North Sydney Council has unveiled a new seawall which researchers believe will increase Sydney Harbour’s biodiversity.
Working with the Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities Research Centre (EICC) and John Nixon Engineering, the new wall aims to address concerns that the Harbour’s sea life was at risk due to coastal development.
Indenting fills between the sandstone blocks in the wall, and creating other life encouraging structures, provide a niche for sea creatures.
EICC’s Dr Gee Chapman, the research leader for the seawall project, believes that the new seawall construction will be a key factor in the conservation of life in Sydney Harbour.
“The concern has been that because of the high level of development on the coast, seawalls are becoming far more numerous than ever before and replacing natural features such as rock platforms,’ he said.
“With this new method of construction the seawalls will be able to mimic natural habitats for a whole range of plants and invertebrates, many of which are unique to the NSW coast.”
Data from the seawall project has revealed that biodiversity in the area is on the increase but Dr Chapman emphasised that the results have not yet been analysed completely.
North Sydney Mayor, Councillor Genia McCaffery, said she was very happy with the project and that she hopes the strategy will be adopted elsewhere.
“Our hope is that many other Councils and developers will follow our example, given the level of public concern over the effects of development on the coast,” she said.
“We are confident that the results of the research will lead to a lasting improvement in the design and construction of seawalls.”
For further information contact Sally Williams, on (02) 9801 6588
