Recognising strong community interest in the future of Kings Wetland, Bayside Council is continuing to advocate that the NSW Government and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) commit to the rehabilitation, restoration and ongoing care of the State-managed land surrounding Kings Wetland.
Kings Wetland and the surrounding vegetation provide an important area of natural habitat within a highly urbanised and industrialised part of Bayside. With relatively little remnant bushland remaining in the area, the protection, restoration and enhancement of this environmental asset is of significant ecological value.
The opening of the M6 Active Transport Corridor has strengthened community awareness of and connection to this unique local environment. By providing opportunities for walking and cycling through the area, the corridor has enabled more residents to experience Kings Wetland, the surrounding bushland and local wildlife firsthand.
The land occupied by Kings Wetland is predominantly owned by Transport for NSW, with Council owning only one parcel within the broader area. Prior to the construction of the M6 Active Transport Corridor, much of the site was heavily overgrown and not readily accessible to the public.
Council is currently negotiating a care and control arrangement with Transport for NSW under which Council would assume responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of the Active Transport Corridor. However, the areas beyond the corridor require substantial bush regeneration, weed management and ecological restoration works to improve environmental health and habitat outcomes.
Responsibility for the rehabilitation and restoration of these areas rests with Transport for NSW as the principal landowner. Council will continue to work with Transport for NSW and advocate on behalf of the community to ensure Kings Wetland and its surrounding bushland receive the investment, management and long-term care necessary to protect and enhance this important environmental asset.
