330 bird species, including migratory shorebirds which travel from Alaska to internationally-protected habitat in the Sutherland Shire
Biodiversity is deeply interconnected with the way our community lives.
Our bushland, waterways, coastline, parks, backyards and treelined streets influence how we experience place, connect us with Country, provide cooling and flood protection, filter pollution, support clean air and water, and contribute to our physical and mental wellbeing.
Healthy ecosystems underpin Sutherland Shire’s resilience and liveability.
Our Biodiversity Strategy 2026–2036 provides a framework to protect, connect and celebrate the unique plants, animals and ecological communities found throughout Sutherland Shire’s urban areas.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of all life on Earth – the plants, animals, insects, fungi and microorganisms, the genetic variation within species, and the terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems they form.
Biodiversity exists at many levels, from genetic variation to species, ecosystems and entire regions. It is dynamic and constantly evolving, enriched by natural processes and genetic diversity, yet threatened by habitat loss, species decline and extinction.
Biodiversity is essential for sustaining healthy ecosystems and building resilient communities.
When natural areas are connected and thriving, they are more capable of withstanding shocks, adapting to change and bouncing back after disturbance. They also provide essential benefits, known as ecosystem services, which can support people.
Trees cool our streets and improve air quality, vegetation and soils soak up stormwater and reduce flooding, and plants store carbon and sustain pollinators.
Together, these natural systems help protect our homes and communities from heatwaves, flooding and extreme rainfall.
Biodiversity exists not only in bushland and national parks, but also throughout our everyday urban environments. It can be found in streets, parks, neighbourhoods and backyards, where native trees, gardens, wetlands and connected green spaces all play a role.
These areas provide important habitat, cooling, and movement pathways for wildlife, helping to support biodiversity across Sutherland Shire.
The Biodiversity Strategy sits alongside other Council strategies, including the Climate Strategy, Tree and Bushland Strategy and upcoming draft Resilience Strategy.
Together, these strategies guide how Council protects natural areas, manages trees and bushland, responds to climate and resilience risks, and improves the places people use every day.
The Strategy recognises the Dharawal people as Traditional Custodians and acknowledges the importance of cultural continuity and the sharing of knowledge. It commits to working collaboratively with Aboriginal organisations and knowledge holders to support connection to Country.
The Strategy does not directly change current development approval requirements.
However, it may inform future updates to planning controls, such as the Development Control Plan, to provide clearer and more consistent guidance on how biodiversity is considered early in planning and design to improve environmental outcomes.
Discover more about our natural environment, bushcare, waterways, pollution and our commitment to a clean future by clicking here.
Importance of biodiversity
The figure below highlights the importance of biodiversity for ecosystem functions, environmental health, social and cultural wellbeing, and economic value.
In the Sutherland Shire we have....
Rivers, creeks and bays which are a rich source of biodiversity, including more than 300 hectares of seagrass meadows.
A wide range of trees, shrubs, grasses, groundcovers, vines, ferns and aquatic plants, which underpin ecological communities and ecosystems
