We’ve now planted more than 20,000 native trees and shrubs in Centennial Park, marking one of the most significant planting initiatives in the park’s recent memory.
This large-scale planting, delivered in partnership with Greening Australia and funded by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, focused on the outer parklands along Musgrave Avenue, Loch Avenue, the south-western corner, and Lachlan Swamp. It forms part of the broader Rewilding Sydney initiative, which aims to enhance biodiversity, cool urban spaces and reconnect ecological corridors across the city.
Restoring critically endangered habitat
Most species planted have been chosen from the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS) species list, a critically endangered ecological community that once covered large areas of Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The ESBS is now reduced to small, isolated patches and efforts to restore it are vital for local biodiversity.
“The plants selected for the outer park were all species that are characteristic of the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub — the original vegetation community of the parklands,” said Amara Glynn, Environmental and Sustainability Officer. “This type of planting helps improve biodiversity and supports native wildlife, while also protecting what’s left of this rare ecosystem.”
Species include:
Approximately 80% of the planting was shrub species, with the remaining 20% comprising canopy trees.
Supporting native wildlife at Lachlan Swamp
The focus was on planting Melaleuca quinquenervia (broad-leaved paperbarks) at Lachlan Swamp,, which help reinforce the existing vegetation and provide important roosting habitat for the vulnerable Grey-headed flying-fox
This work is guided by the Flying-fox Camp Management Plan, which outlines strategies for conservation and habitat enhancement within and around the swamp.
Tree planting at Lachlan Swamp
Laying strong roots in the right place and time
June was the ideal planting time to take advantage of cooler weather and higher soil moisture. This help is young plants establish strong root systems before the dry summer months.
Planting locations were selected in line with the Centennial Park Master Plan 2040, which highlights the importance of strengthening tree and native grass planting in the outer park to enhance its role as a buffer to the surrounding urban environment and a ‘green gateway’ to the inner park.
Track access has been maintained, with a two-metre buffer included along informal walking paths and gate entrances.
A long-term impact
Some of the fast-growing shrubs, such as Acacia longifolia, will reach maturity within a few years, while others — including Banksia and Eucalyptus species — will take longer to establish but are expected to provide long-lasting benefits for both people and wildlife.
Benefits include:
We look forward to seeing the return of small birds such as the Superb Fairy-wren to areas where dense shrub planting has taken place.
Learn more about trees and conservation in the Parklands
There are many opportunities to explore and learn more about the Parklands’ unique trees and bushland ecology:
Get involved in bush regeneration and other initiatives to help protect the parklands
This planting was done as part of ongoing conservation efforts, but you can still play a role. Join our community of volunteers through bush regeneration and environmental programs to support the care of native plants and habitats across the Parklands.