McCarrs Creek Reserve
This beautiful natural public reserve sits at the western end of McCarrs Creek Road, Church Point, almost completely surrounded by 15,000 hectares of the Ku- Ring - Gai Chase National Park. It is much cherished by locals and numerous visitors and used extensively as an off leash dog park, boasts a modern pontoon and boat staging ramp along with a storage rack for dinghies. There are several fixed tables and vast grassed areas for picnicking and recreation. There is a well maintained toilet block facility available during daylight hours central to the area, with good parking and access throughout the reserve on sealed roads.
Northern Beaches Council has recently updated and installed good signage throughout the reserve indicating that overnight camping and the lighting of open fires on the grounds are prohibited. Local residents and park visitors endeavour to help council maintain this beautiful facility so that it continues to provide a safe and welcoming destination for all to enjoy. In the past, locals have formed “bush care” groups to help manage the natural beauty and weed control throughout the park.
Issues of continuing concern which have been brought to Council’s attention over the past year include:
Fire risk.
The lighting of large ground fires throughout the reserve, often destroying nearby trees by breaking limbs off to fuel fires along with leaving large burnt patches on the grassed areas. Significant concerns are held by locals of fires getting out of control and sparking much greater fires in the adjoining National Park.
Illegal camping.
The reserve is being continuously used by “itinerant travellers” as a “ free camping area”, in some instances for continuous weeks and months. Apart from closing off areas of the reserve to general public use, these “ campers” have been noted to light fires on the grounds, spill their grey water onto the roadways and use surrounding bushland for toileting.
Illegal dumping.
Illegal dumping of rubbish occurs occasionally, sometimes in large quantities. When this is seen it is immediately reported to the relevant council division.
These concerns remain active on the Association’s business agenda and are continuously reported to Council .
As a local community we can all play a part in the maintenance and preservation of this unique reserve. Now that the new signage clearly indicates that the lighting of open fires is prohibited and with the temperatures heating up it will be critical for anyone noting such behaviours to report them, either by calling 000 or Council Rangers via Northern Beaches Council on 1300 434 434.