The Minns Labor Government is delivering better communities and building the infrastructure that matters with a new flood resistant road set to unlock the full potential of the Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy and boost visitation to this gem.
Funded through a $472,535 Crown Lands grant, the road will connect to a Council public road, providing safe, reliable access to the 155-hectare reserve and boosting opportunities for nature-based tourism and community events.
This latest investment builds on the Minns Labor Government’s strong record at the site, including $570,000 for a sealed internal access road and $100,000 for weed management and other improvements over the past two years.
Together, these projects have strengthened access, protected sensitive ecosystems, and supported the long-term sustainability of the reserve, bringing the total Minns Labor Government support for the reserve to more than $1.14 million.
Situated on the south bank of the Wyong River next to Tuggerah Nature Reserve, the Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy is a hub for birdwatchers, runners, walkers, golfers, and nature lovers, while also holding deep cultural significance for the Darkinjung people.
The new road will open up long-awaited opportunities for community markets, festivals, weddings, educational programs, and eco-tourism – ensuring this iconic Crown reserve can be enjoyed by all, rain or shine.
The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund helps deliver these community benefits, boosting local economies, protecting cultural heritage, and supporting recreation across NSW.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities and investments in infrastructure like this can really make all the difference between surviving and thriving for regional communities.
“This new food-resilient road will enable the reserve to host larger-scale and evening events. It will increase community engagement and foster long term financial – and environmental – sustainability for Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy.”
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said:
“This further grant funding to build a second access road to Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Diary will open up this special place to the community and unlock the reserve’s unrealised economic, cultural and sporting
potential, while safeguarding this pristine environment.
“The flood-resistant road is literally a pathway to supporting tourism and local jobs while protecting sensitive habitats for native plants and animals, and areas of cultural and heritage significance to local and Aboriginal communities.”
Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy Crown land chair Jed Field said:
“This is game-changing. A flood-proof access road is the crucial piece of infrastructure that has been missing since the reserve was established in 2001.
“It will really unlock the potential of the Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy, by opening it up for broader community use as well as for the protection of the coastal environment.”