There is an important egret colony at a wetland at Lawrence, near Maclean, on
the New South Wales north coast. An estimated 2,000 pairs of Cattle Egrets
nest annually with 20-50 pairs each of the Eastern Great Egret and Intermediate
Egret as well as a small number of Little Egrets. The Australian White Ibis,
Straw-necked Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Great Cormorant,
Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant and Australasian
Darter also nest there in large numbers. The Whistling Kite and Pink-eared
Duck are other breeding species. The Black-necked Stork, Brolga, Pied
Oystercatcher and Freckled Duck are threatened species that have been recorded
at the site. The Comb-crested Jacana and Magpie Goose have been observed at
nearby wetlands and probably also use the site.
There is presently a development application (SUB 2010/0025) being advertised
by the Clarence Valley Council for a 35 lot subdivision for land adjacent to
the wetland. The land is not presently sewered and urban runoff will go into
the wetland. Other disturbances such as dogs and cats and house and vehicle
lights are likely to disturb the nesting birds.
Emails to the General Manager (attention Patrick Ridgeway) at
objecting to the development would be appreciated.
Submissions close on Friday May 7.
Greg Clancy
Ecologist and Birding Guide
Coutts Crossing
==============================www.birding-aus.org
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