Discover Figtree Hill
Research
We have an ambitious plan for the Figtree Hill project to have a positive impact for the benefit of people and the environment. This means we’re minimising environmental impacts where possible and increasing protections and restoring nature within the dedicated conservation areas.
To support these targets, we are investing in research and innovation in the planning and adaptive management of our conservation programs. The results will help us to measure, monitor and track our biodiversity improvements, and be used to help educate and engage with the community to foster an increased sense of ownership and stewardship for nature.
The regeneration program has committed funds to protect and repair natural areas at Figtree Hill in perpetuity by establishing several biobank sites. The current condition of the sites varies because of decades of farming and land clearing prior to Lendlease’s acquisition.
Regeneration Research
Research will help inform the most effective habitat restoration techniques to regenerate the bushland. Working closely with conservation experts, we have set up 10 regeneration pods within the biobank areas to provide insights into the impacts of:
- Temporary and permanent fencing
- Noxious weed and pest species control
- Planting and variety of native species
- Watering and maintenance
The project will also look at the impact of soil type and degradation, water availability and quality, and potential challenges like the impact of invasive species, pest control and historical fertilisers.
As part of our Koala Conservation Plan, we are committed to increasing habitat on-site by 30% in the project’s lifetime, which includes our contributions to the establishment of koala corridors between the Georges and Nepean Rivers, to be protected forever.
We are investing in research and collaborating with government agencies, conservation organisations, wildlife experts, local communities, and new residents to help protect this iconic species.
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Population MonitoringMonitoring the size of the koala population in the local area using thermal drone technology. This data is important for conservation planning and making informed management decisions to protect koala populations.
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Road Safety MeasuresResearch into effective road safety measures like koala underpasses and fencing will form part of the Appin Road monitoring program. This data will provide insights into effective use and areas for improvements.
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Habitat UseUnderstanding how koalas use their habitat and identify key habitat corridors between fragmented areas can help inform conservation planning and habitat restoration efforts. This data is useful in removing infrastructure barriers and improving connectivity.
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Community EngagementStudies that focus on understanding community perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours toward koalas and their conservation. This information will help inform educational initiatives and community involvement in citizen science efforts.
We have engaged with independent wildlife experts to undertake annual nocturnal drone and visual surveys, the first of which happened in 2020 before construction began. The surveys are completed over 12 nights and cover approximately 770 hectares of land across the project area and neighbouring reserves.
Thermal drones utilise imaging cameras that can detect heat signatures, making them particularly useful for locating the presence of koalas and other wildlife, even when they are hidden among trees or dense vegetation.
The data from the surveys is being used in the planning and construction phase of the project and will be published as part of our ongoing environmental reporting. The program assists in our understanding and provides useful data for research and education into koala distribution, habitat usage, and population dynamics.
Koala Drone Surveys
Learn more
Take a look at our research collaborations that are currently happening on the project. These partnerships not only help us to enhance our own conservation program, but also support important research being undertaken by local research institutions.
School of Science, University of Western Sydney
There are few creatures more elusive than the platypus. By using DNA detection technology, we can test for indications of platypus habitation within the local waterways.
The water sampling is being undertaken by the University of Western to assess the project’s riparian habitat as part of their work on the platypus population in Western Sydney.
School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney
The conservation areas within Figtree Hill are home to native bees and butterflies. These pollinators play an important role in restoring ecosystems and encouraging native plant growth.
Researchers have set up bee hotels and undertaken floral studies to look at the impact of pollinating insects on the restoration of the woodland.
School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney
Acoustic recorders allow researchers to record wildlife and the activity of bats flying in the vicinity.
These devices have been set up in the conservation areas at Figtree Hill to see how bat communities respond to urban woodland restoration.
Historical Archaeology and Heritage, University of Sydney
The Glen Lorne homestead provides a unique opportunity for researchers to assess the archaeological remains.
Fieldwork has been conducted to produce an accurate understanding of the homestead and outbuildings for evaluation alongside historical aerial imagery, material remains and written accounts.
