Thursday, August 21, 2025

Georges Riverkeeper Committee Meeting, August 2025

Members of Georges Riverkeeper Committee attending the meeting in Aug 2025

On 21 August 2025, the Georges Riverkeeper Committee gathered for its regular meeting, this time it was hosted by Campbelltown City Council. The evening was filled with engaging presentations, inspiring projects, and important updates from across the catchment.

Linda Brown, Invasive Species Officer at Sutherland Shire Council, delivered an insightful presentation on Weeds of Significance in the Sutherland LGA. She explained how priority weeds are classified under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and illustrated the process using the weed incursion curve. Linda highlighted several invasive species, both aquatic and terrestrial, such as frogbit, water hyacinth, alligator weed, Mexican feather grass, and parthenium weed. She also shared updates on active control programs, including stormwater projects, high-risk site inspections, new incursion responses, and strong community engagement initiatives.

Campbelltown City Council presented a series of initiatives showcasing the region’s rich bushland and biodiversity.

  • Keira Ebers presented the Bushcare program, where dedicated volunteers are regenerating local bushland using the Bradley Method to tackle invasive species and restore native vegetation.
  • Will Shaw followed with a presentation on the 2024 BioBlitz at Smith’s Creek Reserve, which mobilised citizen scientists to survey local flora and fauna. These results are shaping Campbelltown’s new Biodiversity Strategy, which integrates habitat monitoring, threatened species projects, and innovative approaches like eDNA testing.

Sean Simpson from Georges River Council shared the background to an inspiring conservation project that has just been completed: the construction and installation of a safe Osprey nesting platform at Lugarno. Ospreys are key indicators of river health yet face challenges from habitat loss and disturbance. With funding of $25,000 secured in 2023/24 from Georges River Council and $5,000 contributed from Georges Riverkeeper, a durable marine-grade nesting pole and aluminium nesting platform was installed in June 2025 after extensive consultation and approvals. This project not only provides a critical breeding site for a vulnerable pair of Ospreys but also raises awareness about river health and serves as a model for future initiatives.

The Georges Riverkeeper team provided an update on program activities since the May 2025 meeting, including progress on major grant-funded projects:

  • Urban Rivers and Catchments Grant, from the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust, delivering riparian restoration at four sites across the catchment.
  • Jane Goodall Institute Australia mini grant, supporting the design and installation of frog saunas at four locations.

The meeting concluded with a formal Condolence Motion acknowledging the tragic fatal jet ski incident at Sylvania in July 2025.