Sutherland Shire Council has adopted a new 10-year Biodiversity Strategy to protect local wildlife, restore natural habitats and strengthen the resilience of the area’s unique natural environment.
The Biodiversity Strategy 2026–2036 sets out actions to strengthen habitat connections and support healthier ecosystems across the Sutherland Shire.
Home to one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in metropolitan Sydney, the Shire contains more than 330 bird species, 76 reptile and amphibian species and 41 mammal species across its bushland, waterways and coastal environments. Of these, 111 animal species and 35 plant species are classified as threatened.
Mayor, Carmelo Pesce said the Strategy would help ensure the Shire’s remarkable biodiversity continued to thrive for future generations.
“The Sutherland Shire’s natural environment is one of our community’s greatest assets and helps define who we are,” Mayor Pesce said.
“Our bushland, waterways, coastline, parks, backyards and tree-lined streets are all interconnected. They support wildlife, improve air and water quality, provide cooling and flood protection, strengthen community wellbeing and help make the Sutherland Shire such a desirable place to live.”
The Strategy sets a vision for ‘a connected and resilient urban landscape where native flora and fauna thrive, and Country is protected for future generations’, with actions centred on the themes of Celebrate, Protect and Connect.
Key initiatives include a new Gardens for Biodiversity program to help residents improve habitat on private land, and a nest-box and habitat hollow creation program on Council-managed land. The Strategy also provides for Aboriginal-led on-Country learning opportunities and community education focused on local wildlife conservation and responsible pet ownership.
The Strategy supports implementation of Council’s Koala Management Plan and koala strike mitigation initiatives.
It also places greater emphasis on biodiversity in established urban areas by integrating biodiversity protection, habitat connectivity and blue-green corridor principles into Council’s planning controls, public domain design standards and infrastructure planning.
“This Strategy reflects current science, contemporary planning practices and the important role our community can play in supporting local biodiversity,” Mayor Pesce said.
“It also strengthens our commitment to working with Aboriginal communities and supporting Aboriginal-led approaches that embed cultural knowledge and connection to Country in the way we care for our natural environment.”
The Strategy was shaped through community consultation and targeted engagement with environmental groups, educational institutions, government agencies and other stakeholders. Input was also sought from Council’s Youth Advisory Forum, Environment and Sustainability Reference Group, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group.
Broader community consultation generated 51 survey responses, 20 written submissions and 255 conversations at community information stalls. Of those surveyed, 78% agreed or strongly agreed with the Strategy’s vision.
Read the Biodiversity Strategy 2026–2036 and learn how you can support local biodiversity: Strategies and Plans | Sutherland Shire Council.
