Until COVID-19 the daily Pelican Feed on The Entrance waterfront was one of the Central Coast’s most popular tourist attractions, entertaining and educating people about the area’s own pelican colony.
It all started almost 45 years ago when staff at the local fish shop fed scraps to the pelicans every day and the spectacle of the gathering pelicans became so popular with onlookers that in 1995 the then Wyong Council built a proper feeding platform known at Pelican Plaza.
Until the public pelican feeding was curtailed because of COVID, it was a tradition and immensely popular tourist attraction kept up by many sponsors and a band of volunteers who not only entertained the crowds every afternoon, but took the opportunity to educate people about the pelican colony and keep an eye on their health condition.
Now, Central Coast Council is calling on local businesses and groups to submit a proposal to develop and manage a new pelican experience at The Entrance.
The memorable experience of seeing wild pelicans in their natural environment with The Entrance Channel as a backdrop fits into Council’s ambition to have the Central Coast become an eco-certified destination.
A Council spokesperson said the pelican feed had undergone a comprehensive review from wildlife experts and was deemed not in the best interests of the health of the pelicans involved.
“In addition, as part of being an eco-destination, a pledge has been taken which guides how destination managers on the Central Coast should activate and promote experiences and interactions with wildlife,” the spokesperson said.
“Activities such as the former pelican feed are no longer in line with appropriate care of wildlife.
“The pelican feed played an integral part in making The Entrance a much loved holiday destination for generations and with this in mind Council staff hope to work with industry to develop a new pelican experience.
“The intention is for the new pelican experience to both pay homage to its predecessor, by celebrating the pelicans who call The Entrance and Tuggerah Lakes home, while also establishing a new iconic attraction for the region that is safe and respectful for the wildlife it champions.
“Council is currently tendering for this activity, with the hope of successfully appointing a provider to manage a new experience that is eco-friendly.”
Those who would like to meet and discuss the opportunity prior to submitting a proposal should register their interest by Wednesday, April 26. Proposals are due on Sunday, May 14.
Sue Murray
The Pelican feeding was a good family activity and Council rubbish that it impacted the pelicans.
As usual everything so over regulated by uninformed twits.
It encouraged people to look after the birds and educate the public plus raise funds.
Love to see it reopening again , never feel tired to see this Pelican swimming in a flock. We usually take overseas visitors or friends . Good day trip. Enjoy the fish & chips shops,coffee and pies.