Bushland Reserves

Bayside is fortunate to have several areas of remnant heathland remaining within protected reserves within the City of Bayside.  Heathlands are characteristically diverse plant communities of low growing shrubs which are specifically adapted to to nutrient poor sandy soils found in the Bayside area.  Tea-trees, She-oaks, Wattles and Banksia comprise the tallest strata while a diversity of shrubs, herbs, lilies, grasses and rushes comprise the often very dense ground cover.  Orchids can also often be found.

Remnant heathland can be found in the following Reserves and Sanctuaries:

Bay Road Heathland Sanctuary, Sandringham (Melway Reference: 77 B11)

George Street Reserve, Sandringham (Melway Reference: 77 B12) 

Balcombe Park, Beaumaris (Melway Reference: 86 C4)

Gramatan Avenue Heathland Sanctuary, Beaumaris (Melway Reference: 86 C6)

Donald MacDonald Reserve, Beaumaris (Melway Reference: 86 B6)

Cheltenham Park Flora and Fauna Reserve, Cheltenham (Melway Reference: 86 H1)

Long Hollow Heathland, Beaumaris (Melway Reference: 86 C5)

Some of these areas have specific Management Plans and other related documents, which can be viewed below: 

• Bay Road Heathland Sanctuary Management Plan
• Bay Road Heathland Sanctuary Nature Walk 
• George Street Reserve Management Plan 
• Balcombe Park Reserve Management Plan 
• Gramatan Avenue Heathland Sanctuary Management Plan   
• Long Hollow Heathland Management Plan

The heathlands are also home to many species of native birds, small lizards and some native mammals.  All native flora and fauna found within remnant heathland areas are protected.  Permits are required to collect native vegetation.

The Bayside Wetland Restoration Project

In February 2007, a research project was undertaken to assess the possibility of restoring wetlands in two of Bayside's remnant heathland reserves - Long Hollow Heathland and Balcombe Park.  Both heathlands have active Friends groups who have been very supportive of the concept of re-establishing a wetland ecosystem in Beaumaris.

This research involved two components:

1. A feasibility study to determine whether wetlands could be physically created at each site utilising the existing stormwater drainage system; and
2. An ecological assessment of the vegetation at each site to determine the viability of re-establishing a wetland ecosystem, including the risks and benefits. 

In order to precis each of these, a summary report was also produced.  Click here to view the Wetland summary report 

The main findings concluded from this research project were:

• Maintain and enhance the current bushland management strategies.
• It would be possible to create a wetland ecosystem through stormwater diversions from local drainage infrastructure.
• Stormwater should not be diverted into areas of remnant heathland vegetation due to the potential adverse impacts on the native vegetation.
• The only feasible option to re-establish a wetland ecosystem is on the oval at Balcombe Park.  This would provide a good opportunity to enhance local biodiversity and create a unique educational resource.

These recommendations will now be considered in conjunction with the Bayside Sportsground Usage Strategy.  This document is currently being prepared by Council's Leisure and Recreation Department.  It is anticipated that the Sportsground Usage Strategy will be available for public comment in early 2008.  Should you wish to know more about Council's Sportsground Usage Strategy, please contact Council's Leisure Planning and Policy Coordinator, Naomi Paton on 9599 4444.

If you would like to know more about the Bayside Wetlands Restoration Project, please contact Council's Environment Research Officer, Amy Weir on 9599 4444.