ASSESSMENT 4: Homebush Bay Report

LAND 2151 LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS S1 2019

Aerial Shot of Homebush bay (SOPA, 2015)

Alan He (z5259325)

10/5/2019

Bec Surian
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2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.Cover Page………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………1
2.Table of contents & table of figures……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….……………………………………………2-3
3.Introduction & Aims……….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………….…………..3-4
3.1 Objectives……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...4
3.2 Structure of report……...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..4
3.3 Methology………..…………………………………………..……………………………………………………………………..……………………..…………….……………4
3.4 The Cumberland Plain……..……………………………………..….………………………………………………………..…..………………………………………..……………….5
3.5 History of Homebush Bay………………..…..………………………………………………..…..………………………………………………..…..……………………………………………6
3.6 Time of Homebush Bay…………………………..……………………..…..…………………………..…..………………………………………………..…..…………………………..……..7
4. Abiotic Factors……………………………………….……………..………………………………………………………………………….……………..……………………………………………8
4.1 Mezzo Climate.…………………………………………….…….……………..………………………………………………….…………………………………………..…………………….8
4.1.1 Geology……………………….…….……………..………………….………………………………………….…….……………..………………………………………………….9
4.1.2 Geology Map…….…….……………….………………………………….…….…………….…….……………..………………….…………………………………………10
4.1.3 History of Geology…….…….……………..…………………….…………………………….…….…………….…….……………..………………….……………………11
4.2 Soil Landscape …….…….……………..…………………….…….……………..………………….…………………………….…….……………..………………….…………………12
4.2.1 Soil Landscape Map…….…….……………..………………….…………………………….…….……………..………………….………………………13
4.2.2 Comparison of Maps (Chapman & Murphy v Current Landscape) …….…….……………..………………….………………………14
4.3 Landform (Physiography) …….…….……………..………………….……………………………………….……………………………………….………………………15
4.3.1 Landform Map…….…….……………..………………….……………………………………….……………………………………….………………………16
4.4 Hydrology …….…….……………..………………….……………………………………….……………………………………….……………………………………….…………………17
4.4.1 Hydrology Map …….…….……………..………………….……………………………………….……………………………………….………………………18
5. Biotic Factors…….…….……………..………………….………………….…….……………..………………….…………………………….…….……………..………………….……………………19
5.1 Vegetation…….…….……………..………………….………………………………….…….……………..………………….……………………….…….……………..………………….19
5.1.1 Vegetation Map …….…….……………..………….……………..………………….…………………………….…….……………..………………….……………………20
5.2 Four Main Ecological Communities………….…………………………….…….……………..…………………………….…….……………..………………….…………………21
5.2.1 Swamp-Oak Floodplain Forest…….…….……………..…………….…….……………..………………….………………………………….………………………21
5.2.2 Coastal Saltmarshes…….…….……………..………………….…………………………….…………………………….……………..………………………………………22
5.2.3 Sydney-Turpentine Ironbark Forest…….…….……………..………………….…………….…….……………..………………….………………………23
5.2.4 Mangrove Forests…….…….……………..………………….…………………………….…….……………..………………..………………….………………………24
5.3 Homebush Bay Estuarine Zone Transect AA…….…….……………..………………….…………………………….…….……………………………….………………………25
6. Human Factors…….…….……………..………………….…………………………….…….……………..…………….…….……………..………………….………………………26
6.1 Comparisons of Maps of Homebush Bay …….…….……………..…………………..…………………………….…….……………..………………….……………………27
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7. Summary & Conclusion …….…….……………..………………….…………………………….…………………………….…….……………..………………….………………………28

2. LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Cumberland Plain Map ……………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………4
Figure 2: Mud Map Homebush Bay (Parramatta Council 2019) .…………………………………………………………………………………… .…………………………………………4
Figure 3: Newington House at Homebush Bay (Canada Bay Heritage Society, 1894)
Figure 4 & 5 Minimum and Maximum Mean Temperatures Graphs of Homebush Bay………….…………………………………………………….………………………….….8
Figure 6 Mean Rainfall Levels of Homebush Bay………….…………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………..…..8
Figure 7: Geology 1:30000 Map of Origin and Current Landscape (Source: Author) ………….……………………………………………………………………..………………10
Figure 8: Brickpit Ring Walk (Jim Bar 2007) ….…………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………….………………………………11
Figure 9: Newington Armory Shoreline (Destination NSW 2019) ……………………………………….………………………………………………………………...……………….…11
Figure 10: Soil Landscape 1:30000 Map of Origin and Current Landscape (Source: Author) …………………………………………………………………..…………………13
Figure 11: Woo-La-Ra Cross section (2000 Olympic Co-ordination Authority Ecology Program 2000) ………………………………………………………………………14
Figure 12: Remains of the Natural Soil of the Ironbark Forest (Hubert Zhang 2019) …………………………………………………………………………………………………14
Figure 13: Kronos Hill, Homebush Bay (Adam J.W.C 2015) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………15
Figure 14: Panorama shot of Homebush Bay (Adam J.W.C 2015) …………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………15
Figure 15: Landform 1:30000 Map of Origin and Current Landscape (Source: Author) …………………………………………………………..……..…………………………16
Figure 16: Illustrations of the impact of the sea wall (Doody 2004) …………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…17
Figure 17: Hydrology 1:30000 Map of Origin and Current Landscape (Source: Author) …………………………………………………………..……………………..……..…18
Figure 18: Corridor Planting (HASSELL, 2008) …………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………….…..…19
Figure 19: Vegetation 1:30000 Map of Origin and Current Landscape (Source: Author) …………………………………………………………..………………….………..…20
Figure 20: Swamp-Oak Forest in the background of the photograph (Jason He 2019) …………………………………………………………..……………………….……..…21
Figure 21: Saltmarsh located below the Woo La Ra Hill (Hubert Zhang 2019) …………………………………………………………..…………………………………………..…22
Figure 22: Common aquatic habitat zones in an estuary (Adapted from Kailola et al. 1993) (*HAT = Highest Astronomical Tide) ……….………………..…22
Figure 23: Sydney-Turpentine Ironbark Trees (Author 2019) …………………………………………………………..…………..………………………………………………..……..…23
Figure 24: Pneumatophore roots sticking out from ground (Author 2019) …………………………………………………………..………………………………………..……..…24
Figure 25: Location of Badu Mangroves (SOPA,2014) ………………………………………………………..………………………..………………………………………………..……..…24
Figure 26: Homebush Bay Estuarine Zone Transect AA (Source: Author) …………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………..…25
Figure 27: Woo La Ra Transect (Source: Author) …………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………..…………..…26
Figure 28: Comparison of Homebush Bay (Source: Author) …………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………….………..…27

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3. INTRODUCTION & AIMS
The purpose of this report as part of the core requirement of Landscape Architecture curriculum of Landscape Analysis, is to expose the students
into different environmental locations that has been affected by physical circumstances. The focus and aim of the report are to have an
overarching view of the historical timeline of the use of land located of Homebush Bay throughout generations of land use. This will exemplify the
extent of history of the misuse of the highly disturbed landscape and the healing process applied to its restoration. This is through the in-depth
study of the Ecological Layer Cake to analyse the extent of transformation. Furthermore, this can be done by analysing, identifying and inspecting
different types of abiotic and biotic factors such as: geology, climate, soil, landform, hydrology and human use. The report will include graphical
material: sketches and photographs, texts and tables.

3.1 OBJECTIVES
1. Collating information and communication information in the profession and practice of Landscape Architecture
2. Record, organise and communicate field observations combined with creating a report with secondary and primary information
3. Discuss the landscapes and ecology of Cumberland Plain in terms of: geology, soils, landform, vegetation and climatic influences
4. Analyses in relation to range of factors including topographical, biophysical, climatic, biodiversity, resilience, and cultural value

3.2 STRUCTURE OF REPORT

The report starts off with an introduction of the general context of the report, stating the aims, objectives and goals of the report. A brief
description of Cumberland Plain is also given, supported by a map, highlighting where the context of Homebush Bay and Sydney CBD is in and
boundaries of the plain is bounded by. The report is then followed by a brief history of Homebush Bay and is accompanied by a historical timeline
of the history of the Aboriginal and the European Settlement. Then, this is followed by different types of graphs and maps showing the comparison
of the physical changes of the original conditions compared to the current conditions of today. This is seen through abiotic and biotic factors
influencing the transformation of the landscape. Lastly, after a desktop analysis and ground truthing of site, the data can be collated to a final
summary and conclusion of the report, informing about the success of regeneration and redevelopment of Homebush Bay.

