Reflections responds to Scotts Head Reserve concerns with regeneration action

CONCERNS about the management of Crown land at Scotts Head were brought to the attention of News Of The Area (NOTA) earlier this year, prompting broader community discussion and warranting a closer look at efforts underway to protect and preserve this much-loved stretch of coastline.

NOTA reached out to Reflections Holidays, the Crown Land Manager and a major tenant in the Forster Beach (South) area of Scotts Head, to better understand how the reserve and its surrounding natural assets are being cared for.

NOTA also spoke with the Scotts Head Community Group (SHCG), who have been closely monitoring local environmental efforts.

Far from neglect, the SHCG reported that Reflections Holidays has made noticeable progress in the care and upkeep of both the Scotts Head Reserve and other areas under their stewardship.

Reflections Holidays is responsible for the care of 42 hectares of Crown land at Scotts Head, a part of its broader portfolio of 40 holiday parks and 47 community reserves across New South Wales.

“Reflections Holidays considers the care of Crown lands and community reserves to be a privilege as well as a responsibility,” Reflections Holidays CEO Nick Baker told News Of The Area.

“Reflections’ local team works in close partnership with us, Nambucca Valley Council, and Crown Lands to maintain the coastal reserve for visitors and residents alike,” added SHCG’s Tony Crimmins.

“SHCG works with Reflections to identify and prioritise areas of importance to the Scott’s Head community and we commend Reflections on their recent efforts to combat the spread of weeds across the coastal reserve and their ongoing commitment to the regeneration of the native vegetation.”

Earlier this year, Crown Lands engaged bush regeneration specialists Ecolinx to commence targeted weed removal and ecosystem restoration across the reserve.

The project has focused on managing woody and vine weeds including Lantana, Senna, and the invasive Mile-a-Minute from Elephant Head through to West Street, with particular attention given to preserving the reserve’s fragile littoral rainforest.

Notably, two threatened flora species have been identified during the works: Sophora tomentosa (Silver Bush) discovered in the dunes adjacent to the holiday park, and Plectranthus cremnus at the base of Elephant Head.

Both are now being protected as part of the ongoing environmental restoration plan.

A successful application by Reflections Holidays to the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) has secured additional resources for the continued employment of Ecolinx and they have also added a staff member specifically dedicated to managing the reserve.

Reflections has also begun collaborating informally with the local Dune Care volunteers, providing support during their monthly meetups, with future formal partnerships under consideration.

Visible improvements in the area include the installation of a new rockfall retention fence near the main boat ramp, upgraded playground soft-fall surfaces, pruning and clearing of overgrown footpaths, mulching around mature trees, and the planting of mature Tuckeroo trees to enhance habitat and visual appeal.

The SHCG was also highly complimentary of Reflections’ local Holiday Park Manager, Jacki Middleton.

“We are very grateful for Jacki’s personal support for the recent Scotts Head Art Show and in particular, her support and commitment for the refurbishment of the Scotts Head Reserve Hall,” Tony Crimmins told NOTA.

Reflections says it encourages all guests to “leave each location as they found it” and actively promotes eco-conscious behaviours, such as shorter showers and switching off lights when not in use.

Signage and education programs in cabins and amenities blocks help reinforce this message.

In a further boost for accessibility, Reflections has contributed $20,000 towards a new all-access beach ramp scheduled for construction in the near term, with co-funding and construction by Nambucca Valley Council.

Additionally, the company claims to be exploring partnerships with local Indigenous groups to integrate traditional land management practices, such as cultural cool burns, into future care strategies.

By Mick BIRTLES