Central Coast Council will consider approaching the owner of a privately-owned section of the Springfield wetland for reimbursement after it has used State Government funds to clear the waterway of a weed infestation.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, announced recently that the remaining $56,000 of a $125,000 State Government investment would be used to remove salvinia molesta and other invasive aquatic weeds from the private section, with the owner having ignored repeated requests to address the situation.
Council confirmed at its meeting of November 23 that it would undertake the weed clearing on the private section after using $69,000 of the government money clearing the publicly owned section in recent years.
Administrator, Rik Hart, said treating the private portion of the pond will reduce the risk of the weeds re-invading the public section.
“We have made important progress in restoring the natural beauty of the wetland over the past two years,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing this good work continue across the rest of Springfield Pond.
“The pond and its surrounding wetland are part of a rich ecosystem of birds, wildlife and aquatic animals.
“We want to protect it for our environment and our community alike.”
Hart said Council will work in collaboration with the landowner and following the completion of works will prepare a further report including the nature of work done, expenditure, and consideration of the appropriateness of charging a prescribed fee to the landowner.
Followers of Springfield Wetland (FSW) group spokesperson, Glenys Ray, has welcomed the move, but is concerned about how ongoing maintenance will be funded once the wetland is cleared.
Terry Collins