One of the principal characteristics of the Willoughby Local Government Area is the presence of significant areas of remnant native bushland, particularly along the Lane Cove River and the rugged foreshore areas of Middle Harbour.
             Willoughby contains approximately 300 hectares of bushland under the care, control and management of Council. Bushland can also be found on private land and land owned by other Government organisations.
             The bushland is fragmented throughout Willoughby in areas that vary greatly in size and shape, with the larger areas concentrated along Middle Harbour.
             "...land on which there is vegetation which is either a remainder of the natural vegetation of the land or, if altered, is still representative of the structure and floristics of the natural vegetation" (State Environmental Planning Policy 19 – Bushland in Urban Areas)
             The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is Willoughby City Council's comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. It was developed after a year of extensive community consultation, which included telephone surveys, questionnaires, workshops, displays and newsletters. The EMP was compiled using the results from the consultation process, gap analysis and review of Councils existing policies and a literature research.
             The EMP aims to move beyond just providing strategies for environmental management; its ultimate aim is sustainable development. Goals and objectives were not only developed for the traditional areas of built environment, biodiversity, water, heritage, waste, air, and noise, but also in the areas of social and economic environments.
             The EMP is also a comprehensive action plan that lists over 900 specific actions to be implemented over the next ten years. The plan is not just for Council but for the whole community, and includes strategies and actions for individuals and business. Funds for implementing the EMP come from the e.restore environmen...