9/11/2009
COFFS HARBOUR - FLAT TOP
NSW Parks and Wildlife (DECC) have approached NSWKBA to help spread the word about rare nesting birds at this popular kite location. NSWKBA urge all members to please help NSW Parks and Wildlife by following their direction during the nesting season by avoiding the areas they have highlighted and respecting the birds.
The following links are from NSW Parks and Wildlife. If you are an NSWKBA member and see people kiting during the nesting season (Nov - Feb) please help by talking to the people and asking them to move 150m away from the area.
http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/profile.aspx?id=10769
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/sterna-albifrons-sinensis.html
“Everyone is keen for the Hearnes Lake site to continue to be successful for the Little Terns,” said Mr Storrie.
“Council and the NPWS are working with representatives of the kitesurfing fraternity to work out how best to communicate with them about the issue and generate support for a voluntary exclusion zone 150 metres either side of Flat Top while the Little Terns settle in for the nesting season” Mr Storrie said.
Local kite-maker and Australian Kitesurfing Association member Bob Dawson said that Flat Top is known around the world as a high quality kitesurfing site.
“But, for the future of the sport, it’s important for the kitesurfing fraternity to work with land managers.
“Using the Kitesurfing Association website and other internet sites, blogs and chat rooms, we will be trying to spread the word about the Little Terns and the idea of a 150 metre exclusion zone,” he said.