Darrel Davies

This Reserve is in a wonderful spot with magnificent views of the high sea cliffs in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. As part of Waverley Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan, they are progressively installing buffer plantings to connect and protect bushland remnants in the Waverley local government area, and we were lucky enough to get one of the contracts!

Our experienced and legendary Site Supervisor, Darrel Davies oversaw the preparation of the site and installation of over 1000 plants (pictured below). Species were selected to represent the original vegetation that would have existed in this area – cliff coastal heath. This includes species such as heath myrtle (Baeckea imbricata), coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa), honey myrtle Melaleuca armillaris). These plantings will buffer the remnant cliff heath on-site and create additional habitat for native birds that frequent the area.

Due to the very exposed nature of the site, we installed tree guards for majority of the plants, especially trees and shrubs, to protect them from dogs and foot traffic.

We also installed a sediment fence and removed some of the weeds adjacent to the planted area to prevent any weeds from encroaching in. Have a look at the photos below to see the process of the project. We can’t wait to see what it looks like in ten years!

Method & Technic:

• Aquatic Weed Treatment
• Broadscale Herbicide Spraying
• Bush Regeneration
• Revegetation

Endangered Ecological Communities:

• Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest
• Swamp Sclerophyll Forest
• Sydney Freshwater Wetlands

Project Outcomes:

Our team successfully implemented effective control measures for aquatic weeds, including Alternanthera philoxeroides and Ludwigia peruviana, to restore balance to the ecosystem. Following treatment, native regeneration of Melaleuca was observed, revitalizing the smothered Melaleuca Swamp Forest. To further support regeneration and enhance biodiversity, native species were strategically installed in highly disturbed areas, protecting the swamp forest and improving the site’s overall visual amenity. These efforts transformed site conditions from very poor/poor to fair/good, particularly in the Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) areas.

Before	After

Before	After

Method & Technic:

• Bush Regeneration
• Biobanking

Project Outcomes:

Our team promoted self-seeding and enhanced resilience through effective ecological management practices.

Before	After

Before	After

Method & Technic:

• Bush Regeneration
• Revegetation
• Habitat Regeneration
• Ecological Restoration

Our team rehabilitated 3 hectares of habitat to support the vulnerable Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) by achieving an 80% weed reduction along the three major stormwater drainage lines. We conducted infill planting of 3,000 local indigenous plants in areas previously cleared of weeds, promoting species abundance and enhancing the presence of existing, endemic, and remnant species within the area.

Before	After

Before	After

Method & Technic:

• Bush Regeneration
• Post Burn Weed Management
• Ecological Restoration
• Track Maintenance
• Revegetation

Project Outcomes:

We worked across 12 sites for this project, focusing on track maintenance, weed control, and biodiversity enhancement within the Darling Mills Creek reserve system. This reserve includes approximately 5 km of formal walking paths, incorporating both vehicle access paths and rugged rock steps. The Murri-Yanna Track serves as the main pathway, connecting Jean Street at North Rocks Road to the M2, with additional integral trails such as the Echidna Loop, Orange Pye Loop, and Rifle Ranch Creek Track.

To ensure tracks remain safe and accessible, regular inspections are carried out, particularly following heavy rainfall or strong winds. Any obstructions or overgrown vegetation are promptly removed or trimmed back. Where tracks are located near drop-offs, we take measures to improve safety by either widening the existing path or rerouting and closing hazardous sections. Targeted weed control is undertaken along track edges, focusing on aggressive herbaceous species, woody weeds, and invasive vines. Canopy protection is prioritised through the management of vine weeds to prevent smothering of native vegetation. Resilient areas are safeguarded through ongoing, targeted control of aggressive weed species. Efforts are focused on containing infestations within already disturbed zones, with the aim of progressively expanding weed-free areas to support natural regeneration. Revegetation works are carried out annually in selected degraded areas to assist natural regeneration processes and enhance overall site biodiversity.