3.3 METHODOLOGY
Before attending the field trip to Homebush Bay, students gathered information about the context of the site such as the climatic conditions,
geology, vegetation, landform and human use. Students were advised on the climatic conditions on the day and what cautions were ahead.
Students were also given a brief history of the site as what it was before and now as it was used as an industrial site. The site was conducted on the
26th of April 2019, and the information was recorded through sketches, photographs, note taking, diagrams, and physical observation of the area to
be equipped of primary information. The maps were ground truth to pinpoint accuracy and reliably of the maps, checking the location of different
landmarks and changes since publications by physically visiting the area, to determine any discrepancies.
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3.4 THE CUMBERLAND PLAIN
Cumberland Plain size is approximately 2750 square kilometres large in size and is lies between the boundaries of Sydney and Blue Mountains. It
shapes the geography of Sydney as it extends to the north of Windsor, Picton to the south, and from the Nepean-Hawkesbury River in the west,
extending to the Sydney’s inner west suburbs from the east. The Cumberland plain is also renowned for its quite low-lying surface area in
comparison to its surrounding regions (Office of Environment and Heritage, 2015).
In Figure 1, the red border highlights the local government suburbs in the Sydney Region and the blue area outlines the Cumberland Plain. The
areas of Homebush Bay relative to the Sydney CBD is also outlined within the map.

Homebush Bay
CBD

Figure 1: Map of Cumberland Plain (Office of Environment and Figure 2: Mud Map Homebush Bay (Parramatta Council 2019)
Heritage 2013)

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3.5 HISTORY OF HOMEBUSH BAY
Homebush Bay originates on the traditional lands of the Wann clan, also recognised as the Wann-gal. Their land is formed a crossed along the
southern shore of the Parramatta River between Cockle Bay (Cadi-gal land) and Rose Hill (Burramatta-gal land). The Aboriginal people had been
inhabitants of land for thousands of years of Homebush Bay. The Aboriginal presence of the land is physically evident through the stone artefacts,
numerous scarred trees discovered in the remnant trees, seafood remaining found alongside the Parramatta River and Homebush Bay’s shoreline.
The estuarine ecosystems accommodated the Aboriginals with food resources, building resources and clothing which was a necessity in their daily
life. The shore also provided way for transportation the Aboriginal to travel along the waters.
When the European settlers arrived, the conflict towards Aboriginal people became a negative impact for people during the 1970s. The area they
arrived at Homebush Bay was first known as ‘The Flats’, originated from Captain John Hunter after couple days of the first fleet settlement. By -
1811, the land around Homebush Bay was used by two large estates: Newington Estate and Home Bush Estate for the new comers. Later in 1960s
and 70s, the land was used as an industrial waste and a dumping site for Sydney’s household (Sydney Olympic Park Authority [SOPA] 2015). The
beginning of the 2000s, was considered as a new beginning of Homebush Bay and Sydney. The Sydney Olympic Games allowed the land of
Homebush Bay to be redeveloped into a modernised landscape.

Figure 3: Newington House at Homebush Bay (Canada Bay Heritage Society, 1894)

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3.6 TIMELINE OF HOMEBUSH BAY
1700 – Aboriginal people inhabited Homebush Bay, using the resources found on land and water for survival.
1788 – Arrival First Fleet from Britain. The land was named ‘The Flats’, due to the flat land and mangroves. European and Aboriginal conflict
occurred along the Parramatta River.
1789 – Smallpox impacted the Aboriginal people in Sydney area.
1790 – Small grants were given in the area, but it remained uncleared and was continuously used by Aboriginal people.
1800s – Aboriginal people were working for the Blaxland family with the fishing industry.
1813 – Bennelong, an Aboriginal Wangal man passed away.
1830s – Aboriginal people along the Parramatta River lived in small groups at different locations.
1900-1950s – Aboriginal people from La Perouse came to Homebush Bay to axe mangrove wood for construction of boomerangs.
1986 – Aboriginal stone artefacts were found at Homebush Bay near the Newington village site. This was a time were the healing of Homebush Bay
commenced.
1990s – Prior to the 2000 Olympic games, various councils, Traditional Owner and Descendant groups researched the land of Aboriginal customs
2000- Olympic Games were held at Sydney Olympic Park. Iconic for the Indigenous culture to be portrayed. Australia indigenous athlete, Cathy
Freeman won Gold Medal in the 400m.
2003 – 2004 – Aboriginal arts and cultural festival held, called the Sydney Dreaming
2005 – Brickpit ring was constructed
2012 – Created an education community project to enhance school’s excursions to be based on Aboriginal history and culture.
2016 - New indigenous place-based environmental excursion programs ‘Let’s go Walkabout ‘, ‘Wangal Walkabout’ and ‘Bennelong and the Wangal’
were developed and successfully delivered to primary school students.
2017 – Programs to connect the Indigenous youth to the locals of Sydney Olympic Park

