Hat Head is home to the extraordinary Rainbow Bee-Eater. These dazzling native birds are a treasure of Australia's wildlife, protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW).
While not endangered, their nesting period is a critical time to ensure their continued success. By pausing activities like mowing, we can safeguard their burrows and show our respect for the rich biodiversity that makes our region so unique.
These efforts help preserve an ecosystem that not only benefits the Rainbow Bee-Eaters but also supports a vibrant environment for future generations to enjoy.
To comply with the protections afforded to the Rainbow Bee-Eaters under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW), mowing and other activities that could disturb their nests are not permitted until the nesting season concludes in April.
These birds create their nests in sandy soil, often within grassy areas, which means mowing during this time could destroy their burrows. This pause in maintenance is a necessary step to ensure the safety of these remarkable creatures while maintaining our commitment to preserving local wildlife.
Steve Pellen, Coordinator of Civic Services at Kempsey Shire Council, spoke about the importance of balancing community needs and environmental protection.
"Protecting our native wildlife is not just a responsibility but a privilege," Mr. Pellen said. "The Rainbow Bee-Eaters are a spectacular part of our natural heritage, and we're determined to ensure they have a safe nesting season. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by our temporary pause in mowing and appreciate the community's patience. Our crews are closely monitoring the area and will resume maintenance as soon as the nesting period concludes."
This protective measure will include bunting off sections of the busy Hat Head levy bank where nests have been identified. While mowing between the nests is possible, it will leave some areas with long grass, which has the added consequence of increasing snake habitats along the levy bank. Residents and visitors are encouraged to exercise caution in these areas and remain mindful of both the wildlife and their surroundings.
We understand that the longer grass may cause some inconvenience, but we assure you this is a temporary measure in the interest of protecting our natural treasures. Once the nesting period ends in April, our crews will work diligently to restore the area to its pristine condition.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we balance community needs with our commitment to conserving our unique environment.
