Frog-friendly hospitality at Hornsby Heights
Our Hornsby Heights plant is in an environmentally sensitive area, a native Peppermint-Angophora Forest home to several threatened species of native frogs. With this in mind, our team working on the Biosolids Upgrade project on-site were keen to find ways to support vulnerable species of frogs that call the bushland and adjacent fish habitat home.
As Sydney Water's North Delivery Team, we constantly seek ways to leave a positive legacy on the environment. So, to support the local amphibian community, the Biosolids Upgrade project team have introduced 'Frog Hotels' to help vulnerable species in the area.
Frog hotels are human-made structures that provide a safe, moist, and cool hiding place to protect frogs from predators. Old baths, PVC pipes and even dog bowls can be made into 'hotels' and are a great way to support frog species affected by habitat destruction.
The Frog Hotels in situ at the Hornsby Heights plant A native frog checks-in for the day
Andrew Jeffrey, the site Supervisor looking after the Biosolids Upgrade, said the idea originated at an environmental meeting when discussing how their project could best leave a positive legacy on the local environment.
With the help of the environment and project team, Andrew repurposed leftover construction materials to design and construct 'frog hotels'.
"I waited until we had some old PVC conduits to be thrown away, and I salvaged them, cleaned and cut them to length".
''Then, using some pots from Bunnings and repurposed stone already on site, I built four 'Frog Hotels,''' he said.
Looking to the future, Andrew says the team look forward to building more and maintaining the ones already established.
"We have calendar reminders set up so that we remember to give them plenty of water and ensure they are maintained to support the frogs of today and in years to come," he said.
Well done to Andrew and the Biosolids Upgrade project team for this great initiative to care for the environment and leave a positive lasting legacy at Hornsby Heights.
