Preparing for Take-Off: Habitat Positive

Since Sydney Airport became the inaugural partner of Taronga's Habitat Positive program in December 2025, important groundwork is underway at the Sanctuary One site in the North West slopes of NSW.

Spanning an area approximately 3050 hectares, the Taronga-led project aims to establish up to one million native seedlings, restoring habitat for threatened species and creating healthier ecosystems at the Horton River site.

With much of the planning, assessment and approval work now complete, the project is preparing to move into the next phase of on-ground restoration.

Sydney Airport is proud to support Taronga's conservation work with funding as it delivers this ambitious long-term restoration program. The project will also generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) and help the airport achieve Net Zero emissions by 2030 (scope 1&2).

Learn more about the partnership: Taronga & SYD

Progress Taking Shape on the Ground

Over the past year, Taronga's restoration team has completed extensive ecological surveys, wildlife monitoring and restoration planning to ensure the project is guided by sound science and delivers lasting environmental benefits.

Key achievements to date include:

• Ecological baseline surveys across vegetation, bird and mammal communities.
• More than 20 wildlife monitoring cameras deployed across the site.
• Ongoing weed and pest management programs to improve ecosystem health.
• Restoration plans refined through ecological, carbon and cultural heritage assessments.
• Important approvals secured to enable restoration activities to progress while protecting culturally significant areas.

"Projects of this scale require careful planning before the first seedling goes into the ground. Over the past year, we have completed extensive ecological, carbon and cultural heritage assessments and established baseline monitoring to help guide restoration efforts. Thanks to Sydney Airport's long-term support, we are now preparing for large-scale planting activities that will restore habitat for threatened species and contribute to healthier, more resilient landscapes for generations to come."

Camilla Edmunds, Manager Restoration Programs, Taronga Conservation Society Australia

These early stages may not be the most visible part of the project, but they are critical to ensuring restoration activities are carefully planned and deliver meaningful outcomes for both nature and the community.

A Visit to Sanctuary One

Earlier this year, Sydney Airport's General Manager Environment and Sustainability, Jake, joined Taronga's restoration experts on site at Sanctuary One to learn more about the project and see firsthand the progress being made. Jake said,

“Visiting Sanctuary One brings home the scale of the opportunity. We aim to turn ambition into meaningful action on the ground through funding this project, it is a powerful example of what long-term partnership can achieve for nature.”

During the visit, the team explored the restoration area, gained a deeper understanding of the ecological and cultural significance of the landscape, and viewed new project signage recently installed across the site.

The visit highlighted the scale and ambition of the restoration effort across the site hich spans more than 3,000 hectaresand reinforced the importance of partnerships in supporting long-term conservation outcomes. Sydney Airport is proud to be contributing to a project that will create lasting benefits for Australian wildlife and ecosystems.

Caring for Country

A major focus of the project has been ensuring restoration is guided by cultural heritage values from the outset. Working alongside Registered Aboriginal Parties and archaeologists, Taronga has undertaken extensive cultural heritage assessments across the proposed restoration area.

This work has identified and protected significant cultural sites, informed restoration planning and established long-term collaboration with Traditional Custodians to help guide future land management.

Looking Ahead

With much of the planning now complete, the project is preparing for its next major phase. Taronga expects Habitat Positive to establish up to one million native seedlings, subject to final cultural heritage requirements, helping to create habitat for species including koalas, regent honeyeaters, swift parrots, glossy black-cockatoos and greater gliders.

Over the coming months, the focus will shift towards site preparation, seed propagation, and the first large-scale planting activities.

While there is still a long journey ahead, the progress made since the partnership launched demonstrates the momentum building behind this important restoration effort.

It’s a privilege for Sydney Airport to support Taronga's Habitat Positive program with funding, and the work being undertaken to help restore habitats for generations to come.