Karuah Wildlife Corridor - Karuah NSW - Signs of History on Waymarking.com

Step into the inspiring story of the Karuah Wetland Project in Karuah, NSW, a powerful example of community action and environmental triumph on Worimi Country. This sign tells the tale of a, now, State Significant Wetland, a vital sanctuary for migratory birds where unique freshwater and saltwater habitats intertwine. Picture a community banding together in 1991, facing the looming threat of development and destruction of this badly degraded area. Learn how the passionate Karuah Tidy Towns Parks Reserves & Wetlands Committee, with crucial support from the Hunter Wetland Trust, stepped in to successfully advocate and save this precious ecosystem.

Discover how their initial victory paved the way for ongoing regeneration. The sign recounts the development of a vital management plan and the continuous efforts, fueled by community spirit and various grants, to heal and enhance the wetland. It also highlights a subsequent challenge in 2006 and the community's unwavering commitment to protecting this significant ecological site.

The sign further invites you to explore the boardwalk, a testament to local dedication built through what was once degraded bushland. Imagine the transformation, beginning in 1997, as tireless volunteers undertook the immense task of creating improved access to the wetlands, finally completed in 2004. As you stroll along this walkway, appreciate the continuous efforts of these local heroes and bush regeneration teams who are tirelessly working to remove introduced weeds and restore this area into a beautiful natural space.

This place stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community unites to protect its natural treasures. Take your time to wander through the Karuah Wetland, knowing that your experience is made possible by the countless hours of passionate volunteers who first saved and continue to care for this significant environment.

The sign reads:

KARUAH WILDLIFE CORRIDOR

KARUAH WETLAND PROJECT
This recognised state significant wetland (SEPP *14 No.778) is a valuable migratory bird habitat and unique example of a freshwater wetland neighbouring a saltwater wetland.
In 1991 it was badly degraded; proposals for draining and a mobile home park loomed on the horizon. The Karuah Tidy Towns Parks Reserves & Wetlands Committee with support from Hunter Wetland Trust highlighted he importance of the area and saved is fate.
In 1998 a Wetland Management Plan was developed ind since then. Grants have been obtained from various sources to fund the regeneration of the area.
In 2006 development again threatened and again the committee protested successfully protecting this significant area.
To aid in the protection and ongoing enhancement of the wetland the committee has weeded, planted, constructed and installed a viewing platform, walkways, vehicle barriers, a short bridge and educational signage.

BOARDWALK
Work in this area commenced in January of 1997.
It was a badly degraded area of bushland and a very dedicated group of local volunteers tacke led what seemed a herculean task. Extending between Tarean Road and Franklin Street, the boardwalk was eventually constructed in 2004 to provide improved pedestrian access through to the wetlands. Volunteers continue to work in the area and with the help of funding to access bush regeneration teams many exotic weeds are being removed and it is being regenerated into a beautiful bushland walk.

VOLUNTEERS
These projects were undertaken by local community volunteers, who put many hours of their time and energy into improving the environmental values of Karah Wetland and surrounding area. Without the hard work of volunteers these environments would still be choked with weeds and degraded leaving a greater opportunity of loss to development.

Group that erected the marker: Port Stephens Council Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary: Tarean Road, Worimi Country Karuah, NSW Australia 2324 URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: Not listed

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