Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge

The Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge covers a total of 77 hectares. Approximately 30 hectares is the lagoon, the rest being bushland and a small grassy area. The refuge provides significant habitat for local and migratory birds and is listed as a designated wildlife refuge under JAMBA (Japan Australia Migratory Birds Agreement) and CAMBA (China Australia Migratory Birds Agreement).

Primary weeding of lantana at Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge

The Refuge contains 10 vegetation communities with high conservation status. All have been impacted on by the surrounding urban area. The weeds resulting from this threaten the long-term viability of the native vegetation.

The area has a history of vegetation clearance and dumping. The Dee Why Lagoon Draft Vegetation Management Plan identifies 26 hectares of bushland in good condition, approximately 12 hectares of moderate level weed infestation and five hectares of heavily weed infested bushland.

The main aim of bush regeneration at the refuge is to conserve, restore and protect the native vegetation communities and the animal habitat it provides. Professional and volunteer bush regenerators carry out these works.

Professional bush regenerators target weed vines, especially those in tree canopies and along road and fence lines and declared noxious and environmental weeds. They also sweep dune areas and specific vegetation types to protect them from future weed invasions.

Lantana waiting to be burnt to promote regeneration of Eucalyptus robusta

The professional bush regenerators liaise with volunteers, refuge users, adjacent neighbours and interest groups to educate and gain co-operation in the management of the area.