Cattai Hills Environment Network
Cattai Hills Environment Network
Born with the support of a Local Landcare Coordinator, Cattai Hills Environment Network Inc (CHEN) is now a fully functioning environmental network based in the Hills area of Sydney's North West
Taking Action -
LLCI035-008
The issue
With little or no coordinated dialogue about environmental issues across the Cattai and Little Cattai catchments, the Cattai Hills Environment Network was built by request from two key community members with a long history of conservation across the Hills. With the support of a Local Landcare Coordinator, and after an Inaugural meeting in October 2016, CHEN is now a recognised conservation group in the region. Now matters are spoken about and actioned monthly at CHEN meetings, and new projects are developed and implemented that focus on the priorities in CHENs Strategic Plan.
The solution
A core group of people, local to the catchments of Cattai and Little Cattai creeks, meet regularly and work as a team to get things achieved that benefit the local environment. In just over two years this has included a handful of research projects, with partners at Macquarie and Western Sydney University. Focus areas include the Platypus, which is known to still inhabit the creeks and sub catchments of concern. Community information days have also been held by CHEN to raise awareness about the Koalas in the Maroota area. CHEN logo, letterhead, banner, poster and 'New Residents' Handbook have also been developed to help CHEN motivate environmental stewardship.
The impact
CHEN's Chair, Sue Martin, is often invited to the Hills Shire to meet with the Mayor and talk about relevant issues. CHEN have begun two separate Landcare Groups. These are incredibly important as there is no other private land conservation in the Hills area (supported by the local Council). The Landcare groups concentrate on Blue Gum Creek, habitat for the Platypus - and, The Broadwater Wetland, which is the biggest Freshwater Wetland in the Sydney Basin. The latter is still held under private ownership, and much concern in the community is present, due to housing developments creeping up to the sides of the Wetland. Restoration and future protection of these environmental values is therefore foremost on CHENs priority list.
Learnings
When people come together and utilise each others strengths, a fully functioning community can form, which generates actions that benefit the environment. The community can take charge, even without direct support from the Local Council for conservation on private land.
Key facts
- Areas of the Hills local government area are more biodiverse than the whole of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.