THE hatching of several Bush Stone-curlew chicks at Jack Bayliss Park in Kingscliff has prompted renewed calls for dog and pet control around the breeding pairs and their chicks.
Two chicks hatched at the Marine Parade park this month and council officers are reminding owners that dogs must be on a lead while in the park.
“Bush Stone-Curlews are highly threatened, ground-nesting birds and dogs roaming off-leash are a leading threat to the survival of the chicks,” Council’s Natural Resource Management Officer Pamela Gray said.
“There is a very real risk the Bush Stone-curlew parents can get over-stressed and abandon the nest if people and dogs go too close.
“A significant number of dog owners allow their pets to roam off the leash in Jack Bayliss Park, even though it’s not an off-leash area.”
She said a temporary barrier has been erected around the nest site and Council Rangers will conduct regular patrols at the park.
A more permanent barrier will be erected this week.
“It is extremely heartening to see multiple breeding pairs in the Tweed each season, including some regular nesting sites, and communities have embraced the role to look after their local curlews,” she said.
“However, we need cooperation from all dog owners, motorists and other people near the nesting sites to ensure the breeding adults and their chicks remain safe.”
For more information about having wildlife friendly pets, visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/WildlifeFriendlyPets