The collective efforts across these sites resulted in improved bushland resilience, enhanced biodiversity, and the successful restoration of native vegetation communities. Through strategic weed management, planting, and ongoing maintenance, the areas have been made more resilient to future invasions while ensuring safe and accessible public spaces.

Before	After

Before	After

Method & Technic:

• Bush Regeneration
• Endangered Ecological Communities
• Ecological Restoration

Project Outcomes:

The weed control work at Jibbon Point was highly successful, with effective primary and follow-up treatment of dense infestations of Cestrum parqui across the Littoral Rainforest EEC. The use of Picloram/K+ (Vigilant II) for the treatment of mature Cestrum parqui plants proved to be very effective, with no re-growth observed from the treated plants. Following the initial clearing, increased light penetration prompted the emergence of new Cestrum parqui, which were treated in the same manner through cutting and applying neat Picloram/K+ (Vigilant II) to prevent seed set. Native regeneration was observed through the cleared areas, enhancing biodiversity and resilience. Pruning and other clearing methods, which were carried out helped create access paths for volunteers, enabling them to conduct long-term weed management and monitor ongoing restoration. Continued follow-up treatments across all cleared areas are essential for depleting the soil seed bank and ensuring the eventual eradication of Cestrum parqui. Due to the success of the treatment, the continued use of Picloram/K+ (Vigilant II) is recommended for maintaining effective control.

Before	After

Before	After

Method & Technic:

• Bush Regeneration
• Planting
• Pre and Post Burn Weed Management
• Ecological Restoration
• Track Maintenance

Project Outcomes:

As part of Hornsby Shire Council’s long-term vision for conservation, our team has been actively working in the bushland since 2020. We manage six designated zones, where we are successfully controlling weed species and supporting the natural regeneration of the area.

Over the past four years, we have carried out post-burn weed control, track maintenance, and planting within the contracted zones—and our efforts are ongoing as we continue to support the ecological health of the area.

Before	After

Before	After

Method & Technic:

• Bush Regeneration
• Revegetation
• Threatened Species
• Endangered Ecological Communities
• Track Maintenance

Project Outcomes:

Towra Point Nature Reserve is located on the Kurnell Peninsula and forms part of the southern shore ofBotany Bay. This Nature Reserve encompasses important vegetation communities, including Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest, Kurnell Dune Forest, Littoral Rainforestand Coastal Saltmarsh. Three of the six sites (Sites1, 2 & 3) contain the endangered (NSW)Syzygium paniculatum-Magenta Lilly Pilly.

Works were aimed at promoting the wellbeing of and assisting the repopulation of the endangered Syzygium paniculatum through all sites, as well as the Endangered Ecological Communities of the Nature Reserve. This was achieved through the targeted control of invasive weeds such as Ground Asparagus, Lantana, African Olives and Bitou Bush through the various methods discussed in this report. Worked areas have seen significant improvement with the overall reduction in weed densities and regeneration of native species. Spot spraying was also carried out under very sensitive conditions and completed successfully by our well-trained, experienced team.

In the sand dune area, we conducted targeted weeding and installed 2,000 native saltmarsh plants following the treatment of Juncus acutus.

Before	After

Before	After

Our team’s experience in enhancing reserves like the Field of Mars Reserve, where we were able to execute focused maintenance during wet weather conditions shows our dedication to enhancing ecosystems despite challenges.

Method & Technique:

• Bush Regeneration
• Track Maintenance

Project Outcomes:

Our team has made strong progress in preserving and enhancing the Field of Mars Reserve throughout the 2022–2024 contract period. Despite challenges such as persistent rain—particularly in spring and summer(2023-2024)—that fueled rapid weed growth, we remained focused on intensive maintenance across key areas including creeklines, drainage lines, resilient bushland, and walking tracks. With the conditions favouring the spread of herbaceous, vine, and grass weeds, we prioritised responsive maintenance over primary works, tailoring our strategies to the unique needs of each zone across Field of Mars North, South, and Entrance. This flexible, targeted approach has helped control invasive species, supported native regeneration, and safeguarded the ecological integrity of the reserve. As we look ahead, our team remains committed to adapting and refining our efforts to ensure the long-term health and vibrancy of this vital natural space for both wildlife and the community.

