Article by Bushcare volunteer Richie Aitoa

Located in the back streets of Newport is a site rich in history with a background of passion from the residents. In 1999 a development proposal was lodged that aimed to cut down all of the native littoral rainforest and replace it with subplots for modern housing. The locals, hearing of this news, banded together to oppose this development, putting in motion a 20-year battle to protect this beautiful piece of land.

Rosalynd Gooding was one of the local residents and has been a part of the battle from the very start. She notes that this piece of land was a critically endangered wildlife corridor as we now have only 1% of littoral rainforest left in all of NSW. Rosalynd was passionate about protecting this site and continues to volunteer to this day as she fights to “bring it back to its former glory”.

This important site is home to so many incredible and unique species, hosting a wide range of migratory, native and endangered animals that live in and amongst the vibrant greenery that it holds. Species such as the Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua), Pygmy Possum (Burramys parvus), Channel-billed Cuckoo (Scythrops novaehollandiae), Eastern Water Dragon (Intellagama lesueurii), and so many more amazing animals call this site home. A resident who lived below the site had recorded over 100 unique bird species! These animals use the beautiful variation of native plant species, such as the cabbage tree palms, Australian ferns and much more, as areas of protection from both predators and different weather events. 

Given the site's importance, it is no wonder that the local community fought so hard. Marita McCrae, board member of the Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA) was another key figure in protecting this site. The efforts from these groups enabled Northern Beaches Council to garner the interest and support from then Minister, Rob Stokes, and Mayor, Michael Regan, to purchase the land from its previous owners. This moment saw the 20-year battle that started in 1999 finally come to a close in 2019.

Before Bushcare began for this site, the area was heavily overgrown with Lantana and Morning Glory, which combined with dense undergrowth to cover the old tracks throughout the site. These invasive species made the site quite difficult to access in its early days. These issues were further compounded with the discovery that parts of the site were used as a dumping ground.

The site has since had major improvements with the help of its volunteers and contractors, whose combined efforts have significantly reduced the amount of invasive flora and litter. Tubestock plantings have also been added in areas of severe degradation.

Today, the site is doing incredibly well, with so many of the native plants flourishing and making a home for both migratory and native species alike. Volunteers have noticed an increase in bird activity since Bushcare began! 

Many thanks go to Rosalynd Gooding and Marita McCrae for collating much of the information used and to all the volunteers who have helped along the way, especially Karin Nippard, who has overseen the site before volunteering began. These members of our community have all been so monumental in protecting this wonderful piece of land!

If anyone would like to come and join in, our Bushcare group runs on the second Saturday of the month 8.30 - 11.30am