2018 – Resides for daily use for locals such as the Aquatic Swimming Pool, Athletics Stadium, ANZ Stadium. It also locates the Newington Armory
and Blaxland Riverside Park designed by JMD Design. Homebush Bay is now a multifunctional destination for visitors and locals.
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4. ABIOTIC FACTORS
4.1. MEZZO CLIMATE
The climatic conditions found at Homebush Bay has a humid subtropical climate. This is classified by slightly warmer summers than in coastal
Sydney and with extreme winters. This generally means during summer, temperatures are extremely high, reaching approximately a mean
maximum of thirty-nine degrees, and as low as twenty-five Celsius between the peak of these months from December to February, represented in
Figures 4,5 & 6. This is due to the proximity of the inland, where it diverges away from the distance of the coastal region, hence high heat and
humidity during these months. However, the temperature is moderate compared to the Greater Western Sydney regions, such as Penrith and
Richmond. During the winter conditions, the coldest of months is during June, July and August, where temperatures reaches the minimum of eight
degrees Celsius. In Homebush Bay, the wettest month (February) receives two times the rainfall of the driest month (September), as seen in Figure
4. (BoM 2019)

Figure 4&5: Minimum and Maximum Mean Temperature Graphs of Homebush Bay (Bureau of Figure 6: Mean Rainfall Levels of Homebush Bay
Meteorology [BOM] 2019) (BOM 2019)

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4.1.1 GEOLOGY

Wianamatta Shale: Ashfield Series

(Rwa)
The Wianamatta Shale is located in the northern and southern direction of Homebush Bay and higher areas as seen in Figure 6. The Wianamatta
shale contains high percentage of heavy clay contents and red/ brown Podzolic soils which dissipate into lower altitude of areas layering over the
top of the sandstone. The shale is also black to dark-grey in colour and laminated/ coated (Department of Mineral Resources 1983).

Quaternary Alluvium (Qha)

The Quaternary Alluvium are alluvial deposits and loose sentiments which originates from the Wianamatta Shales which occupies the lower terrain
area of Homebush Bay, surrounding the parts of Parramatta River and Haslams Creek. The Quaternary Alluvium in Homebush Bay contains fine to
medium sand, silt, clay peat and mud. The landscape also consists of fly ash which includes iron oxide, a mineral residue left from the combustion
of coal, which is ferruginous within the geology of Homebush Bay (Department of Mineral Resources 1983).

Hawkesbury Sandstone (Rh)

The Hawkesbury Sandstone of Homebush Bay is situated adjacent to the Quaternary Alluvium on the northern side of the bay, as well as further
inland of the southern side. The texture of this is a medium to coarse-grained quartz sandstone, with a little shale (Department of Mineral
Resources 1983).
The present landscape of Homebush Bay is largely actively use by human factors. This is evident on the map on the right, as the red area illustrates
the area which has been made into functional and active areas made by humans for the community of Homebush Bay prior to the 2000 Sydney
Olympics. In contrast to the map on the left, highlights the original undisturbed terrain of the landscape which was prior to the mid-1900s of the
time. Most of the Quaternary Alluviums has dissipated due to man-made structures being filled in these areas used as industrial land after the
European Settlement, as seen alongside the Haslams Creek and Parramatta River. However, the majority of the natural geology of the land in the
northern side has remained unharmed as there was less capability building within that area.
The red circle highlights where the brick pit is located. It was excavated deeply within the Ashfield Shales in the early 1900s. Today, the current spot
is a famous landmark within Sydney Olympic Park, as there is a large walkable ring installed elevated on the top of the Brickpit, people are able to
view the whole site from an elevated perspective.
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4.1.2 GEOLOGY MAP

Figure 7: Geology 1:30000 Map of Origin and Current Landscape (Source: Author)

