This project shows our innovative wetlands and waterways services as we implemented aerial drone spraying with on-water treatment methods to manage widespread aquatic weeds across Penrith Lakes. This resulted in controls of infestations whilst improving waterway health and accessibility across the site.

Skill sets used:

• Aquatic Weed Treatment
• Broadscale Herbicide Spraying
• Drone Technology Aerial Spraying

Project Outcomes:

Our team conducts targeted treatment of aquatic weeds, including Salvinia molesta, Ludwigia longifolia, and Alternanthera philoxeroides, by integrating aerial and on-water control methods. For primary works, we engaged specialist contractors to operate drone aerial spraying, enabling precise and efficient application over extensive or difficult-to-access areas. Follow-up and maintenance treatments were carried out using chemical spray boat, which is equipped with a three-boom spray set-up, allowing for spray widths between 4 and 10 meters per pass. This method is particularly effective for managing Salvinia molesta infestations in open water and targeting aquatic weeds that are inaccessible from the embankment or via road and foot access.

Follow-up with chemical spray boat	Maintenance phase

Before	After

Over multiple years, we restored key wetland habitats within the Sydney Airport precinct, balancing ecological rehabilitation with aviation safety requirements. Through our weed management services, we transform degraded areas into strong ecosystems.

Method & Technique:

• Bush Regeneration
• Broadscale Herbicide Spraying
• Aquatic Weed Control
• Planting
• Ecological Restoration
• Aquatic Weed Treatment
• Habitat Management

Project Outcomes:

We successfully completed a multi-year bush and wetland regeneration project for our client, Sydney Airport, spanning from 2019 to 2022. The project began with a focus on intensive primary works to control dense infestations of invasive species such as Cestrum parqui (Green Cestrum), Lantana camara, Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (Bitou Bush), Ludwigia peruviana (Water Primrose), and various exotic climbers. These weeds were treated in staged sections to support effective restoration and site recovery.

Sydney Airport’s vision was to rehabilitate the riparian habitat around two wetland ponds, creating a functional and resilient natural area while minimising the risk of attracting large bird populations near the airport. Our team worked to achieve this balance by restoring native vegetation and managing habitat complexity appropriately.

From 2020 to 2022, we carried out regular maintenance works to consolidate earlier progress. Weed densities were effectively maintained or reduced across most work zones, with major improvements noted in Engine Pond West, Engine Pond East , and Mill Stream . Native vegetation showed strong regeneration, supported by our follow-up work and favorable seasonal rainfall.

In 2022, the final year of the contract, our efforts shifted to controlling vine and herbaceous weeds such as Rumex sagittatus and Anredera cordifolia, particularly in areas with good native cover or previous plantings. We also carried out supplementary planting to increase biodiversity, enhance habitat corridors, and reduce future weed re-establishment in cleared zones.

Throughout the project, a diverse range of native fauna were observed, including Striped Marsh Frogs, Eastern Water Skinks, Blue-tongued Skinks, Black Swans, Pelicans, Honeyeaters, Swamp Hens, and Superb Fairy-wrens — highlighting the ecological value of this urban stepping stone habitat.

This project was completed to a high standard, with all objectives met through careful planning, consistent follow-up, and strong teamwork. It stands as a successful example of large-scale ecological restoration in a complex urban setting.

Before	After

Before	After

At Sydney Olympic Park’s Brickpit, we delivered a specialised habitat project designed to protect and support local frog populations. Through our ecology restoration services, we created a functional and resilient habitat within this highly sensitive environment.

Method & Technic:

• Special Project
• Habitat Restoration

Project Outcomes:

In March and April 2024, our team delivered a specialised on-ground project at the Brickpit, focused on ecological protection and habitat support. The works involved the placement of six metal tanks within a rigid frame enclosure, expertly wrapped in taut, commercial-grade bird netting. This design was carefully constructed to exclude medium to large birds while allowing frogs to freely enter and exit. Transporting the tanks from the Brickpit car park to the site, we arranged them on a level sand bed reinforced with coir logs, and connected them via frog-accessible gabion pathways. The entire enclosure, standing at approximately 2 metres high, was engineered with steel supports and lockable, bird-proof access doors. Despite biosecurity restrictions and limited site access via a dirt track, our team ensured high standards in ecological restoration and wetland enhancement, contributing to a secure, functional habitat within this sensitive, sandstone-based environment.

