Part of Redbank Communities
On-site Heritage Centre

76 Arthur Phillip Drive
North Richmond 2754

02 4760 1400

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Part of Redbank Communities
On-site Heritage Centre

76 Arthur Phillip Drive
North Richmond 2754

02 4760 1400

Local Ecology

This area was once defined by thick swathes of woodland, sandstone river flats and lagoons, with pockets of denser rainforest. It was rich in plant and animal species that made up a complex range of interlinking ecosystems. Humans were drawn to the area for its plentiful food supplies and the range of natural resources which could be utilised for making tools and shelter.

Fertile Foothills

North Richmond sits between the rolling and rugged foothills of the Blue Mountains (Colomatta) and the majestic Hawkesbury River (Dyarubbin). The Redbank community itself is bounded to the north by one of the Hawkesbury tributaries, Redbank Creek, and comprises a gently undulating topography.

The blue mountains rolling hills and cliff faces. Source – Joeyy Lee

Birdlife, reptiles, insects, amphibians, fish, and mammals thrived in great numbers. The eucalypt forests are home to dozens of bird species including the pardalote, rosella, cockatoo, flycatcher, honey eater, scrubwren and fantail. Mammals like the long-nosed bandicoot and the black wallaby are regionally significant and still evident in the area.

A Spotted Pardalote. These small birds are mostly found high up in the eucalypt forests canopies. Source Ian Hearn – Australian Museum

In the early 19th century the land was significantly cleared of vegetation and used for cattle grazing. On acquisition of the Redbank site, plant species evident were limited to improved pasture grasses and sporadic mature eucalypts.

Some tree belts existed along the ridge, contour lines and water courses, these including planted Tallowwood, Spotted Gum, Candlebark and Red-flowered Ironbark. The site also incorporated areas of regenerating River Flat Eucalypt Forest along the Redbank Creek, and two small groups of Cumberland Plain Woodland near Dams 4 and 2 with remnant Forest Red Gum, Rough-barked Apple and Narrow leafed Ironbark.

 Large sections of trees were removed for grazing lands – the dams and treelines show above were established as part of P.A. Yeomans' keyline development

Masterplan Landscaping

The Redbank masterplan retains and protects the habitat pockets that remained onsite and bolsters this with additional planting around dams and throughout the estates green open spaces.

Landscaping around dams has been thoughtfully considered to ensure attractive green spaces and help with water conservation.
One of the remaining dams on-site today
Trees around the Redbank site are beginning to mature with landscaping being an important long term aspect of the project.