Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy reopens after $570,000 road investment by Crown Lands
One of the region’s most important Crown reserves and significant environmental and community assets, the Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy, has been reopened to the public after the NSW Government funded the installation of a new 1 kilometre internal access road at the reserve.
Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) funded the $567,290 major project through its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
The reserve’s former single lane gravel road operated for more than 100 years but was considered no longer safe for use. The new improved two-lane bitumen road will allow vehicles to safely navigate the reserve, cut traffic bottlenecks and reduce maintenance costs.
Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy, located between Wyong and Tuggerah, is a 155-hectare Crown reserve that features buildings, landscaped areas, woodlands, wetlands and open paddocks, and is the region’s biggest area of open space for public access.
The reserve is used by the community for recreation, bird and nature watching, bushwalking, cross country running, and as a fun educational site for school excursions. There is also a golf driving range on the reserve.
The reserve is home to over 200 species of birds, including the Powerful Owl, and other species like vulnerable Squirrel Gliders. The site is abundant with beautiful native flora and fauna, including numerous large Moreton Bay fig trees planted over 100 years ago. The wetlands is also a site of cultural significance to the local Darkinjung people who have lived in the area for 40,000 years.
The spring opening of the new road means enthusiastic birdwatchers can witness migrating birds settle in for summer, including the Latham Snipe which flies from Japan to escape the northern hemisphere winter and forage along the edge of the wetland.
The new road will also help the reserve become more financially self-sufficient by providing new commercial and recreational opportunities.
The Crown land manager is preparing a Plan of Management for the reserve to guide its future use and management. Some potential options include allowing a wide variety of events, adaptive re-use of the 120-year-old cottage, community markets, and for park run events.
Interested groups are encouraged to complete the Central Coast Wetlands Community Consultation Survey to have their say about the future direction of the wetlands.
Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy Crown land chairperson Jed Field said:
“The opening of the new road is a momentous occasion for our local community.
“The old road was a safety hazard that greatly reduced community access to this gorgeous site. Now the future is bright as not only can more people safely enjoy our reserve, but we have an opportunity to hold more events and activities which will benefit the whole community here.”
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said:
“The Central Coast Wetlands-Pioneer Dairy used to be the largest dairy on the Central Coast and is today a fantastic multi-faceted community and environmental asset for our region.
“The new sealed access road means more people, including school children, can come and enjoy this wonderful reserve and everything it has to offer.”
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“Crown reserves like Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy protect sensitive areas of environment and their habitats for native plants and animals as well as areas of cultural and heritage significance to local and Aboriginal communities.
“The NSW Government’s statewide investments in Crown reserves support tourism and local jobs, businesses and economies while helping ensure they continue to serve and strengthen their communities for many years to come.”