The Nepean River at Camden is home to more than 50 fish species and is considered to be in good condition for freshwater fish communities.
Recent surveys identified a total of 156 plant species within the Nepean River corridor, including 95 native species.
Camden Council’s biodiversity strategy has identified the Nepean River corridor as a high priority area because it helps connects larger habitat patches around it.
The river corridor also allows movement of native plants and animals.
Camden Council believes all that is worth protecting – and restoring – and has produced a guide to help stakeholders act to help achieve this aim.
Caring for the Nepean River: A Guide for Landholders is a summary of the management actions council will implement to deliver long term protection and management of the biodiversity of the corridor.
The guide also provides private landholders with important information about the bushland found on their property and what key actions can be undertaken to protect its environmental values.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said the guide gives residents the opportunity to help keep their local environment in the best condition.
“The Nepean River is a significant corridor that supports an abundant biodiversity of native plants and animals,” Cr Fedeli said.
“Council is responsible for managing remnant vegetation within public land, however the majority of vegetation along the Nepean River corridor is on private land.
“We are very lucky to be living amongst such a beautiful setting and it is our responsibility as a community to work together to protect and enhance our natural areas.
“I encourage residents and businesses along the corridor to contact council to obtain a copy of the Caring for the Nepean River: A Guide for Landholders.’’
The guide also provides an opportunity for residents to become involved in the conservation of native plants and animals.
Local landholders can make a difference by taking some simple steps, including:
- Control weeds on your property;
- Control pest animals;
- Control erosion of river banks;
- Improve water quality;
- Protect and install native vegetation.
A copy of the guide can be downloaded from council’s website and hard copies are available from council’s Oran Park administration building.
For more information on the guide, contact council’s sustainability team on 4654 7777.
