Greater Sydney Landcare

Cumberland Plain Restoration

Cumberland Plain Restoration Program - Presentation Day

Efficiency - LEP23_015_RLC_1

The issue

After seven years of restoration work across the Cumberland Plain, the Cumberland Plain Restoration Program had generated significant ecological outcomes — but these achievements were dispersed across agencies, sites, and teams. There was no single platform for partners, funders, and land managers to understand the full impact of the program, share learnings, or plan its future. With the program nearing completion, the risk was that momentum, partnerships, and support would dissipate. A dedicated Presentation Day was needed to bring stakeholders together, showcase results, and build a shared commitment to continuing the work.

The solution

Greater Sydney Landcare and NPWS hosted a comprehensive Presentation Day, bringing together project partners, ecologists, volunteers, councils, Environmental Trust officers, and First Nations representatives. The event showcased seven years of CPRP outcomes, including flora and fauna gains, cultural burning achievements, structural habitat restoration, and cross‑tenure collaboration. Presentations from experts such as Chad Beranek and Kate Hammill provided scientific insights, while community and cultural partners shared on‑ground experiences. The day created a shared space for reflection, celebration, and discussion about the program’s future direction and funding pathways.

The impact

The Presentation Day successfully unified stakeholders around the program’s achievements and future potential. Attendees gained a clear understanding of ecological improvements, including increased flora diversity at Sitella (one of the programs 'showcase' sites), successful fauna habitat interventions, and strengthened cultural burning partnerships. The event generated strong enthusiasm for continuing the Cumberland Plain Restoration Program and it also strengthened relationships between National Parks and Wildlife Service, councils, Greater Sydney Local Land Services, and community groups. By celebrating results and demonstrating impact, the event helped secure ongoing support for long‑term recovery of Cumberland Plain threatened ecological entities.

Learnings

Bringing all partners together proved invaluable — shared learning, transparency, and celebration strengthened trust and renewed commitment. Scientific presentations helped translate complex ecological outcomes into compelling evidence for continued investment. The presence of First Nations partners reinforced the cultural significance of the work. However, the event highlighted the need for more consistent communication across the seven‑year program, as some partners were unaware of achievements outside their site. Future programs would benefit from regular cross‑site knowledge‑sharing, not just end‑of‑project reporting.

Author: Angela Bibby

Key facts

  • Presentation Day united NPWS, councils, volunteers, ecologists, and funders.
  • Event showcased seven years of CPRP ecological and cultural outcomes.
  • Environmental Trust encouraged a new CPRP funding application for 2026.
  • Stakeholders expressed strong support for continuing the program.

Project Partners