George Riverkeeper and Georges River Council are proud to announce the installation of a custom-built Osprey Nesting Platform for a pair of vulnerable Eastern Ospreys (Pandion cristatus) at the entrance to Lime Kiln Bay. This innovative project aims to provide a safe and permanent nesting site for the birds, which have become a much-loved presence in the area.
The Ospreys, which are listed as Vulnerable in New South Wales, spend much of their time feeding on fish in the Georges River. During previous breeding seasons, the pair has nested precariously on a nearby construction crane. While the crane provided a high vantage point desirable to the birds, it also posed numerous challenges — including its eventual removal, ongoing construction activity, and concerns from neighbouring residents due to falling debris such as fish remains and sticks.
In response, George Riverkeeper, in partnership with Georges River Council, has installed an Osprey nesting pole and platform in the water near to where the Ospreys' have been observed hunting and feeding. The goal is to provide a safe, undisturbed environment that supports successful breeding.
"This project has been in development for some time, involving careful planning and collaboration with wildlife experts," said Georges Riverkeeper Program Manager, Nell Graham. "We're thrilled to see the nesting platform installed just in time for the breeding season."
Georges River Council Mayor, Elise Borg said, "This project represents our commitment to improving habitat for local wildlife. We're hopeful the Ospreys will take to the new nesting platform and we're keeping our fingers crossed for chicks this season."
The platform design and location were developed in consultation with threatened species specialists from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, as well as local ornithologists and councils with experience in similar projects.
Nesting material from a previous failed nesting attempt was included on the platform to provide a familiar scent and help attract the Ospreys to the new site.
Previous nesting efforts in the area have faced setbacks due to disturbances and predation by crows. The hope is that the new site — with its peaceful location, good visibility, and reduced risk of disturbance — will support a more successful breeding season this year.
For bird enthusiast that wish to see the new structure, the nesting platform in the Georges River waterway can be observed from a distance along the Headland Walking Track at Oatley Park.
Boaters and fishers are kindly asked to navigate around the nesting platform and avoid approaching or touching it, to ensure the Ospreys remain undisturbed during the sensitive breeding season.
