Hornsby Shire Council has completed an upgrade to a popular North Epping park, Nirimba Avenue Reserve, helping to protect important local environmental features.
Council has improved the creek line running through the park by re-establishing natural features of the watercourse such as plunge pools and has employed sandstone boulders to stabilise the creek's 'riparian' areas (where the creek merges with the land).
"Riparian areas are important for the health of creeks," said Hornsby Shire Mayor, Philip Ruddock, who was on hand today to inspect the completed works.
"The riparian areas support diverse plants and animals such as frogs, small lizards and dragonflies, help keep the creek bank stable, and retain important nutrients and soil.
"Council has also built a new biofiltration basin in the reserve and put in plants to help remove pollutants, assist the natural water cycle, and help mop up damaging nutrient run-off.
"New trees are being planted in informal groves throughout the parkland and all pre-existing trees on the site are being retained.
"A new circular deck beneath a shady tree provides a nice spot to pause and enjoy the view. Nearby, an attractive circular landing with sandstone seating has been built."
A new boundary fence, sandstone bollards and gate have been provided along Nirimba Avenue.
"Altogether, a very nice job complete!" said Mayor Ruddock.
All the water-related work was funded by Council's Catchments Remediation Rate, which is used to fund projects that repair and protect local waterways.
Images: 1. Newly upgraded Nirimba Avenue Reserve.2. Mayor Philip Ruddock was today joined by Councillor Sreeni Pillamarri at Nirimba Avenue Reserve.
