Newington woodland is one of the last examples of an ecosystem once common in the Cumberland basin that now forms metropolitan Sydney and is an area of significant biodiversity in both flora and fauna. The revitalisation and restoration of wetland areas delivered environmental benefits in terms of stormwater management and enhancing and protecting biodiversity.
The water quality ponds also create important wetland habitats for birds and aquatic fauna, including the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog. The need to integrate water conservation with the protection of biodiversity added a further dimension to sustainable water management. Specific areas were landscaped to provide for future growth in the frog population while all areas of the park have substantial plantings of native plants to provide habitat for a diverse array of fauna.
The use of drought tolerant native flora species throughout Sydney Olympic Park has proved to be a very successful Environmental Sustainable Development (ESD) strategy both in terms of water conservation and habitat enhancement. Native plants are already adapted to the rainfall patterns of the area and therefore reduce future demand for irrigation water within the urban area. In terms of biodiversity, native plants are more tolerant of destructive pests and therefore minimise the need for pesticide in landscape maintenance. Native plants are also home to a variety of birds and other fauna.
ESD principles have also been incorporated into water saving landscaping practices. Engineered soils, permeable pavers and porous gravel - especially in pedestrian areas - provide for the best possible tree growth, as well as reducing stormwater run-off and the need for irrigation.
Specially designed roof rainwater collection systems have been installed within Telstra Stadium to provide water for irrigation. At the Sydney Showground and Exhibition Complex roof rainwater systems provide water for irrigation and toilet flushing. Such systems not only conserve water, they also reduce the pressure of stormwater run-off into waterways.