• New project to improve dune health at Congwong Beach • Project will engage up to 120 community members and deliver more than 900 volunteer hours to rehabilitate beach • Sydney Airport committed to supporting local environmental initiatives

Sydney Airport, in partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia, today launched an exciting project to carry out critical hands-on conservation work at Congwong Beach, in Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

The project will rehabilitate the sand dunes of Congwong Beach, a site of historical and ecological importance, by removing invasive species including Lantana, Turkey Rhubarb and Bitou bush.

Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said Sydney Airport was proud to be part of this important community project.

“Conservation Volunteers Australia plays a crucial role in rehabilitating bushland and coastal areas across the country and in our surrounding local community and we are pleased to launch this initiative as part of our ongoing partnership,” said Ms Mather.

“This project will engage up to 120 community members and deliver more than 900 volunteer hours to remove invasive weeds and restore the native vegetation to the Congwong Beach sand dunes.

“This builds on our existing partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia as part of our commitment to working together with our communities to build a sustainable future.”

Conservation Volunteers Australia CEO Colin Jackson said the organisation welcomed the latest collaboration with Sydney Airport aimed at improving the health of local ecosystems.

“Sydney Airport has been an ongoing supporter of our conservation works, and this latest contribution will make an important difference to the dune health of Congwong Beach,” Mr Jackson said.

“Sand dunes are vital to protecting our coastline, acting as a buffer against significant weather events. This project will ensure the natural seedbank of the area will be activated, promoting growth of the native species needed for dune health.

“We encourage the entire community to get involved with programs like this, helping to restore and protect their local beach and ensure a healthier environment for years to come.”

Sydney Airport has partnered with Conservation Volunteers Australia since 2014, supporting conservation projects throughout Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

In 2016, Sydney Airport staff took part in a volunteering program to help restore the native habitat at Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

The Congwong Beach project builds on our existing partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia, with an additional $50,000 over two years to support the project.

Volunteers can register to participate in the Congwong Beach project by visiting www.conservationvolunteers.com.au.

ABOUT SYDNEY AIRPORT

Sydney Airport is Australia’s gateway airport, serving 42 million passengers a year and connecting Sydney to a network of close to 100 international, domestic and regional destinations.

Located just eight kilometres from the city centre, Sydney Airport contributes $30.8 billion in economic activity a year, equivalent to 6.4 per cent of the NSW economy. Sydney Airport is a major employer in NSW, generating more than 306,700 direct and indirect jobs, equivalent to 8.9 per cent of NSW employment. Some 29,000 of these jobs are at the airport itself.