Second fence to protect the Little Tern nesting site

The Minns Labor Government will fund the installation of a new fence to help protect a nesting site for endangered Little Terns on Elizabeth Island near Marks Point in Lake Macquarie.

Crown Lands will install the fence after discussions with the Hunter Wildlife Rescue group who raised concerns about visitors to Elizabeth Island scaring nesting terns.

An existing fence and signage was previously installed by Transport for NSW as part of their Swansea Dredging program to protect the terns. A year on, visitors approaching the fence have been scaring nesting birds into flight, leaving their chicks exposed.

Crown Lands will engage a contractor to install a second 300 metre fence at a cost of $14,500 that will provide an additional exclusion buffer zone of more than three metres from the existing fence which will also remain in place, ensuring visitors are kept at a safer distance to reduce the risk of scaring the Little Terns.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“I thank community group Hunter Wildlife Rescue for bringing this issue to attention, and Crown Lands for stepping in to install further protective fencing and to also fund a clean-up of rubbish on the island.

“Efforts to protect Little Terns by creating protected nesting areas and reducing disturbances will help ensure their ongoing survival.”

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“The first round of dredging saw almost 30,000 cubic metres of sand deposited from the Swansea Channel to Elizabeth Island, making it a popular nesting spot for Little Terns.

“However, an influx of visitors over the summer is putting pressure on the birds and their fledglings. The installation of a second fence will give the chicks a chance to mature and help protect this endangered species.

“We also ask that people take care that their dogs don’t frighten the Little Terns – we want to give the chicks the best shot at survival.”

Hunter Wildlife Rescue volunteer Jason Nunn said:

“The installation of the second fence will absolutely make a difference by keeping visitors to the island a further distance from the nesting sites. This will provide an expanded protection zone so the Little Terns will not be intimidated and leave their fledglings.

“Elizabeth Island has become an important nesting area and we have a unique opportunity to make a difference for a species that has been in decline.”