Central Coast Council is undertaking sand building works at Karagi Point ahead of the ‘Little Tern’ bird species reaching the Central Coast for their 2021 breeding season.

This important habitat and enhancement work is funded by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program and follows a record-breaking breeding season on the Central Coast for the endangered Little Terns in 2020.

Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said strategic sand building works will be undertaken at a location where the Little Terns are likely to nest.

“The much-loved and endangered Little Terns will be arriving on the Coast in the next three weeks or so and it is vital that we take steps to help ensure they have another successful breeding season,” Mr Cox said.

“Over approximately three days, Council staff will move sand from the southern end of Karagi Point (adjacent to the channel) and deposit this 100 metres north at the location where the Little Terns are expected to nest.

“These works are vital as the Little Terns are strongly site faithful and this location is currently vulnerable to inundation by high seas, tides and flooding.

“To protect the Little Terns from people and dogs during this crucial nesting time, we will install a temporary fence and signage around the breeding site that has been replenished with additional sand.
 
“We had an incredible breeding season on the Coast last year – with Karagi Point being one of the most significant breeding sites in NSW – and we’re expecting strong Little Tern numbers again this year.

“By moving the sand from the southern end of the sandspit, the works will also aim to enhance the channel opening to better maintain the exchange of water between the lake and the ocean and provide for the preliminary phase of dredging which is planned to commence in 2022.”

Mr Cox added that Council will also be carefully monitoring upcoming works to restore Karagi Reserve beach access to ensure it has no impact on the Little Terns.

“We are also planning to restore the main access point to Karagi Reserve beach nearby which has been subject to coastal erosion. 

“Work plans and approvals are currently being prepared but are expected to involve placing additional basalt rocks to construct a southern end treatment to the existing emergency protection works constructed as part of the coastal erosion emergency response in 2020. 

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council is committed to best practice management, monitoring and education to support the growth of threatened species such as the Little Tern, Eastern Osprey, Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater.
 
“The Central Coast is critically important location to secure the future of the endangered Little Tern and we are hoping for another bumper breeding season,” Mr Hart said.

“Helping threatened species is part of our commitment to leave a positive legacy for future generations and reflects the values of the Central Coast community, which are strongly tied to this beautiful natural environment. 

“We ask that our community support us in helping the Little Terns by staying away from the breeding site, as well as keeping their pets away from the area.”

Community members can find out more about the Little Tern on Council’s website.

The habitat and enhancement work at Karagi Point will require a small section of the Karagi Point / Hutton Road carpark to be closed off with temporary fencing during works (approximately three days). 

Works to restore Karagi Reserve beach access are expected to begin in late September and will require the adjacent carpark to be closed during construction, which is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete. Beachgoers are advised to stay away from the area during the works.
 

ENDS