Getting ready to welcome Little Terns

Central Coast Council crews have commenced a four-day program of foreshore works at The Entrance Channel, to support the return of the endangered Little Terns and prepare the coastline for the Spring and Summer season.

The endangered species migrate from South-East Asia to nest at Karagi Point, The Entrance each year.

Council anticipates their arrival to be in October and will install fencing, complete sand scraping, sand nourishment and minor land-based dredging near the throat of the channel to protect the nesting area and reduce flood risks.

Environment and Planning Director Luke Nicholls said the works aimed to reduce the amount of sand at the throat of The Entrance Channel preserving an exchange of water between the lake and the ocean and support the nesting habitat for the Little Terns.

“Council crews will use heavy machinery to remove sand from the throat of the channel and redistribute the sand close to the shoreline towards Karagi Reserve carpark and at the beach accessway, supporting the nesting habitat and creating a safe haven for the Little Terns,” he said.

“Karagi Reserve carpark will be closed during this period to facilitate safe operations.

“The works not only protect the Little Terns (but) will also maintain and preserve vehicle access to the sandspit.

“This will mean Council will be better able to deliver programs such as channel/berm management, litter removal and other maintenance functions as required.”

Residents are asked to help keep the area litter free, to not feed seagulls and other birds, to avoid unnecessary noise such as unauthorised fireworks, to keep flying kites or drones away from the area and to report fox sightings to Council.

Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said our coastline was one of the region’s most treasured assets. 

“It’s encouraging to see Council taking meaningful steps to protect the endangered Little Terns while also continuing to preserve our beautiful region as a place for the whole community to appreciate and enjoy,” he said.

For more information search ‘Little Terns’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

This project is also supported in part by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program.