Towra Point Nature Reserve

Towra Point Nature Reserve is listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention because it supports rare and threatened species and ecological communities, endangered and migratory birds, and other wetland habitats in the area.

The site covers 632 ha and contains around 60% of saltmarsh and 40% of the mangrove communities in the entire Sydney region.

It provides critical roosting and feeding habitat for a high volume of migratory shorebird species, including the endangered eastern curlew and little tern.

The project areas contain several threatened species and threatened ecological communities, including:

• Magenta lilly pilly (Syzygium paniculatum)
• Temperate and Coastal Saltmarsh
• Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia
• Kurnell Dune Forest
• Coastal Swamp Oak Forest.

Project background

Towra Point Nature Reserve's vulnerable habitat is at risk from pest animal species, invasive weeds and climate change.

The Towra Point Ramsar site is a continuing focus in the Greater Sydney region.

It is listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

The nature reserve supports rare and threatened species and ecological communities, endangered and migratory birds, and other wetland habitats in the area.

Project objectives

This project aims to continue strengthening the resilience and habitat of this important wetland, ensuring these threatened ecological communities remain and continue to support the birdlife for generations to come.

We anticipate by project end on 30 June 2028 that:

• the landscapes at the selected work sites will be showing strong signs of regeneration and there will be an increase to plant and bird species present in the areas
• we will have more evidence of which birds are using the site throughout the seasons
• local Aboriginal communities will have been supported to continue their connection with, and cultural practices on, Country
• the broader community will have more knowledge about the importance of the site and how to help preserve it.

Project delivery

Work includes:  

• bush regeneration in the reserve, along Captain Cook Drive and in buffer areas surrounding the reserve
• weed control
• pest animal control
• plant, bird, bat and pest animal surveys
• animal surveillance and monitoring
• debris removal  
• community education events
• supporting local Aboriginal communities to continue cultural practices on Country.

Project timeline

2023–24:

• bush regeneration works in Towra Point Nature Reserve and adjacent land
• animal surveillance and monitoring

2024–25:

• ongoing animal surveillance and monitoring
• pest animal control
• plant survey
• community awareness events and activities including Sutherland Bushcare Fair 15 Sep 2024.
• engagement with local Aboriginal communities in preparation for cultural practices on Country.

2025–27:

• community awareness events and activities
• pest animal control
• plant surveillance and monitoring
• bush regeneration.

2028:

• project close 30 Jun 2028
• post-project surveys
• outcomes reporting.

Work underway

• Bush regeneration works, including weed removal, completed in Towra Point Nature Reserve and adjacent land to support seed dispersal of native plants.
• Pest animal work completed to protect native fauna and shorebirds.
• Bat surveys completed to identify which species are visiting the site.
• Community awareness activities at Sutherland Bushcare Fair 15 Sep 2024. 
• Animal surveillance and monitoring underway.  

How to get involved

Opportunities for communities to get involved in this project are shared through our regional Facebook page, regional newsletters, our events page and through local media outlets as they become available.   

Funding and partnerships

This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Greater Sydney Local Land Services, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.