New sandstone bollards installed at Atherton Drive Reserve

The NSW Government has improved visitor and environmental safety at Atherton Drive Reserve at Urunga on the state’s Mid North Coast with the installation of over 300 sandstone blocks along the foreshore drive and signs to help protect endangered shorebirds.

Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) commissioned the Soil Conservation Service to carry out the work, which cost $52,000.

Contractors installed 315 sandstone blocks placed in three separate sections at Atherton Drive Reserve. The sandstone blocks will discourage driving on sensitive areas of the foreshore to ensure it remains a safe area for families and to protect the native vegetation.

New signage has been installed at two public boat ramps at the reserve to alert the public about endangered shorebirds that nest in the area.

The critically endangered Beach stone-curlew (Esacus magnirostris) nests on nearby Urunga Island, however, their breeding site can be disrupted by visitors travelling to the island during mating season. Dogs can damage nests, forcing mating pairs to abandon eggs, endangering the species' future.

The new signs will urge the public to refrain from visiting Urunga Island during the shorebird’s breeding season, which runs from August until January.

The latest improvements to Atherton Drive Reserve follows Crown Lands’ removal of five derelict and unused boathouses from Atherton Drive Reserve in July, which allowed more than 1,088 square metres of green open space to be returned to community use.

Urunga Shorebird Working Group member Brad Nesbit said the new signage will help protect the critically endangered shorebirds that use the area to nest.

“Urunga Island is a place where people enjoy picnicking, but during the breeding season the Beach stone-curlews can be badly disturbed by people and dogs causing the parents to abandon their eggs,” Mr Nestbit said.

“There are only 15 breeding pairs in all of NSW so giving them free uninterrupted use of the Island during the breeding season seems only fair, and hopefully these signs will encourage people to watch the birds from afar as they enjoy the facilities at Atherton Drive Reserve.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said Atherton Drive Reserve is a beautiful site that deserves to be enjoyed by everyone.

“The new sandstone blocks not only enhance the view but will dissuade anti-social behaviour including driving on sensitive areas of vegetation,” Minister Kamper said.

“Crown land reserves play a big role in the NSW visitor economy supporting tourism and local businesses, jobs and economies that prosper from visits.”