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4.1.3 HISTORY OF GEOLOGY
The history State brickworks Homebush Bay has undergone major changes and transformations
through different periods of time. During the period of the early and late 1900s, the area was a
state-owned brick manufacturing. Before this time, this land was relatively flat and was layered
with Ashfield shale as seen in the map on the right in Figure 7. Then around 1988 the Brickpit came
to closure and was constructed as a viewing spot for visitors. Instead of manipulating the land
within the Brickpit, a 550-metre ring walk structure was built by Durbach Block Architectson, to
create an aerial walkway and outdoor
exhibition, approximately 20 metres above
ground. This allows visitors to view,
without endangering the species of the
Figure 8: Brickpit Ring Walk (Jim Bar 2007) living factors. (SOPA, 2015)
The Newington Armory was formerly used
as a Royal Australian Naval Armament Depot and was constructed along the shoreline of
the southern end of Parramatta River and had been deeply implemented within the
geology of the land. This highlighted through the current landscape map through the long
stretch of man-made fill. The Armory has transitioned from being a military function into a
family friendly space. Furthermore, the image on the right depicts the original shoreline
that has been altered, is bounded by Sandstone Bricks to create a solid protection from
the oncoming tides and waves. (SOPA, 2015) Figure 9: Newington Armory Shoreline
(Destination NSW 2019)

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4.2 SOIL LANDSCAPES
Birrong Soil (bg)
Birrong Soil has an extremely low in fertility and is found in the fluvial process of the Parramatta River bed. The soil is extremely pruned to localised
flooding due to its close proximity to Haslams Creek and Parramatta River. Birrong Soil also suffers from high soil erosion hazard due to fluvial
processes, high impeded drainage capabilities due to small pore holes size, hence low water holding compacity (WHC). As a result, this soil
landscape is not capable of urban development without extensive drainage system. It is often a moderately large pedal structure and with dark
brown to brownish black in colour (NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (EOH)[n.d.]).

Blacktown Soil (bt)

Blacktown soil is shallow to moderately deep less than 100cm is a very low in fertility and drains poorly. However, erosions are not often occurred
within this landscape as most of the surface area is covered with tiles and concrete. Hence, this has a high capability for residential and industrial
development. Blacktown soil is classified as a friable brownish-black loam to clay loam and moderate pedal structure (NSW OEH [n.d.]).

Ettalong Soil (et)

Ettalong soils are found within the coastal swamps and linked creeks of Parramatta River, and is permanently high in water levels, thus a hazard to
flooding. The texture of soil is usually found with a spongy dark organic peat which is a dark rich loam to silty loam with a fibrous structure, due to
the high moisture and water holding capacity. The soil also contains high organic matter and acidic sentiments which lead to being infertile due to
toxic substances which hinder plant growth. Hence, this is generally not appropriate for urban development (NSW EOH [n.d.]).

Lucas Heights Soil (lh):

This is a loose, yellowish-brown sandy loam soil. It is an extremely loose texture with a single-grained structure and porous sandy fabric. It also has
high permeability to allow to travel through the property, hence the low available water holding capacity (WHC) due to low intrinsic nitrogen and
phosphorus values. Also, the loose and rocky sandy loam soil creates difficulty for vegetation to encounter growth (NSW OEH [n.d.]).

Glenorie (gn) /Gymea Soil (gy)

The soil consists of a dark brown loam with an extensive pedal structure paired with large peds. This creates WHC and allows effective drainage
through the landscape. The surface condition of this soil forms a loose texture of soil and can harden when compressed. This soil also contains very
strong acidic values, high aluminium toxicity which creates the low vales of fertility. This hinders the possibility of development of housing and
buildings due to the unstable surface area (NSW OEH [n.d.]).

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4.2.1 SOIL LANDSCAPE MAP

Figure 10: Soil Landscape 1:30000 Map of Origin and Current Landscape
(Source: Author)

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4.2.2 COMPARISON OF MAPS (Chapman & Murphy v Current Landscape)

• Original landscape mapped is partially redeveloped filled with industrial and urban developments, landfills and implemented with
recreational areas. Whereas before, it was completely clear vegetation landscape.

• The treatment of landfill endangers the surrounding environmental areas and vegetation soils. This has been solved through layering
different substances to cover the contamination sentiments below. This has created a hilly area which is located Woo-La-Ra.

• The land has been strongly modified after period of the European settlers such as the different estates that were created.

• However, through the years of regeneration or land and industrial abuse, the landscape has also successful been transformed into a scenic
recreational space by creating elevated waste mounds (e.g: Woo-La-Ra Bicentennial Park) illustrated in the below figure. With the new
remediated lands, natural fauna is starting to return and regenerating in the landscape.

