The landscapes of Sydney Olympic Park comprise a mix of recovering 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.
Four communities of remnant vegetation are identified as 'priority species' for conservation at Sydney Olympic Park, and are the focus of targeted management and monitoring programs. These are:
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.
The design process involved simulation of an existent plant and natural conditions comprising of a reasonable distribution of plant species conforming to a patter of planting design categories. This simulation provided the background matrix from which elements such as roads, paths and open space were extracted.
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, considering the constraints associated with constructed soils. 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 matures, it is envisaged that relatively self-sustaining plant communities with high visual amenity and habitat value will evolve.
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