Botany Bay and its catchment (including Towra Point Nature Reserve Ramsar wetland)
The catchment of Botany Bay is approx 1165 km2 in area, bounded by the Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour catchments in the north, the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment in the west and the Hacking River catchment in the south.
The catchment extends from Prospect Reservoir in the north-west, and intersects with approx 25 local government areas including Fairfield, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Bankstown, Canterbury, Marrickville and Sutherland.
The low ridge between Port Hacking and Botany Bay forms the south-eastern boundary of the catchment.
The two main sub-catchments within Botany Bay catchment are the Georges River and the Cooks River.
Values to be protected
Botany Bay and its catchment are significant, being home to many endangered species and communities, Ramsar wetlands including Towra Point Nature Reserve, migratory species, recreational, water based activities and cultural heritage.
Ramsar site
- Towra Point nature Reserve Ramsar site information
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service - Towra Point Nature Reserve
Water quality issues
Botany Bay and its catchment waterways are subject to ongoing threats due to nutrient and sediment-laden run-off from various non-agricultural land uses. A substantial part of the catchment is highly developed with almost 40% of its area being used for urban, industrial or commercial purposes.
Pollutants of concern are nitrogen, phosphorus and total suspended solids.
Development pressure is contributing to degradation of bushland and recreational areas which is increasing sediment loads within the catchment.
Key water quality improvement projects
- Water Sensitive Urban Design Adoption Strategy for the Botany Bay Catchment
- Opportunities and barriers to WSUD adoption in the Botany Bay Catchment
- Ecological Response Model
- Modelling pollutants>
- Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives
Key stakeholders / agencies
- Sydney Metropolitan CMA
- Department Environment and Climate Change
See also
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