Before (Field of Mards Entrance)	After

Before (Field of Mards Norh)	After

Before (Field of Mards South)	After

Red Triangle Slug

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.

Our project at the Upper Ponds Creek spans over nine different sites, we utilised many of our services to enhance both the environmental health and community resources along the Upper Ponds Creek entrance. We are proud to continue to work on projects where we can tailor ecological solutions to diverse landscapes.

Method & Technic:

• Aquatic Weed Treatment
• Broadscale Herbicide Spraying
• Bush Regeneration
• Revegetation
• Track Maintenance

Project Outcomes:

The Upper Ponds Creek project showcased our team’s ability to apply a broad range of ecological techniques and knowledge to deliver successful outcomes across nine diverse sites. This large-scale restoration effort required a tailored approach at each location, with focused strategies including track maintenance, edge weed control, resilient area management, and the preservation of regenerating zones—particularly through the protection of native shrubs and trees from invasive vines. Our work also enhanced the visual amenity of the area, with diligent weed control improving the outlook for visitors at key vantage points. We successfully maintained previously revegetated areas, executed primary and targeted weeding, and carried out routine maintenance to ensure long-term resilience. The effective management of the Hazard Reduction Zone (HRZ) further supported site safety and ecological balance. By combining expertise, industry-standard practices, and a commitment to ecological integrity, we’ve not only achieved the project’s objectives but also contributed to the lasting health and appeal of the Upper Ponds Creek landscape.

Before	After

Before	After

Green and Golden Bell Frogs have a peculiar habit of appearing in unlikely areas and disturbed habitats, from landfill and brick pits to golf courses. Once an extremely common species across all of Sydney, the Green and Golden Bell Frog now has only about 40 populations left, suffering an ongoing decline and shrinking of their distribution since the 1970’s. Loss of ideal habitat, and pressures from predators including native waterbirds, introduced Mosquito Fish and feral cats, are thought to be contributing factors behind their occupancy of degraded and unlikely habitats. This presents an urgent need for the creation and restoration of high quality, predator free habitat for the species.

Dragonfly Environmental have been working with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority to manage existing ponds to bring back much needed habitat for the Green and Golden Bell Frog. Kronos Hill is a wildlife corridor extending for 1.5km atop an area of remediated landfill adjacent to Haslam’s Creek. Currently there is a range of restoration projects being undertaken at the site, including reestablishment of mid-storey shrubs and thinning of trees to restore habitat for small forest birds, and the retention of log piles and dead wood habitat for reptiles and insects. The site’s ponds, which have existed for some time, were suffering from sedimentation whilst lacking appropriate shelter to protect struggling local Green and Gold Bell Frogs from predators.

Dragonfly Environmental started by draining existing water from the site’s ponds, to eradicate the introduced Mosquito Fish, which decimate Green and Golden Bell Frog tadpoles, and which have been the primary hindrance to local breeding populations. Our team then removed thick accumulated sediment, making way for the installation of impermeable pond liners, facilitating improved water retention and conforming to their preference for habitat disturbance. Frog-friendly netting was then installed above the ponds to reduce predator access to breeding frogs and tadpoles. Due to the species apparent preference for ephemeral ponds and fluctuating water levels, the ponds are currently being filled naturally with rainwater and runoff over time to entice the species to disperse to the site.

Whilst there is a long way to go towards the full recovery of the Green and Golden Bell Frog, our project aimed to create a breeding haven, free from the pressures of predators and degraded habitat. Our efforts will hopefully result in unhindered breeding and facilitate increased dispersal of the species to other potential habitat sites in the locality. We are looking forward to sharing progress updates as the ponds mature on our Facebook Page.