Figure 11: Woo-La-Ra Cross section (2000 Olympic Co-ordination Figure 12: Remains of the Natural Soil of the Ironbark Forest (Hubert
Authority Ecology Program 2000) Zhang 2019)

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4.3 LANDFORM (PHYSIOGRAPHY)
Figure 13: Kronos Hill, Homebush Bay (Adam J.W.C 2015)
During the history of the European settlement, Homebush Bay
was named as the ‘The Flats’ during to the low-lying topography
and terrain. This can be seen in the below figure, where the
terrain rises as you travel from the Haslams Creek side towards
the West. The landform elevates from approximately from 20
metres to 40 meters, with 20 metres intervals.
Homebush Bay has increased many elevated landforms to cure
with its relatively flat land. This had been created by remediating
landfills by creating artificial hills. This area had been “estimated 9
million cubic metres of waste and contaminated soils spread over
400 hectares within the 760-hectare site.” (SOPA 2015). Much of
the underlying waste was removed and relocated to other areas.
In the current map on page 15, the highlighted red area shows
once was the landfill but have been remediated with containment
mounds, thus providing a greater area of a more livable and
usable space. The panorama below and the photo on the left,
shows the outstanding contain mounds which has been created to
allow visitors to walk up and view the sweeping 360 degrees of
the overall landscape of Homebush Bay precinct. Another
example is Blaxland Riverside Park.

Figure 14: Panorama shot of Homebush Bay (Adam J.W.C 2015)

Furthermore, major changes to the landform where seawalls are placed in adjacent to Parramatta River near the Newington Armory reserves, to
relief the king tides approaching into inland. This will allow to further allow to elevate the use of functional land of the Homebush Bay.
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4.3.1 LANDFORM MAP

Figure 15: Landform 1:30000 Map of Origin and Current Landscape (Source: Author)

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4.4. HYDRLOGY
The changes of hydrology in Homebush Bay has changed
throughout the periods of time. These significant
modifications and process is seen through the factors of
drainage lines, tide levels, levels of salt marshes, mangroves
and mudflats in the comparison maps below.
Much of the original landscapes was dominated by mudflats
and saltmarshes. The Homebush Bay are containing the
largest coastal wetland, and saltmarsh community.
Homebush Bay has been intensively managed which has
undergone extensive engineering process from the history of
the European settlement. In 1930, much of the Powells Creek
stream was dominated by a fluvial delta, where the
mangroves lines Powells creek. By 1950s to 1970s, a straight
channel was built to line up Powells Creek and Homebush Figure 16: Illustrations of the impact of the sea wall (Doody 2004)
Bay. Also, a seawall was built to divide the southern extent of
the wetlands. This impacted on the growth of the mangroves with the shortage of sufficient water. Today, mangroves now occupy most of the
original salt marsh area (Rogers, Saintilan & Cahoon 2005).
The diagram on the right, illustrates the concept of ‘coastal squeeze’. This describes as the efforts to put into conserve the saltmarsh (Doody 2004).
However, coastal squeeze has been defined as coastal habitat loss for vegetation where the high king tide is fixed by a sea wall. In diagram (a), it
illustrates the unimpeded landward movement of wetland vegetation in low lying areas, which preserves coastal wetland vegetations. In
comparison to diagram (b) King tide is prevented from the human development, in this case a sea wall, which results in the reduction of coastal
vegetation growth.

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4.4.1 HYDOLOGY MAP

Figure 17: Hydrology 1:30000 Map of Origin and Current Landscape (Source: Author)

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5 BIOCTIC FACTORS
5.1.1 VEGETATION
The local ecosystems in Homebush Bay contains one of its most unique vegetation in Sydney. The area contains four main estuarine vegetation
communities, including the remnants of the critically endangered Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest, and the endangered Coastal Saltmarsh,
Swamp Oak Floodplain forest and Mangroves Forest. These estuarine zones describe the transition between freshwater landward rivers to
saltwater sea, which allow the diverse range of different ecological systems developed in the Homebush Bay precinct.
Many of these ecological plant communities are critically endangered as the area has been subjected within human development and impacts since
the European colonisation of the area. Although, the landscape has been highly modified by human activities, there is still fragments various
vegetation communities between old and current landscape. Today, the site is one of the largest land remediation projects in Australia (AECOM
Australia Pty Ltd 2010).

