Dulwhich Hill light rail station

On the Ground with Transdev: Small Wins for Native Plants on the Light Rail Line- (A Sydney member’s mission)

This week, a significant step forward was taken in the campaign to restore native vegetation along Sydney’s Light Rail corridor. After months of back-and-forth, I finally met onsite with a representative from Transdev, the company responsible for managing vegetation along the Dulwich Hill Light Rail Line.

My main concern has been the persistent infestation of Moth Vine smothering native plants around the platforms. Although I was initially told it had been removed, a site check proved otherwise—prompting the need for a face-to-face meeting. Showing the problem areas firsthand has helped clarify the issue, and the representative has now committed to coordinating weed removal more effectively.

A Greener Vision for the Line

Encouragingly, we discussed a plan to replant the strip beneath the sandstone walling with a suite of resilient, habitat-supporting natives, including:

  • Native bush basil (a favourite of local native bees) Plectranthus graveolens
  • Commelina cyanea
  • Weeping Grass –Microlaena stipoides 
  • Basket grass –Oplismenus sp

These plantings could transform neglected spaces into mini urban refuges for pollinators and small fauna, while also enhancing amenity and biodiversity.

Protecting Remnant Kangaroo Grass

Another exciting opportunity lies along the Dulwich Hill train line—a small, but important remnant of Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) still survives. This species, once widespread, is now rare in the urban landscape. Expanding its footprint could offer both ecological and educational value. It’s even featured in “Missing Jigsaw Pieces” by Doug Benson, which explores the forgotten ecological fragments of Sydney’s inner west. Read more here.

Next Steps

With better communication and some on-ground collaboration, we hope this is the beginning of a more thoughtful and ecologically sound approach to weed management along the Light Rail corridor. Small changes can make a big difference—and it starts with recognising what’s already there and nurturing it.