Revegetation and Renewal at Hubbe Court Reserve

Significant environmental works have recently been completed at the eastern end of Hubbe Court Reserve, as part of the City of Burnside’s ongoing commitment to restoring and protecting our natural spaces.

The project involved the removal of a large, non-native shrub that had long dominated the area, as well as several invasive deciduous trees including Desert Ash and Poplar. While these species may appear attractive, they pose a challenge to the health of our waterways. Each autumn, the trees would shed large volumes of leaves into Second Creek, overwhelming the ecosystem with a sudden surge of organic matter. As our local creeks haven’t evolved to manage such nutrient loads, this seasonal influx can negatively impact water quality and aquatic life downstream.

In place of these invasives, our teams have planted 274 native plants, spanning 55 different species - including trees, shrubs, grasses, sedges, rushes and wildflowers. Every plant was grown at our in-house nursery by dedicated volunteers, using seed collected from the Burnside area. This ensures that the new plantings are not only climate-resilient but also ecologically suited to the site.

Second Creek plays an important role in our city’s natural landscape and is home to a rich variety of native fauna, including the rare Mountain Galaxia fish, four species of native frogs and a range of insects, birds and small mammals. Enhancing the surrounding habitat directly supports the long-term survival of these species.

We sincerely thank the neighbouring residents for their cooperation and understanding during the works. Together, we’re creating greener, healthier spaces for both wildlife and people to enjoy.

Hubbe Court Reserve - before works

Hubbe Court Reserve - after works