Many of the residents of Homebush Bay are fragmented within the community and is
attempted to fix this problem through corridor planting of greenery and restoration. An
attempt to connect the community through the idea of plants, architectonic and aesthetics. It
is an attempt to allow the community to join the diverse landscape and cultural elements
within the parklands to form a cohesive, understandable, visually foundation. The concept of
filling the area with forest walls which allows to define space and to provide connection
between settings and places in the park. It also enables to transition the community from
different ecosystems and habitat diversity. Other methods were to also create roads
throughout the parklands supporting the scale and character in the landscape setting. This will
allow to create accessibility within the urban core, adaptability and flexibility. (HASELL, 2008)

Figure 18: Corridor Planting (HASSELL, 2008)

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5.1 .2 VEGETATION MAP

Figure 19: Vegetation 1:30000 Map of Origin and Current Landscape (Source: Author)

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6 FOUR MAIN ECOLOGICAL VEGETATION COMMUNTIES
6.1 Swamp-Oak Floodplain Forest
This is an endangered ecological plant community, which consists mainly trees such has Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) and Swamp Paperbark
(Melaleuca ericifolia) trees and salt tolerant grasses. This is predominately found to the adjacent rivers and estuaries and is mainly found within the
soil landscapes with a saline impact. This plant community often adapts to the saline conditions through the intermittently waterlogged leading
plants. The Swamp-Oak Floodplain Forest consist of three main dominant strata: tree, shrubs and ground cover (Department of Environment and
Climate Change 2007).
Dominant species include:

• Casuarina glauca • Parsonsia straminea

• Acmena smithii • Centella asiatica
• Glochidion spp • Lomandra longifolia
• Melaleuca spp. • Alexfloydia repens
•

Figure 20: Swamp-Oak Forest in the background of the

photograph (Jason He 2019)

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6.1.1 Coastal Saltmarshes
In the original landscape of Homebush Bay, the coastal saltmarsh strengthened topography. However, in today’s situation, only 9% remains within
the ecological system and only about thirty thousand area squared of regenerated saltmarsh still exists. Saltmarsh is also an endangered ecological
community impacted by human impacts (land development and disturbance), domestic and feral animals, weed incursion and change in climatic
conditions as a result affect the tidal change. Also, the dominance of the mangrove’s community is also out-competing the saltmarsh plants. These
saltmarshes are often adapted to hypersaline conditions. They mainly occupy in the high tide zones on sheltered soft substrate foreshores, behind
the mangroves. These saltmarshes can be spread through flowering and producing seed, spread by birds and environmental factors. (NSW
Department of Primary Industries 2013)

Dominant species include:

• Sarcocornia • Wilsonia
quinqueflora. Backhousei
• Suaeda australis • Juncus kraussi
• Triglochin striata

Table 1: Total area of different vegetation communities of Homebush Bay (SOPA, 2015)

Figure 21: Saltmarsh located below the Woo La Ra Hill (Hubert Zhang 2019) Figure 22: Common aquatic habitat zones in an estuary (Adapted from
Kailola et al. 1993) (*HAT = Highest Astronomical Tide)

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6.1.2 Sydney-Turpentine Ironbark Forest
The Sydney-Turpentine Ironbark Forest contains 20 hectares of Homebush Bay within the Cumberland Plain. This includes 13 hectares within
Newington Nature Reserve. This plant community is extremely endangered, majority of it has been impacted by urban developments, and only
0.5% of its original extent remains. There have been many remediation methods that has took place. Through managing and conserving methods
such as restricting access to the forest within Newington Nature Reserve, has allowed to prevent human disturbances through regeneration of the
forest community in previously disturbed areas. Many other practices such as weed control, induction trading and natural regeneration has helped
this issue. This forest has approximately 50%-70% PFC and contains three distinct layers (ground cover, tall shrubs, and canopy) (SOPA, n.d).
Dominant Species include:

• Syncarpia glomulifera
• Eucalyptus paniculate
• Eucalyptus fibrosa
• Eucalyptus haemastoma
• Kunzea ambigua

Figure 23: Sydney-Turpentine Ironbark Trees (Author 2019)

