Vegetation
The landscapes of Sydney Olympic Park comprise a mix of remnant vegetation and extensive areas of new plantings on reconstructed landscapes formed after land remediation. These reconstructed landscapes have artificial landforms and soil structures and new patterns of surface and subsurface drainage, which present challenges to plant selection, design and management.
Remnant vegetation
Four communities of remnant vegetation are identified as 'priorities' for conservation at Sydney Olympic Park, and are the focus of targeted management and monitoring programs. These are:
Planted vegetation
Plants chosen for reconstructed landscapes were inspired by the remnant and past vegetation of the region. They were repeated across the Park to maintain the essence of an indigenous Australian landscape. Design was based around the categories of Forest, Woodland, Casuarina, Mangrove, Saltmarsh and Wetland.
Over 9 million native trees, shrubs, grasses, wetland and saltmarsh plants have been progressively planted over the past 10 years.
A consequence of this unique planting strategy has been the creation of habitat for many locally, nationally and internationally significant birds, frogs and other wildlife.
New plantings around the Park have established well. The hardy nature of many native species has meant that they have been able to adapt and persist in the artificial soil structure. As the landscape continues to mature, it is envisaged that relatively self-sustaining plant communities will develop, with high habitat value as well as high visual amenity.