Where impacts cannot be avoided or mitigated, we look to offset these impacts using the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme administered by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

As part of the Rankin Park to Jesmond project’s clearing mitigations, vegetation within the project footprint including an additional 10 metre buffer will be offset, despite clearing limits for the project being much smaller.

In accordance with the project's Conditions of Approval, more than 15,000 ecosystem and species credits will be offset for the direct and indirect impacts assessed for the project.

In addition to biodiversity offsetting, we will be carrying out a number of initiatives to further mitigate impacts to the environment. 

We are working with Landcare to allow the salvage of Black-Eyed Susan (Tetratheca juncea) from the project alignment to be replanted elsewhere. 

We are identifying trees suitable for reuse, including as bridge timber on heritage bridge projects in regional NSW, for reuse onsite for fauna habitat and landscape rehabilitation, plus for reuse in conservation projects delivered by Local Land Services. 

We have installed additional habitat in the form of carved hollows, nest boxes and reuse of salvaged hollows. The carved hollows have been installed using a ‘Hollowhog’ which allows new tree hollows to be carved while having minimal impact on the health and integrity of the tree. 

As the project progresses, various fauna connectivity structures will be installed to ensure connectivity between the adjacent fauna habitat, including fauna underpasses, fauna culverts, rope bridges and fauna fencing.  

While working in the area, we will also be removing priority weeds and remediating the area along the project alignment. 

A dedicated ecologist will oversee clearing activities and the relevant mitigation measures. 

We acknowledge the Awabakal people as the traditional custodians of the land this project is located on. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.  

The Rankin Park to Jesmond project is being constructed on land belonging to the Awabakal people. This area has significant cultural value and is known to have been used extensively historically. As such, the project aims to minimise impacts to Aboriginal heritage through archaeological salvage and embrace the cultural history of the area. We aim to integrate Aboriginal culture and interpretation into the project in the urban design and landscaping. See more information on the urban design and landscaping plan by reading more about the project.