The Wingham Riverside Reserve upgrade project has gained a funding boost to replace flood-damaged facilities and clean up amenities, alongside a grant to restore the habitat for flying-foxes.
The planned upgrade was to start earlier this year, but the March floods caused MidCoast Council to postpone it. An expanded scope of works will now begin in May 2022, following the flying-fox breeding season.
NSW Government guidelines stipulate that loud noises and sudden movements can disrupt the flying-foxes and cause the females to drop their young.
The Reserve project includes earthworks and paving to parking space, landscaping, and installation of timber bollards and a retaining wall. Now the additional $100,000 grant will help refurbish amenities, install picnic tables, and replace flood-damaged facilities.
The flooding washed about 150 cubic metres of embankment away from an area near the boat ramp.
"This upgrade will take around eight weeks to complete with the remediation work," said Dan Aldridge, Council's Executive Manager of Community Spaces.
Visitors can still access facilities until work commences.
"Despite its temporary closure, we're excited to improve this area for the community," said Mr Aldridge.
Following the floods, Council obtained a $223,610 grant from Local Government NSW (LGNSW), funded by the NSW Environmental Trust to restore flying-fox roosting and foraging habitat. The grant will include revegetation and weed control rehabilitating eight hectares of land in the coming years, also helping to restore the endangered low land rainforest.
"The extra work will deliver a welcoming recreational space for locals and visitors and a generous home for the flying-foxes," added Mr Aldridge.
