Council is urging residents to do their part in taking care of Tuggerah Lakes to mark World Wetlands Day which is today.

World Wetlands Day, 2 February, is an international celebration to increase public awareness of the vital functions wetlands play in the environment and to promote conservation and the wise use of wetlands.

Council is committed to preserving and maintaining our remaining wetlands in the Tuggerah Lake catchment, with some 50 per cent having been lost due to draining and clearing for agriculture and housing over the past 200 years.

Council’s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said World Wetlands Day presented a timely reminder that Tuggerah Lakes, a 1620 ha catchment, needed constant care.

“The wetlands are like the purifiers for water entering the lakes, in that they are important filters for water before they enter our lakes. They filter water on its way to downstream waterways by slowing and spreading the water, allowing sediment to drop out and plants to remove contaminants such as phosphorous and nitrogen,” Mr Dowling said.

“Council has invested almost $30 million on the estuary over the past eight years but everyone can play their role in taking care of the lakes. We are always looking for volunteers for our Landcare groups to help us care for, and maintain this vital asset.”

A range of internationally protected bird species live in Tuggerah Lakes, including resident waterbirds such as the Chestnut Teal and the near threatened Bar-tailed Godwit, famous for flying 11,500 km in nine days from Alaska to New Zealand, the longest non-stop flight of any bird in the world.

Some of the largest natural wetlands in Tuggerah Lakes catchment area are Porters Creek Wetland (402ha), Tuggerah Swamp (256ha), Toukley Wetland (175ha) and Tumbi Creek Wetland (107ha).

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the lakes were one of our best natural assets, and we want to keep it that way.

“If it’s on the ground, it’s in our lakes,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Everyone can do their bit in caring for the lakes: wash your car on the lawn or use a professional car wash; pick up pet droppings and dispose of them in the red bin and compost grass clippings.”

For more information on how to volunteer and help conserve our lakes go to: loveourlivinglakes.com.au or wyong.nsw.gov.au/environment/landcare.