Wild neighbours: Celebrating and protecting Lake Illawarra's Biodiversity

Recently, we marked International Day for Biological Diversity, a day that highlights the vital role nature plays in our lives and our responsibility to protect it. Wollongong City Council is proud to reaffirm its commitment to protecting and enhancing our region’s unique natural environment, especially the rich ecosystems that surround Lake Illawarra.

Biodiversity is vital for a healthy, resilient planet, and Wollongong is fortunate to be home to a wide range of native flora and fauna. Around Lake Illawarra, a wide variety of birdlife can be spotted including Pied Oyster-Catchers, Royal Spoonbills and Bar-Tailed Godwits. These and other incredible birds rely on our saltmarshes, grassy banks, mudflats and surrounding bushland for nesting, feeding, and shelter.

Royal Spoonbill	Noisy Friarbird	Pied Oystercatcher	Sacred Kingfisher

Images supplied by Illawarra Birders

This year, the theme is ‘Harmony with nature and sustainable development’. We take this message to heart, especially in our ongoing work to protect and enhance the natural environment around Lake Illawarra.

To help preserve the delicate ecosystem, the Council partners with the community on a wide range of environmental programs and projects:

• Clean Up Campaigns: Our regular Rise & Shine Clean Up events reduce pollution and improve the health of local habitats – join us every first Friday of the month.
• Citizen Science Projects: Community members turn into scientists for one day and help monitor bird populations, water quality, and vegetation changes, contributing valuable data that guides our conservation work.
• Habitat Restoration: We work with local groups to plant native vegetation, remove invasive weeds, and rehabilitate critical areas to support biodiversity Volunteer Programs | City of Wollongong.
• Education & Outreach: Through workshops, signage, school programs and media we raise awareness about the importance of local ecosystems and how residents can play a role in their protection.

These efforts not only benefit wildlife but also enhance the quality of life for everyone who enjoys the natural beauty of Lake Illawarra.

Community participation is an important part of the conservation of biodiversity and is embedded in several of our guiding plans and policies including the Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Program, the Lake Illawarra Community Engagement and Participation Strategy, the Illawarra Biodiversity Strategy Volume 1 and Volume 2, and the Urban Greening Strategy 2017-2037. We encourage all residents to take a moment to appreciate the rich life that thrives right here at our doorstep, and to get involved in keeping it safe for future generations.

For more information on how you can participate in local biodiversity initiatives around Lake Illawarra, visit the Lake Illawarra website and follow us on social media. In case the lake is too far away from you, visit the Natural Area Volunteer Programs page to find a volunteering opportunity near you.