Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub in the Sydney Basin Bioregion
Gazetted date:
01 Dec 2017
Profile last updated:
17 Jul 2026
Description
Predominantly a sclerophyllous heath or scrub community although, depending on site topography and hydrology, some remnants contain small patches of woodland, low forest or limited wetter areas. The final determination (2017) lists 63 characteristic species.
Distribution
ESBS extends from North Head in the Northern Beaches LGA to Royal National Park. It is highly restricted in its distribution. Remnants occur on aeolian sands of the Tuggerah, Newport, North Head and Kurnell soil landscapes.
The Scientific Committee estimates that the upper bound for the extent of the ESBS prior to the industrial era is 9643 ha.
Recent estimates of the current extent of the community range from 250 ha (Tozer et al. 2010) to 471 ha OEH (2013b).
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs on disjunct patches of nutrient poor aeolian (wind blown) dune sand.
- The community possesses soil seed bank and has been observed to regenerate naturally on cleared sand where the soil profile remains intact.
- Floristic composition and structural diversity is influenced by the size and disturbance history of the remnant.
- Field observations indicate that after a prolonged period (>15 years) without fire or similar disturbance, the floristic composition and vegetation structure becomes simplified with a few species dominating the standing vegetation.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss and fragmentation of habitat as a consequence of clearing and development.
- Altered nutrient status, hydrological regimes, and fire regimes.
- Invasion by weed species (particularly Bitou Bush, Lantana and African Love Grass).
- Mowing, slashing and the inappropriate use of herbicide.
- Dumping of rubbish including fill material and green waste.
- Grazing and trampling pest species
- Unrestricted access by pedestrians and vehicles.
- Inappropriate plantings in and around remnants.
- Seed and wildflower collection.
- Inapropriate fire regime
- Low genetic diversity of some species in some remnant patches.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Implement feral animal control programs.
- Implement recommended fire regime. Minimum of 12 years.
- Consider off-site impacts in the assessment of nearby developments.
- Implement weed control programs.
- Install fencing, gates, formal tracks (where appropriate) and signs to manage access and prevent rubbish dumping.
- Restore degraded habitat using bush regeneration techniques.
- Protect remnants from clearing and further fragmentation.
- Prevent stormwater run-off from entering sites.
- Prepare site specific management plans.
- Genomic study of key species.
- Restoration involving introducing new genetic material based on advice from Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience (Botanic Gardens)
Information sources
- Benson, D. and Howell, J. (1994) The natural vegetation of the Sydney 1:100000 map sheet. Cunninghamia 3(4): 679-789.
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IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|
| Sydney Basin | Pittwater |
Known
| Randwick, Waverly, Botany Bay, Sutherland and Manly LGAs |
| Sydney Basin | Sydney Cataract |
Known
| None |