Three Wildlife Protection Areas proposed for Pottsville

10 May 2018

Comment invited for plan to prohibit dogs and cats from sensitive habitat

Council is seeking comment from the community for a proposal to establish three Wildlife Protection Areas in and around Pottsville.

The plan would prohibit dogs and cats from the areas around Koala Beach, the Pottsville Environment Park and the southern end of the Pottsville Wetland including the Black Rocks sports field.

Council Director Community and Natural Resources Tracey Stinson said the designation is justified due to the very high conservation significance of these areas.

“Wildlife Protection Areas are public places set apart for the protection of native animals and their habitats under the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998,” Ms Stinson said.

“These areas contain numerous threatened species – including koalas – and are part of the few remaining intact natural areas on the Tweed Coast.

“They are also being closely managed for conservation outcomes, with significant ongoing investment in ecological restoration, revegetation, vertebrate pest control and threatened species management.”

Restrictions are already in place for dog and cat ownership and activity in the proposed areas, meaning the impact on domestic pets is expected to be negligible.

Additional bushland reserves will also be considered in the future for declaration as Wildlife Protection Areas.

In accordance with the Wildlife Protection Area Policy adopted by Council in November 2017, any proposals to do so will involve prior consultation with the community and clearly identify any impacts on domestic pets.

The Koala Beach Wildlife Protection Area will include all Council managed public land within the boundaries of the Koala Beach development. The majority of this land is bushland, but includes a small amount of Council operational land (i.e. Koala Beach sports field).

The Pottsville Environment Park Wildlife Protection Area will include all Council managed public land within the boundaries of Pottsville Environment Park. The majority of this land is bushland, but includes a Council managed road reserve (Centennial Drive west of Cudgera Creek) and the community building and parkland surrounds within the Park.

The Pottsville Wetland (south) Wildlife Protection Area will include the Black Rocks sports field and the surrounding bushland area. It will also include the adjacent Council managed bushfire Asset Protection Zone and an unsealed section of Kellehers Road reserve that bisects the Pottsville Wetland.

Proposed Wildlife Protection Area declarations are on public exhibition and open for comment from 21 May 2018 for a 28 day period until June 17.

To view the proposal and instructions on how to make comment visit council’s website at www.tweed.nsw.gov.au after 21 May under ‘On Exhibition’.

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Caption: Proposed Wildlife Protection Areas around Pottsville