Belmont Wetlands State Park NSW

Belmont Wetlands was established in 2005 as the 10th State Park in New South Wales. The former BHP site, which adjoins the Pacific Ocean between Belmont and Redhead south of Newcastle, is now under management of a Community Trust Board that will plan and direct the remediation and improvement of the Belmont reserve to ensure environmental values are sustained and public access is improved.

Belmont Wetlands State Park comprises seven coastal wetlands, some of which drain into Lake Macquarie. It features the largest single open water wetland in Lake Macquarie and is fed by an extensive wetland system from the north and north east.

Bordering the South Pacific Ocean are extensive sand dunes fringed by forest. This 514 ha site is host to a diverse range of over 170 species of native wildlife.

Belmont Wetlands also has sites of value to our cultural heritage, with evidence of Aboriginal occupation and early European settlement.

Accommodation is NOT available on this park.

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In 2005, LPM Authority declared Belmont Wetlands as NSWs 10th state park. Lands Public Reserves Management Fund supplied initial seed funding for the community based trust, as caretakers of the park, to undertake revegetation. In addition,  LPM Authority has provided $250,000 for the trust to prepare of a draft plan of management to address immediate on-ground management needs.

This PoM is on public exhibition from 18 September until 30 October 2009. Details are available on the LPM Authority website.

Some benefits of the project:

environmental rehabilitation of degradation caused by sand mining
environmental rehabilitation following 4WD and trail bike use
protection of the park from illegal dumping, arson and other antisocial activities
an extensive weed and feral animal control program to help protect biodiversity and sensitive habitats
protection and rehabilitation from soil erosion
continual bush fire mitigation works to protect wildlife and surrounding communities
extensive revegetation and dune stabilisation works utilising Green Corps volunteers
protection of important cultural heritage sites for future generations
enhancement of the environmental and recreation values of the reserve
engagement of community members in the long-term care of the park
achievement of better outcomes for native vegetation, biodiversity, land, rivers and coastal waterways as per the NSW State Plan.
Development of a Plan of Management
The draft Belmont Wetlands State Park Plan of Management is on public exhibition from 18 September until 30 October 2009. For more information and to view the plan visit the LPM Authority website.

Belmont Wetlands State Park NSW flora and fauna

The Park holds a range of important environments, from coastal wetlands with their abundance of wildlife, to rare examples of coastal woodlands; housing over 113 bird species, and a number of rare plant species. The area is important for maintaining both local and regional biodiversity, offering a range of habitat types which support a rich mix of plant and animal species dependent on the area for their survival. Over 113 bird species make the area home, as well as threatened wildlife species, and a number of rare and endangered plant species are found in the wetlands.

Landcare

A new Landcare grouop, Friends of the Wetlands Park, has already made significant inroads in the regeneration of a 600m long section at one of the northern entry points to the state park at Kallaroo Road. we encourage you to join this exciting community venture. Contact gregwrig@hotmail.com.