Excavators have been out on Karagi Point moving sand to create a haven in preparation for the Little Tern breeding season.
Workers from Central Coast Council were moving sand from the southern end of Karagi Point, adjacent the channel, and depositing it 100m north where the Little Terns are expected to soon nest.
“The much-loved little birds will be arriving on the Coast in the next three weeks or so and it is vital that we take steps to help ensure they have another successful breeding season, following the record-breaking season last year,” said Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox.
“These sand building works are vital as the Little Terns are strongly site faithful and this location is currently vulnerable to inundation by high seas, tides and flooding.
“To protect the Little Terns from people and dogs during this crucial nesting time, we will install a temporary fence and signage around the breeding site.
“We ask that our community support us in helping this endangered species by staying away from the area, as well as keeping their pets away.
“We had an incredible breeding season on the Coast last year, with Karagi Point being one of the most significant breeding sites in NSW, and we are expecting strong Little Tern numbers again this year.”
Cox says that by moving the sand from the southern end of the sandspit, the works will also aim to enhance the channel opening to better maintain the exchange of water between the lake and ocean and provide for the preliminary phase of dredging which is planned to commence in 2022.
“Council will also be carefully monitoring upcoming works to restore Karagi Reserve beach access to ensure it has no impact on the Little Terns.
“We are also planning to restore the main access point to Karagi Reserve beach nearby which has been subject to coastal erosion.
“Work plans and approvals are currently being prepared but are expected to involve placing additional basalt rocks to construct a southern end treatment to the existing emergency protection works constructed as part of the coastal erosion emergency response in 2020,” Cox said.
Administrator Rik Hart said Council was committed to best practice management, monitoring and education to support the growth of threatened species such as the Little Tern, Eastern Osprey, Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater.
“This is a critically important location to secure the future of the endangered Little Tern and we are hoping for another bumper breeding season,” he said.
This important habitat and enhancement work is funded by the NSW Government’s Saving Our Species program.
Source:
Central Coast Council