Investigation underway into vandalism at Pelican Island Nature Reserve

1 September 2023

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has launched an investigation into a series of disappointing acts of vandalism at the Pelican Island Nature Reserve.

NPWS Ranger and Field Supervisor inspect the damage in Pelican Island Nature Reserve.

NPWS Central Coast Area Manager Steve Atkins said the illegal activities, including camping, lighting fires, littering, damage to park signs and destruction of native vegetation, have raised concerns about the conservation of this vital natural habitat.

“Pelican Island Nature Reserve spans 40 hectares in the heart of Brisbane Water, protecting crucial estuarine vegetation, such as the swamp oak and the Saltmarsh Endangered Ecological Community,” said Mr Atkins.

“This island offers sanctuary to native animals and birds, including white-bellied sea eagles, which are a threatened species in New South Wales.

“We’ve faced repeated challenges at Pelican Island, with the park sign needing to be replaced 3 times since January 2023, due to repeated removals by vandals.

“A recent inspection revealed that over 70 casuarina trees have been cut down, and the ground is littered with broken glass bottles, rubbish and remnants of fires,” said Mr Atkins.

The nature reserve is only accessible by boat. NPWS will be installing surveillance cameras on the island and increasing patrols of the area.

Anyone with information about vandalism at Pelican Island Nature Reserve is asked to please contact the local NPWS Girrakool office on (02) 4320 4200 or email parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au.

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