Our skilled staff completing construction with care and precision.	Tanks arranged on a leveled bed of brickies sand, with coir logs installed to prevent erosion as per project specifications

Completed installation of bird-proof netting—commercial grade, black, UV-resistant, and secured at the base to allow frog access while excluding larger birds	All done! Construction completed and site ready for action.

Method & Technic:

• Bush Regeneration
• Revegetation

Project Outcomes:

Our team delivered Stage 2 bush regeneration works at Dee Why Dunes between January and June 2024 under Northern Beaches Council Bush Regeneration contract 2023. This project, covering approximately 11.32 ha across three zones, built on the foundations of the Year 1 grant and complemented ongoing operational regeneration efforts. Our focus was on controlling invasive species and restoring the native dune ecosystem through a combination of innovative and targeted techniques.

A major achievement was the effective management of Ipomoea cairica using a shredding technique within Ficinia nodosa, which allowed access to mature vine bases with minimal herbicide use. This method has proven successful and will inform future control strategies. Our team also conducted extensive preparation and planting in key areas, including the zone north of the overflow carpark and the bay near the toilet block. Invasive species like Pennisetum clandestinum and Asparagus aethiopicus were treated using hand removal, shredding, and spot-spraying.

New plantings of native species, including Banksia integrifolia and native ground covers, have supported erosion control and improved biodiversity. Weed density ratings improved noticeably—from ‘fair’ to ‘good’ in the southern dune zone, and from ‘poor’ to ‘fair’ along the lagoon edge. These results highlight the effectiveness of our targeted approach. Moving forward, continued management of Ipomoea cairica, regular site maintenance, and strategic planting will be essential to further enhance the ecological resilience of Dee Why Dunes.

Before	After

Before	After

Method & Technic:

• Rehabilitation
• Bush Regeneration
• Revegetation

Project Outcomes:

Dragonfly Environmental has been working at Smalls Creek since 2019 under the supervision of multiple team leaders. This contract covers a large area of Smalls Creek, extending through Kellyville, Rouse Hill, and Beaumont Hills. David’s team has successfully completed weed management and revegetation efforts at Smalls Creek, which included the removal of exotic aquatic weeds, revegetation by planting, maintenance, and fine hand weeding. Flood mitigation is also a key aspect of the project, with regular removal of flood debris and vegetation over plantings. The site is currently in the maintenance phase, where our team has continued managing weeds around the planting areas and creek sides. Through fine hand weeding and brush cutting, we’ve effectively treated weeds, supporting the ongoing site regeneration. We are pleased to have secured a renewed contract, and the project continues to make strong progress as we restore the site through targeted weed management and native vegetation regeneration.

Before	After

Before	After

Planting Work at Bindaree Place	Fauna

Method & Technic:

• Rehabilitation
• Bush Regeneration
• Revegetation

Project Outcomes:

Dragonfly Environmental has been working at Smalls Creek since 2019 under the supervision of multiple team leaders. This contract covers a large area of Smalls Creek, extending through Kellyville, Rouse Hill, and Beaumont Hills. David’s team has successfully completed weed management and revegetation efforts at Smalls Creek, which included the removal of exotic aquatic weeds, revegetation by planting, maintenance, and fine hand weeding. Flood mitigation is also a key aspect of the project, with regular removal of flood debris and vegetation over plantings. The site is currently in the maintenance phase, where our team has continued managing weeds around the planting areas and creek sides. Through fine hand weeding and brush cutting, we’ve effectively treated weeds, supporting the ongoing site regeneration. We are pleased to have secured a renewed contract, and the project continues to make strong progress as we restore the site through targeted weed management and native vegetation regeneration.

Before	After

Before	After