Sullivans Creek re-naturalisation plan
Summary
The ACT Government has developed a long-term vision and landscape plan for Sullivans Creek and its surrounding waterways, wetlands, and reserves.
The Sullivans Creek Re-naturalisation Opportunities Report , released on 15 August 2024, outlines potential ways to implement re-naturalisation efforts for Sullivans Creek. The report highlights opportunities to transform the creek into a space where people can gather, relax, play, and learn in a natural environment.
Background
As Canberra experiences continued growth and expansion, it becomes increasingly important to confront several pressing challenges, including habitat loss, the impacts of urbanisation, and the effects of climate change. These issues pose significant risks not only to the native wildlife and biodiversity that call this region home, but also to the preservation of cultural heritage and the overall well-being of the community.
In light of these challenges, there exists a valuable opportunity to revitalise the creek, transforming it into a vibrant and welcoming space where residents and visitors can come together. This transformation could provide a serene environment for people to gather, relax, engage in recreational activities, and participate in educational programs, all while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural surroundings. By creating a natural oasis within the urban landscape, we can enhance community cohesion, promote environmental stewardship, and ensure that the ecological integrity of the area is preserved for future generations.
Project goals
The project has a long-term vision of a nature corridor through the city that also:
- celebrates Ngunnawal culture
- provides climate resilience for our community.
Project details
In late 2023 the ACT community was invited to share what Sullivans Creek and its surrounds meant to them through the YourSay platform. The project team used this information to develop a draft re‑naturalisation plan.
The Sullivans Creek Re-naturalisation Opportunities Report [PDF 29.5 MB], released on 15 August 2024, identifies how re-naturalisation opportunities could be applied to Sullivans Creek. It identifies opportunities to transform the creek into a place where people can come to sit, relax, play and learn in their natural environment.
Next steps
The ACT Government’s Sullivans Creek Re-naturalisation Opportunities Report provides advice for many projects that enhance habitat, connectivity, and cultural values. The Report acts as a signpost to influence further efforts along the catchment by government and community and is already being used in existing projects:
- The Upper Sullivans Creek Connectivity project was completed last financial year and involved butterfly connectivity and riparian improvements in the upper reaches of the catchment.
- Work is continuing with the Ngunnawal Community to strengthen cultural connections along Sullivans Creek. One element of this project brought a Ngunnawal water story to life through artworks spanning adjacent bridges and intersections, complemented by artwork along bike paths, signage, and QR tiles. The project also included cultural wooden sculptures, Ngunnawal language watermarks, and a yarning circle, helping to embed Ngunnawal stories and heritage throughout the landscape.
Due to the estimated cost and other pressing environmental and infrastructure priorities, there are no planned large scale re-naturalisation opportunities being pursued.