Conserve. Restore. Engage. Connect.
Enhancing cultural, conservation and restoration outcomes in Western Sydney.
The Cumberland Plain Research Program delivers critical research to support the conservation and restoration of Western Sydney’s unique ecosystems.
Through science-based strategies, the program informs policy and management actions to protect biodiversity and enhance landscape resilience.
We acknowledge the country of the Darug, Dharawal, and Gundungurra Nations of the Cumberland Plain. We acknowledge their ancestors who have been Traditional Owners of their country for tens of thousands of years. We also wish to acknowledge and pay our respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this country and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Cumberland Plain: a unique and valuable landscape
The Cumberland Plain in Western Sydney is a rare and ecologically significant landscape, home to diverse plant and animal species found nowhere else. However, this unique ecosystem is under increasing threat, making conservation efforts more crucial than ever.
A landscape shaped by history
For thousands of years, the Cumberland Plain has been a vital part of the natural and cultural heritage of Western Sydney. Traditionally cared for by the Darug, Dharawal, and Gundungurra Nations, the land has undergone significant changes since European settlement, with extensive land clearing leading to a dramatic reduction in native vegetation. Today, less than 13% of its original vegetation remains, scattered in thousands of small remnant patches.
A unique and threatened ecosystem
Despite its losses, the Cumberland Plain remains a biodiversity hotspot, supporting many species at risk of extinction. However, a combination of key threats is pushing native flora and fauna to the brink:
Small, isolated populations struggle to survive in fragmented habitats.
Ecosystem degradation reduces the ability of natural systems to function effectively.
Disease, pests, and invasive weeds disrupt native species and their habitats.
Inappropriate fire regimes threaten species dependent on specific fire cycles.
Climate change adds further pressure to an already vulnerable ecosystem.
Why conservation matters
As Western Sydney’s population grows, urban and industrial developments, infrastructure expansion, and the construction of the Western Sydney Airport continue to reshape the region. These changes pose significant challenges for biodiversity, but they also present an opportunity to integrate conservation with development.
The Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan aims to restore landscape connectivity, protect threatened species, and ensure the long-term resilience of this irreplaceable ecosystem. By preserving and restoring what remains, we can safeguard the Cumberland Plain for future generations.
Protecting the Cumberland Plain is not just an environmental responsibility—it is an investment in our shared natural heritage and the health of Western Sydney’s landscapes and communities.
Main image: Caitlin Dagg | Map: Michael Franklin