Protecting the planet to thrive
Westlink M7 acts responsibly to protect the planet by ensuring the M7 Motorway, surrounding natural environment, the lands where we operate, and the communities we connect with, continue to thrive.
Westlink M7’s Natural Environment
Westlink M7 has a custodianship and stewardship role to look after and protect the local environment and enhance bushland areas running alongside the M7 Motorway. From Baulkham Hills in the north to Prestons in the south, this highly valued corridor of natural and planted vegetation in Greater Sydney is home to the critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland Community.
We take meaningful steps to enhance biodiversity and embed responsible environmental management practices in everyday action, by:
- Planting native grasses, shrubs, and tree species
- Maintaining landscaped areas and looking after established habitat trees and nestboxes
- Monitoring, recording, and establishing protection zones for native fauna (birds, bats, bees, mammals, marsupials, reptiles, spiders, insects)
- Monitoring stormwater and water quality basins
- Manual and chemical control of priority weeds
- Working with specialist ecologists, arborists, and bushfire consultants to identify contemporary practices and management actions
Eco and biodiversity
Protected Plants and Flora
Environmentally Sensitive Areas have been established along the M7 bushland corridor to care for endangered and protected flora species including Pimelea spicata, or Spiked Rice Flower.
Fauna
Trees and plants help to maintain biodiversity and a balanced ecology, while providing suitable habitat for native animals and protected species. M7’s bushland areas provide habitat for a wide variety of fauna species which exist to maintain a healthy eco-system. In the M7’s bushland corridor, there are native (endangered) snails, snakes, prey birds, birds, and bats including the Greater Broad-nosed Bat and Gould’s Wattled Bat, all species from NSW. For the protection and habitat of our tiniest of fauna friends, Microbats, and other micro-fauna, we have installed nest boxes in local areas.
Enhancing the environment is our everyday
Enhancing and protecting the natural environment and minimising our impact is our every day. Learn more about our approach to Community, Responsible Motorway Operations, and Sustainability.
Contact us
We welcome community feedback and encourage you to get in touch with us by contacting the M7 Motorway.
