$100,000 grant to restore native wildlife and plants at Curl Curl Lagoon

CAMPAIGNERS who hope a beautiful, but polluted lagoon will one day recover enough, so that people can swim in it, are celebrating after winning a $100,000 grant to remove non-native plants and trees.

Curl Curl Lagoon could one day be clean enough to swim in.

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Curl Curl Lagoon will undergo a three-year $100,000 rehabilitation program to help bring back native flora and wildlife.

Paula Cowan, president of Curl Curl Lagoon Friends, said the work will involve removing non-native plants and trees and planting native ones on the north bank.

“It is critical to maintain local pride in the lagoon and surrounds as a focal point of our suburb,” she said.

A dog owner with her French bulldog cooling off during the hot weather at Curl Curl Lagoon. Picture: Braden Fastier.

“Complete rehabilitation of the waterway is several decades away and we believe enhancing and preserving the ecosystem during this time will ensure that the lagoon retains its value to the community.

“We hope that people will one day be able to swim in the water.”

Ms Cowan, who lives in North Curl Curl, said volunteers from the group, along with schoolchildren and council workers will help with the conservation work.

The lagoon is at the north end of Curl Curl Beach.

Manly MP James Griffin said the $100,000 grant will be provided by the NSW Government to the Northern Beaches Council for the Restoring Pride in Curl Curl Lagoon project.

“Removal of weeds and planting of native vegetation on the lagoon’s northern bank will provide better habitat for fish and birds and provide a better corridor for the movement of native fauna,” he said.

Wildlife at Curl Curl Lagoon. Picture: Maryan Heffernan

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the council was happy to support the project.

“Extensive rehabilitation has been undertaken over the years to make this valuable recreational asset what it is today, but given its legacy it requires ongoing work to maintain this little gem right at our doorstep,” Mayor Regan said.

“We welcome this significant grant, highlighting the importance of local and state government working together to achieve the best for our community and our environment.”

Mr Griffin and Cr Regan congratulated Curl Curl Lagoon Friends who have been advocating for a cleaner, safer lagoon for almost 40 years and are actively involved in the bush regeneration conducted along the lagoon on the first and third Saturday of each month.

To join the group go to curlcurllagoonfriends.org.