The NSW Crown Lands Department has appointed a new board to manage the Central Coast Wetlands-Pioneer Dairy.
Board members are Jed Field (Chairperson), Allan Benson (Deputy Chairperson), Sam Willis (Secretary), Rex Schmidt (Treasurer), Meg Rice and Central Coast Council representative, Melati Lye.
Spokesperson Allan Benson said although the majority of board members have a conservation focus in relation to the wetlands, there is unanimous agreement that it must become more widely used by the residents of the Central Coast.
“At present, development of the site is limited because the access road is in very poor condition and alternative flood free access must be available,” he said.
“Both these issues are being addressed with a grant application to seal the road being lodged.
“Community consultation is planned to determine future projects.”
The Central Coast Wetlands-Pioneer Dairy consists of 155 hectares running between South Tacoma Rd and Lake Rd at Tuggerah.
It was the largest dairy on the Central Coast until it closed in 1986.
The original proposal was to build a power station on the site but community pressure persuaded the government to preserve the land for public use.
The board was appointed in 2002.
Today, up to 100 head of cattle graze on the property and there is a golf driving range, a nursery, well-maintained picnic facilities and a network of paths to allow easy access around the wetlands.
Over 200,000 trees and shrubs have been planted, particularly along the creek lines which is an on-going process, Benson said.
“There has been emphasis on planting Swamp Mahogany as habitat for the endangered Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot,” he said.
“This means that the wetland is a biodiversity hotspot for the Central Coast.
“A diverse range of habitats has resulted in 207 species of birds being recorded, so it is a very popular destination for birdwatchers from the Central Coast, Newcastle and Greater Sydney.
“The provision of nest boxes has resulted in a viable population of the vulnerable Squirrel Glider.
“Bi-annual fox baiting over the last three years has boosted populations of Swamp Wallabies and bandicoots which were previously not found on the reserve.”