Location: Wollongong
The Bellambi Landcare site is home to two threatened vegetation communities, Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest and Bangalay Sand Forest, both classified as Endangered Ecological Communities (EEC) under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
Location
Bellambi Gully north of Bellambi SLSC clubhouse, west of bikepath and across from dunes, Wollongong.
History
Bellambi Blue Lagoon Landcare is dedicated to protecting and revitalising the outflows of Bellambi Gully, one of the region’s last remaining waterways connecting the escarpment to the ocean. Established in 2018 by local resident Robert Gorkin as Bellambi Beach Bushcare, the group became affiliated with Landcare a few years later. This vital riparian area lies within the coastal zone and contains a remnant pocket of threatened wetland ecosystems. Bellambi Gully, classified as an Intermittently Closed and Open Lakes and Lagoons (ICOLL) system, is linked to the freshwater Bellambi Gully Wetlands. The group’s primary efforts focus on restoring neglected sections of the gully through collaboration with various stakeholders. Regular working bees and community plantings bring together individuals, local groups, council greenkeepers, and contractors to rejuvenate the area and ensure ongoing conservation.
Management plan
The Bellambi Landcare site is home to two threatened vegetation communities, Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest and Bangalay Sand Forest, both classified as Endangered Ecological Communities (EEC) under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Despite the pressures of urban encroachment, Bellambi Gully remains a biodiversity haven, providing critical habitat for reptiles, birds, micro-bats, flying foxes, and amphibians. It is recognized as a potential habitat for several threatened species, including the Green and Golden Bell Frog, Australasian Bittern, and Black Bittern. Key management concerns include addressing legacy weeds and revitalising the area with appropriate riparian plant species to ensure ecological health and sustainability.
Worst weed!
Turkey rhubarb.
Favourite plant and why
Native (endemic) – Crinum pedunculatum – Swamp Lily. I came across some bulbs on the site one day, initially mistaking them for mushrooms or bits of plastic. When I realized what they were, it felt like finding treasure, and we spread them along the bank. Now we are always on the hunt for them.
Where to find the group
The group meets at ad hoc times of the month.
Location: Bellambi lagoon
Email: robertgorkiniii@gmail.com
Phone: 0401 071 021
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