A working bus depot can also be part of a threatened species conservation effort. 

Hidden within the Busways Wyong Depot site are populations of two critically endangered unique Central Coast plant species - the Charmhaven Midge Orchid and the Variable Midge Orchid.

National Threatened Species Day on 7 September shines a light on native plants, animals and ecosystems under threat, and the people and partnerships working to protect them.

For several years, Busways has worked alongside the NSW Saving Our Species program and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to help protect the orchids and their habitat while the depot continues its day-to-day operations.

Easy to miss among the surrounding vegetation, these orchids are remarkably small. The Charmhaven Midge Orchid produces just six to nine tiny flowers, each around six millimetres across, while the Variable Midge Orchid's flowers are only around five millimetres across.

Their small size and seasonal appearance can make the orchids difficult to spot. Clearly identifying and protecting the areas where they grow helps reduce the risk of accidental disturbance.

Protection measures at Wyong Depot include secure fencing and restricted access, environmental signage and controls, ecological monitoring, and coordination between Busways teams and conservation specialists. The partnership also supports seed collection, pollinator research and habitat management.

Suzanne Mildren, Busways Sustainability Manager said: “As a transport operator, we're proud to play our part in preserving Australia's natural heritage while continuing to connect communities across New South Wales. The Wyong Depot Orchid Protection Program story demonstrates how organisations can work alongside government and environmental experts to protect vulnerable ecosystems while continuing essential operations.”

Thank you to our partners at Saving Our Species and everyone involved in helping safeguard these remarkable Central Coast orchids.

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