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Middle rock makeover Wednesday, 27 April 2005

MIDDLE Rock Lake Cathie will receive a major makeover at the end of the month. The area, with its significant rainforest vegetation, was targeted as a starting point for a coastal restoration project which aims to protect and restore the vegetation and amenity of the southern coastal foreshore. Hastings Council, Lake Cathie Progress Association and Dune Care Group along with Hastings Camden Haven Landcare Coordinating Committee are working together on the project to begin at the end of April. Gordon Cameron, the council’s environmental engineer is coordinating the works which will start with the viewing platform and elevated steps at the Point. "The platform and steps will enhance the amenities of the area and most importantly reduce erosion which should help the areas of revegetation to protect the rainforest remnant from damaging salt spray," Mr Cameron said. "Defining the carpark is also going to be undertaken and this will reduce damage caused by vehicles encroaching into the rainforest margin as well as provide additional areas for revegetation." Mr Cameron said members of the Lake Cathie community alerted the council to the problems at Middle Rock. Hastings Council applied for a grant to fund the works.

The Environmental Trust of NSW recognised the merit of the restoration and funded the projects spanning six years.

The initial project began in 2002 and targeted weed control, essential to allow the rainforest to regenerate naturally. The second grant covers the current work on restructuring the carpark and beach access.

Mr Cameron said the council intends to include a stage of education for the community to keep Middle Rock pristine.