Funding to protect endangered shorebirds in Manning Entrance State Park

More than $360,000 in funding has been secured to reduce the impact of pests and protect endangered shorebird species in the Manning Entrance State Park on the NSW mid north coast. 

Catchments and Lands Senior Natural Resource Management Officer, Chris Wright, said the funding, provided by the Federal Government’s Caring For Our Country program, would primarily be used to reduce European Fox numbers and to control weeds in areas of Littoral Rainforest, listed both state and federally as an Endangered Ecological Community. 

“The Manning estuary is arguably the most important site on the NSW coast for the Little Tern, is also important for Pied Oystercatchers, and the southern most breeding site for the Beach Stone Curlew - all of which are endangered species,”
Mr Wright said. 

“Foxes can do huge damage at these sites, in the 2011/12 breeding season alone more than 35 Little Tern eggs or chicks were lost to foxes.”  

“Our efforts to control the foxes include monitoring, trapping, fumigation, and baiting, but we also ask the public keep domestic dogs out of the park and report any fox sightings,” he said. 

Mr Wright said the projects weed control component will concentrate on controlling Bitou Bush, Lantana, Asparagus Fern, Bridal Creeper, Coastal Morning Glory, Prickly Pear, Glory Lily, Madeira Vine, Coral Trees and Phoenix Palms. 

“This funding presents an opportunity to restore degraded areas which was previously unachievable as well as continuing the restoration of Littoral Rainforest remnants in park.”  

He said habitat enhancement works will also include protection of Key Fish Habitat at Luthrie Inlet (north end of Farquhar Park), and restoration of unauthorised four-wheel-drive beach access tracks at Manning Point. 

The 487 hectare park stretches from the popular seaside village of Old Bar to Manning Point and includes Farquhar Inlet, (the southern entrance of the Manning River) a caravan park, primitive camping ground (Farquhar Park), sporting fields and historic airstrip. 

Mr Wright said the park is a hidden gem that many in NSW may not know exists.  

“The foreshores of the coastal beaches and estuary provide an array of year round recreation opportunities while the protected tracts of rainforests and other significant native vegetation provide habitat for many species of native fauna and flora,” Mr Wright said. 

To learn more visit: www.stateparks.nsw.gov.au

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