Taronga Conservation Society Australia has established a third, ‘wild’ restoration site. A cornerstone of the Taronga Habitat Positive initiative, this ecosystem restoration project is one of the largest Box-Gum Woodland restoration efforts in Australian history and will become a safe haven for up to 36 threatened species including Koalas, Spotted-tail quoll and Regent Honeyeaters. 

The Minns Labor Government is proud to provide $16 million in funding, with Taronga’s inaugural partner Sydney Airport also investing in the conservation initiative. The 3,050-hectare site on the Northwest Slopes of NSW is 100 times larger than Taronga Zoo Sydney. Up to one million seedlings will be planted on the site to restore natural wildlife corridors, re-establishing critically endangered Box-Gum Woodlands, with only seven percent of remnant habitat remaining due to extensive land clearing since colonisation. 

The site comprises two adjoining properties, with a combination of cleared land and remnant native vegetation, offering high potential for ecological restoration. The location on the Northwest Slopes was carefully selected, offering long-term climate resilience, with the region projected to experience relatively low changes in rainfall and temperature. 

First Nations partnerships are central to the project’s success and Taronga is working closely with the local community to understand cultural values and significance to inform site planning and restoration. This work is the foundation for creating pathways for future employment and partnership opportunities. Two targeted full-time positions have already been established as the restoration work gets underway. 

Sydney Airport’s 10-year partnership unites two of Australia’s most historic brands to drive meaningful conservation outcomes. It will enable Taronga to restore vital habitat at scale while pioneering a model for landscape-level restoration, creating a lasting legacy for Australia’s natural environment. At the same time, the collaboration supports Sydney Airport’s ambitious sustainability goals, including its Net Zero 2030 (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) target. 

This pilot site marks the beginning of a scalable restoration and rewilding initiative under Taronga Habitat Positive, with a vision to restore two million hectares of threatened woodlands across eastern Australia. The program will establish a network of climate-resilient sanctuaries for threatened species supported by a sustainable business model, where carbon and natural capital generate revenue to fund long-term restoration. Through Habitat Positive, Sydney Airport is committing to high integrity carbon credits and outcomes for nature. 

This world-leading project is the first of its kind for any zoo in the world and directly builds on Taronga’s century of conservation expertise and dedication to wildlife. Taronga currently operates 16 recovery programs for priority species across Australia and has bred, cared for and released 60,000 animals, from tiny eggs and tadpoles to juveniles and adults, preventing extinction of seven native species. This marks Taronga’s first major land acquisition since 1975, when 300 hectares were secured to establish Taronga Western Plains Zoo. 

“Restoring nature continues to be one of the biggest and most urgent issues facing the planet. Australia has the highest known rate of mammal extinction in the world. This project demonstrates the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to collaboratively working toward a future that protects and restores nature. It represents conservation and innovation in an initiative like no other in Australia. It’s not enough to protect animals in zoos and through conservation programs – restoration and rewilding is needed now more than ever so we can rebuild the ecosystems needed to bring back threatened species from the brink.”  

NSW Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Penny Sharpe

Habitat Positive is more than just habitat restoration. It's a new era for Taronga and a new way of achieving landscape-scale restoration. It leverages natural capital investment through partnerships with government, industry, community, corporate Australia and philanthropists. For more than a century, animals and wildlife have been at the core of everything we do, from providing meaningful opportunities for connection and education through to world-leading conservation science. Habitat Positive is the next natural step, a commitment to not just protect species, but to reverse biodiversity loss” 

“We’re delighted to welcome Sydney Airport as our inaugural partner. Their investment in Taronga Habitat Positive reflects a commitment to protecting what makes Australia unique – our wildlife, our landscapes and our future. 

Taronga Conservation Society Australia CEO, Cameron Kerr

Sydney Airport welcomes tens of millions of passengers each year, giving many visitors their first glimpse of Australia’s incredible natural environment. With our passenger numbers expected to reach 72 million annually by 2045, Taronga is a major drawcard for international visitors eager to experience Australia’s wildlife in a truly unique setting. “As Australia’s gateway airport, we’re proud to be the first in our industry to take a leading role in this initiative, partnering with a trusted and iconic brand like Taronga to achieve high-quality conservation outcomes. We recognise that aviation is a contributor to emissions, and this partnership is an important part of our broader decarbonisation journey, supporting our pathway to Net Zero (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) by 2030. 

“I’d like to thank the team at Taronga and the NSW Government for their support as Sydney Airport takes on the role of origin partner in this landmark conservation effort.”

Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton