Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 104 Protecting and enhancing biodiversity is important in ensuring the quality of our air, water and soils. Council invests in the protection and maintenance of over 160 hectares of bushland and open space which the community values for its intrinsic, natural, cultural, aesthetic and educational diversity. BIODIVERSITY Walking tracks were upgraded at Warraroon Reserve, Bushland Park and Ventemans Reach protecting native flora and increasing the safety of visitors. A specialist abseiling bush regeneration contractor was engaged to remove weeds at the Gore Creek Stormwater rehabilitation site to improve wildlife habitat and enhance the salt marsh downstream. Bushcare, Bush Friends and the Backyard Habitat Program encouraged engagement with, and care for, local bushland. Both programs welcomed new members and volunteers to regenerate local bushland areas and more than 25 bushland walks and talks were held. The Backyard Habitat program assisted residents in creating native habitat gardens on their property. Gardens adjoining bushland can be a vital link and haven for our wildlife and the contribution residents make in creating a backyard habitat for our local fauna is greatly valued. These gardens help create wildlife corridors between pockets of bushland, which is essential to support biodiversity. Consultations increased by 15% compared to last year and 1600 native plants were provided to residents taking part in the program. The Lane Cove Nursery celebrated its 10 year anniversary by hosting a special event with Gardening Australia’s Angus Stewart. 95 community members attended, receiving advice how to plan a garden using native plants and ideas on creating native landscape features. Council contributed to the regional Urban Feral Animal Action Group program for the Northern Sydney area through fox and rabbit eradication. This helps increase the population and diversity of native flora and fauna through reducing predation by foxes and reduced habitat destruction by rabbits. Council has also been successful in achieving a decline in Red Spider Mite activity. Recovery of native flora can be noticed in the immediate and surrounding outbreak areas, ultimately increasing flora biodiversity. Council formed a partnership with the Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society (LCBCS) to run their program ‘Lane Cove Bush Kids’ for two years. During this time Council will develop a model and framework for the program so it can be handed back to LCBCS in 2017/18 in a format which is self- sustaining. This program engages young children with nature through various bushland activities to spark a life-long love and care of our environment. Activities are targeted at preschool aged children during term time and 2-10 years during school holidays. Council also run a program within schools called Every Child a Bushland Experience which this year provided 574 students with educational experiences in a local area of bushland. Children participating in this program have a positive change in attitudes towards protecting the bush, environment and animal habitats following the program. Lane Cove Bush Kids.