Community works to protect Urunga habitat

Community volunteers supported by the NSW Government are working to protect sensitive coastal habitat at South Urunga Beach by installing an information sign at the beach access area and raising awareness about threatened shorebirds.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the sign on Crown land off Hungry Head Road celebrates the unique beauty of the coastal ecosystem and encourages people to protect habitat for endangered shorebirds.

“The sign installed by the Three Headlands Caring for Country Collective with Crown Lands’ support is an impressive image of a Pied Oystercatcher which lays its vulnerable eggs in the dune areas,” Mr Kamper said.

“These remarkable volunteers not only care for country but strive to inform the wider community about why it’s so important to protect our vegetation and wildlife, with messaging about ecology and recognition of the area’s Aboriginal heritage.”

Crown Lands assisted the project with an environmental assessment and engaging the local Aboriginal community in discussions on the location of the sign, which is at the end of Sandmine Track.

Convenor of the Three Headlands Caring for Country Collective Amanda Norman said nesting shorebirds are at risk and people need to take care if four-wheel driving on beaches and manage dogs responsibly, especially when birds are breeding.

“Efforts to protect sand dunes and rehabilitate bushland can be undermined by inappropriate behaviour, so we aim to raise awareness with projects like this sign and a community breakfast with the Gumbaynggirr traditional owners,” she said.

Bellingen Shire Council also obtained Federal Government funding with Bellingen Landcare to assist the project.

“Volunteers do amazing work protecting, managing and improving local Crown reserves with this community-wide effort a great example,” Mr Kamper said.