PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Long Reef Restoration
A Living Example of Environmental Inclusion
The Griffith Park Long Reef Restoration Project stands as a testament to how inclusive employment, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration can bring degraded landscapes back to life. Creating lasting ecological and social value.
Since 2022, Bushlink has proudly led the Griffith Park Long Reef Restoration Project in partnership with Northern Beaches Council. Transforming an initial environmental grant into an ongoing, long-term contract that demonstrates the power of inclusive environmental action.
What began with a Council Environment Grant has grown into a landmark example of community, conservation, and meaningful employment working hand in hand. Bushlink teams, composed of an experienced Bush Regeneration Supervisor and supported employees—Bush Regeneration Assistants—have consistently delivered bush regeneration services, significantly improving the ecological health of this vital wildlife corridor.
Restoring an Urban Edge Ecosystem
Nestled between Long Reef Headland, Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge, and surrounding dune systems, this coastal site has grown from 1 hectare to 1.5 hectares and continues to expand. Previously heavily degraded by urban encroachment and invasive weeds, it is now the focus of Bushlink’s targeted bushland rehabilitation, particularly in areas of high biodiversity value
Key achievements include:
Developing a tailored site management plan with defined zones and monitoring points.
Applying best practice bush regeneration techniques, working from intact vegetation toward more degraded areas, minimising disturbance, and supporting natural regeneration.
Implementing strategic weed control, targeting weeds of national and regional significance, including primary and secondary treatments to prevent re-establishment.
Revegetation efforts, including the planting of over 3,000 tube stock of appropriate coastal species to strengthen habitat connectivity.
Protecting remnant canopy trees and introducing new canopy species to enhance vertical habitat layers and corridor continuity.
Community Connection and Recognition
As part of the popular Long Reef coastal walk, the site receives high pedestrian foot traffic. Passersby regularly stop to thank the Bushlink team, ask questions, and learn how they can be part of the project. This growing community interest reflects not only the environmental impact but also the visibility and value of inclusive work practices.
Bushlink is now working with Council to re-establish the adjacent volunteer Bushcare group, expanding the project’s reach and ensuring that the progress made is sustained into the future.
Griffith Park , Long Reef: before and after
