One of the most important Crown reserves containing significant environment and community assets, The Central Coast Wetlands-Pioneer Dairy now has a new sealed internal road that was officially opened on September 24.
The one kilometre road replaced a 100-year-old, single lane pot-holed, flood damaged gravel road that was considered unsafe for use.
It has been replaced by a two-lane bitumen road which includes safety barriers, guide posts, traffic signs and speed bumps.
The project was funded by a $567,290 grant by Crown Lands Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure through its Crown Reserves improvement fund.
Central Coast Wetlands-Pioneer Dairy Crown Land Chairperson Jed Field said the reserve was closed for six weeks while this work was carried out.
“Unfortunately, this was longer than planned as wet weather and some unforeseen engineering issues contributed to the delay,” he said.
“This closure had impacts on our licence holders, particularly Mark Churcher’s golf driving range.
“We appreciate their patience and understanding but we are positive they we soon reap the benefits of improved access.”
“We are very keen to see more people using the reserve.
“It is one of the gems of the Central Coast with 155ha reserve featuring buildings, landscaped areas, woodlands, landscaped areas, wetlands and open paddocks.
“There is a network of walking tracks and areas for picnics.
“It is one of the premier birdwatching spots on the Central Coast with more the 200 species recorded here.”
Field said the new road would encourage more people to visit and open up more options for future development of the site that would allow the reserve to become more financially self-sufficient.
“We are in the process of developing a Plan of Management for the reserve to guide future use and management of the reserve,” Field said.
“The first step in this process was conducting a survey to obtain the community’s attitudes to the reserve. To date we have received 520 responses.”
Great news. The old road was a shocker.