Current view: Text account
Site description (2008 baseline):
Site location and context
Lake Macquarie is a large coastal lake north of Sydney. The Lake Macquarie IBA is defined as the southern edges of the lake, which support swamp mahogany, ironbark, forest red gum and spotted gum, which are key food species of Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater. This area covers the southern margins of the lake south of the town of Belmont, including Belmont Lagoon and Blacksmiths Reserves, from the lake to the sea; then between the lake shore and the Pacific Highway, south from the lake outlet at Swansea; then between the lake shore and the Sydney-Newcastle freeway to Dora Creek; then between the lake shore and Wangi Road north to Kilaben Bay. The area is primarily residential blocks with many large trees. Many coal mines extend under the IBA and there are two power stations.
Masked Owl; Ospreys nest regularly (this is the southernmost regular breeding site for this species in eastern Australia).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Swamp Mahogany and other key trees need to be actively protected by the Lake Macquarie Shire Council.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Lake Macquarie City Council and local landcare groups have helped regenerate bush and control weeds at Galgabba Point Reserve and elsewhere.
Wallarah National Park
Galgabba Point Reserve
Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area
New South Wales state parks; private freeholds; traditionally owned lands; council foreshore and other reserved lands.
Hunter Bird Observer Club and bird reports. Nomination prepared by Alan Morris with consultation with Alan Stuart.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Lake Macquarie (Australia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/lake-macquarie-iba-australia on 24/11/2024.
