Innovation and Ideas Grant: presentation by the University of Sydney

By Andrew Wood, Blue Wren Subcommittee Convenor, Bulletin 10/2024, December

At 6 pm on Friday 29 November in Glebe Town Hall, Duncan Leys, the President of the Society, welcomed 71 members and friends to a presentation by the University of Sydney of their research studies and recommendations about Glebe’s Hill. The work was funded by an Innovation and Ideas Grant (Glebe’s Hill – unravelling its biodiversity secrets and potential) awarded to the Society by the City of Sydney.

Apologies were received from the Lord Mayor and Tanya Plibersek MHR, Minister for the Environment and Water. Councillors Sylvie Ellsmore and Matthew Thompson represented the City of Sydney, and Kobi Shetty, MLA for Balmain also attended. Duncan thanked the City for its Grant and the University of Sydney for successfully undertaking the research project. Cr Yvonne Weldon sent a video of her ‘Welcome to Country’, Andrew Wood, Convenor of the Blue Wren Subcommittee, spoke about applying for the Grant and Councillor Ellsmore described the City’s grants program.

Professor Dieter Hochuli, Dr Manuel Lequerica Tamara and Ms Genevieve Heggarty from the University of Sydney’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences described their findings. On The Hill, they identified 31 plant species with a dominance of non-natives (Chinese Hackberry and Lantana). Twelve bird species were found, including a grey fantail and silvereye which have not been seen in Glebe for many years. Three free-roaming mammals (fox, domestic cat and brushtail possum) were captured by their wildlife cameras. There were also three species of reptiles (skinks) and 21 species of invertebrates (including spiders, butterflies and moths, bees and wasps, flies and hoverflies, beetles, weevils and ladybirds).

The University’s main recommendations were:

•       The gradual removal of invasive plants and their replacement with native species.
•       Planting native species with staggered flowering periods to support pollinators and other wildlife.
•       Creating a fenced area to limit disturbance to the newly established urban forest.
•       Involving local residents and schools in the project to foster a sense of ownership and support.
•       Regular monitoring of The Hill to assess the effectiveness of interventions and adapt strategies as needed.

The report states: ‘The Glebe’s Hill project presents a significant opportunity to enhance urban biodiversity in the City of Sydney in a way that supports nature and people. By transforming this degraded site into a thriving greenspace, the project aims to create a model for urban ecological restoration that can be replicated in other cities.’

Professor Hochuli then presented copies of the University’s report to Duncan and Councillors Ellsmore and Thompson (see photo); a pdf copy of the report will soon be available on the Society’s website. A question and answer session was followed by a celebratory glass of sparkling wine and lots of sushi.