Wild Land Wonderful Recovery

Newcastle Herald

Friday November 14, 2008

By MATTHEW KELLY

STAFF and volunteers at the Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project at Ash Island celebrated 15 years of environmental recovery yesterday.

Launched in 1993 to compensate for the loss of fish, shorebird and other wildlife habitat, the area is today recognised as a wetland area of international significance.

"The environmental achievements at Kooragang Wetlands have been outstanding, transforming a once degraded landscape into a thriving habitat for fish, shorebirds, threatened species and other wildlife," Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority chairman Wej Paradice said.

Dr Paradice said the project was a perfect example of how communities with a shared vision could significantly improve their environment.

Covering three sites Ash Island, Tomago Wetlands and Stockton sandspit the project's main activities include managing water flows, restoring native vegetation, conserving threatened species, restoration of heritage sites and building visitor facilities.

The project has contributed to the conservation and rehabilitation of the estuarine landscape, native vegetation and bird and frog species.