City Safari: Restore Habitat for Aussie Icons

City Safari: Restore Habitat for Aussie Icons

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Upper Georges River Habitat Restoration for Platypus & Koala Conservation Project, proudly funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, and delivered in partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA), Campbelltown City Council, Liverpool City Council, the Office of Strategic Lands (NSW), the Georges Riverkeeper, and in collaboration with the Office of Strategic Lands (NSW) and Liverpool City Council.

Over the next 2+ years, we’ll work with local partners, Traditional Custodians, and volunteers to restore:

🐨 20 hectares of riparian habitat along a 3km stretch of the Upper Georges River and Bunbury Curran Creek—key waterways supporting some of Sydney’s most iconic wildlife, including the Platypus, Koala, Gang-gang Cockatoo, and Grey-headed Flying Fox.

🌱 Remove invasive species, plant 20,000 native trees, shrubs, and grasses, and collecting up to one tonne of litter.

🔬 Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and platypus population monitoring in collaboration with Dr Michelle Ryan and her team at Western Sydney University, to build knowledge of one of Sydney’s last known platypus populations.

We’re also pleased to acknowledge the support of the National Trust of Australia (NSW), who have already commenced habitat restoration at key sites.

Together, we’re bringing life back to the river—restoring habitat, protecting wildlife, and creating a healthier future for nature and community.