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6.1.3 Mangrove Forests
Mangrove forest dominate most of the area covering up 300 square metres which is 80% of Homebush Bay area. These mangroves forest is located
inside the Badu Wetland, which many had poor mangrove health, including mangrove dieback and this is due to poor tidal flushing. However,
extensive mangrove dieback and regrowth was evident in the 2000s. Furthermore, human disturbances have also caused major issues towards the
Mangroves due to the population lack of knowledge of the importance of the ecosystem. Sydney Olympic Park Authority has also created elevated
walkways and bridges to allow people to passively observe from close distance without endangering the species. These mangroves have a PFC
between 70-100%.
Due to the muddy, wet and salty conditions due to its adaptions, the “Grey Mangroves” (Avicennia marina) strongly acclimates within the land
conditions. The Grey Mangrove has developed four different types of roots: anchor, cable, nutritive and the pneumatophore. The anchor and the
cable help assist for the vegetation to absorb minerals and nutritional values through the mud. In the below figure, highlights pneumatophore
roots poking out, which assists with the oxygen of the plan, acting like a snorkel for air. Another major adaptation is the exclusion of salt. The salt is
not taken in as nutrients but instead is deposited in the back of the leaves (SOPA n.d)

Figure 24: Pneumatophore roots sticking out from ground (Author 2019) Figure 25: Location of Badu Mangroves (SOPA,2014)

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6.2 HOMEBUSH BAY ESTUARINE ZONE TRANSECT AA

Figure 26: Homebush Bay Estuarine Zone Transect AA (Source: Author)

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7. HUMAN FACTORS
Woo-La-Ra was constructed originally on tidal wetland. Before the 2000 Sydney Olympics occurred, the area was used as a dumping ground and
landfill until the end of the 1960s. The landfill was remediated and concealed of 1.5 million cubic metres of toxic substances by bounding the
mound with a metre-thick clay cap and soil. This is a soil on top of the site of crushed sandstone mixed with garden compost with a 200 to 500m
thick layer to suit the adaptions of different types of plants (grasses, trees, shrubs). Leachate drains are placed on the edges of the mound in order
to protect the wetlands and woodland from any contaminated waste. The purpose was to replicate the soil landscape and plant communities
surrounding the area. This consist of seeding and placing soils rich recovered from the Olympic Village site and replicate it with the same soil
structure that exits already in the woodlands. This is further use as a lookout used by the visitors now.

Figure 27: Woo La Ra Transect (Source: Author)

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7.1 COMPARISON MAPS OF HOMEBUSH BAY

Figure 28: Comparison of Homebush Bay (Source: Author)

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8. Summary & Conclusion
Role of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority [SOPA]
During 2001, the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) was established in order to constantly preserve and uphold the significance of Sydney
Olympic Park. This is evident through the transformation of the Sydney 2000 Olympics into a top standard environmentally sustainable business,
education, residential, recreation and events district. The SOPA ensures Homebush Bay is kept up to top standards by having the responsibilities of
caring of the restoration of Homebush Bay and the native ecological communities. Their high standards for security towards the community allows
the inhabitant to with a limited vulnerability within the area. They are also responsible of actions of visitors when within different landmarks and to
ensure no harm or endangers occur towards fauna and flora. This is be providing coordinating education programs to aid with the protection of
ecosystems. As well as planning for the future envisions and resolve any present issues within the community and area. They also deliver various
programs to outgoing visitor and students to enhance their knowledge and foundation within the history of Homebush Bay. They further manage
the sporting facilities, buildings and landscape assets. The future development of the 2030 Masterplan will continue to ensure long success and
maintenance of the growth of Sydney Olympic Park (SOPA 2019).

Success of Homebush Bay

Homebush Bay was a successful remediation action over a long period of time. Twenty-years ago, the site had been considered one of the most
degraded sites in the world. It has been transformed from once a neglected, unpleasant and polluted landscape into a rich, aesthetically landscape
and world class facility attracting millions of visitors around the world. This is evidently seen by the millions of people utilising its facilities and
recreational areas. This is a strong example of a transformation of a degraded landscape can be rehabilitated following of industrial uses. The
success of Sydney Olympic Park had also deeply influenced the development of Beijing and London Olympics in terms of infrastructure and design.
This evidently demonstrates Homebush Bay has achieve its success of a landscape design, engineering, technological innovation, and the creation
and management of urban wetlands. Furthermore, success can largely be attributed to the strong environmental vision and early identification of
ecological values (SOPA 2015). In essence, having strong integrity and values of sustainability and regeneration will ensure permanent success of
Homebush Bay.

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