikuyu |
| Cestrum parqui | green cestrum |
| Cirsium vulgare | spear thistle |
| Citrullus lamatus | wild watermelon |
| Chloris gayana | Rhodes grass |
| Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera # | boneseed |
| Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata # | bitou bush |
| Cinnamomum camphora | camphor laurel |
| Commelina diffusa | wandering jew |
| Cotoneaster pannosus | cotoneaster |
| Cytisus scoparius # | broom, English broom, Scotch broom, common broom, Scottish broom, Spanish broom |
| Delairea odorata (syn. Senecio mikanioides) | Cape ivy, German ivy |
| Echium plantagineum | Paterson’s curse |
| Echium vulgare | viper’s bugloss |
| Ehrharta erecta | African veldt grass, panic veldtgrass |
| Eragrostis curvula | African lovegrass |
| Genista monspessulana # | Montpellier broom, cape broom, canary broom, common broom, French broom, soft broom |
| Gleditsia triacanthos # | honey locust |
| Gomphocarpus fruticosus | narrow-leaved cotton bush |
| Heliotropium amplexicaule | blue heliotrope |
| Hypochaeris radicata | catsear, flatweed |
| Lantana camara # | lantana, common lantana, kamara lantana, large-leaf lantana, pink flowered lantana, red flowered lantana, red-flowered sage, white sage, wild sage |
| Lonicera japonica | Japanese honeysuckle |
| Ligustrum lucidum | large-leaved privet |
| Ligustrum sinense | small-leaved privets |
| Lycium ferocissimum # | African boxthorn, boxthorn |
| Melinis repens | red Natal grass, Natal grass, Natal redtop |
| Nassella trichotoma # | serrated tussock, Yass River tussock, Yass tussock, nassella tussock |
| Nassella neesiana # | Chilean needlegrass |
| Ochna serrulata | Mickey mouse bush |
| Oenothera sp. | evening primrose |
| Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata | African olive |
| Opuntia spp. # | prickly pears |
| Paspalum dilatatum | paspalum |
| Passiflora edulis Common | passionfruit |
| Pinus radiata | Monterey pine |
| Phytolacca octandra | inkweed |
| Plantago lanceolata | ribwort plantain, lambs tongue |
| Pyracantha spp. | firethorns |
| Rhaphiolepis indica | Indian hawthorn |
| Rubus fruticosus aggregate # | blackberry, European blackberry |
| Senecio madagascariensis # | fireweed, Madagascar ragwort, Madagascar groundsel |
| Setaria parviflora | |
| Sida rhombiflolia | Paddy’s lucerne |
| Solanum sisymbriifolium | |
| Solanum spp. | nightshades |
| Tradescantia fluminensis | trad, wandering Jew |
| Trifolium repens | white clover |
| Umex acetosella (syn. Acetosella vulgaris) | sheep sorrel |
| Ulex europaeus # | gorse, furze |
Sources: Corby, pers. comm. (2014); Department of the Environment (2014a); Steenbeeke, pers. comm. (2014); NSW Scientific Committee (2015); Douglas (2015); DAWE (2020).
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at legislation.gov.au, © Commonwealth of Australia, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Compilations may have been reformatted.