Biodiversity Strategy 2036

Biodiversity is short for biological diversity, and it describes the variety of living organisms and ecological communities in a given area. Biodiversity in the Inner West includes all our plants, animals and micro-organisms, the genetic information they contain, and the ecological communities they form with our soils, waterways, and local climate. 

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in delivering the 'ecosystem services' or benefits that support the health and liveability of urban areas. Our soils, plants, and micro-organisms help to moderate the microclimate, improve water quality, and remove harmful wastes and air pollution. Our verge gardens, parks and waterways beautify the Inner West, improve mental wellbeing, and provide space for recreation and social connection.

Promoting biodiversity in the Inner West conserves our natural heritage and protects native species and communities that are threatened with extinction. Around 35 threatened fauna species have been recorded or predicted to occur in the Inner West. The residents and regular visitors include several birds of prey, insect-eating microbats, a nomadic Australian parrot, and a fast-flying swift that migrates from Northern Asia. 

The vision for the Biodiversity Strategy is to protect, repair, and Care for Country to secure a future where people and nature thrive together. Caring for Country is an Indigenous approach to land and water management that is grounded in a mutual relationship with nature. It promotes the idea that human health and wellbeing is intricately linked to the health of our ecosystems: "If you look after the Country, the Country will look after you." The strategy's action plan is divided into three major themes (see below). It has seven goals, 12 priorities, and 49 actions for implementing new or ongoing work to enhance biodiversity in the Inner West.  

Residents and visitors to the Inner West can support the goals of the Biodiversity Strategy at home, in the neighbourhood, and by partnering with Council. Some examples include: 

1. Volunteering - join a Citizen Scientist group to monitor local fauna, grow native plants at the Community Nursery, or create habitat for wildlife in Council's Bushcare program.
2. Responsible pet ownership - roaming cats and dogs will harm native habitat and kill local wildlife. Follow the rules for keeping dogs on-leash in public places. Practice cat containment, especially at night, to protect native animals and prevent illness or injury to your cat.  
3. Create habitat at home - create a native garden in your verge by joining the Living Streets Program, learn about Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design, and follow guidelines for building habitat in your backyard. 

The Biodiversity Strategy contains an action (3.1.1.4) to report annually to Council on the progress of key actions, implementation plans, and targets contained within the strategy. 

The Biodiversity Strategy supports the Inner West Community Strategic Plan (CSP). The CSP includes outcomes for promoting resilient biodiversity and healthy waterways, and sets indicators for measuring progress on tree canopy coverage, the restoration of Natural Areas, and community satisfaction with Council's protection of the natural environment e.g. Bushcare. Council's Delivery Program and Operational Plan contain further performance indicators for the supply of native plants and participation in environmental volunteering. 

Council has also commissioned a range of biodiversity assessments, including field surveys of local flora and fauna, which can be used to monitor long-term progress. Please see here for more information.