CATTAI Wetlands, one of the Manning's hidden treasures, will be officially opened tomorrow (Saturday).
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To commemorate World Wetlands Day, Greater Taree City Council is conducting two 'Breakfast with the Birds' events, the first yesterday and another tomorrow.
The picturesque wetlands near Coopernook was once farmland suffering from the impact of acid sulphate soils, land clearing and weeds.
The previous landowners saw the potential of the wetlands and worked in partnership with council to explore management options, resulting in council purchasing Cattai.
In 2003, the city council began rehabilitating the site which has seen the natural beauty of the wetlands rapidly return. The wetlands are now home to more than 170 different bird species.
Federal member for Lyne, Rob Oakeshott will join mayor Paul Hogan to unveil a plaque recognising the origin and success of the Cattai Wetlands project. Gates will open at 7am tomorrow with the official opening at 7.30 followed by breakfast at 8am.
Since the beginning of January the wetlands has been open to the public over fours days - Friday through to Monday - from 8am to 3pm.
Times photographer Carl Muxlow attended yesterday's 'breakfast with the birds' and a slideshow of his photos can be viewed on our website as part of his Daybreak on the Manning series. A tip from Carl: Make sure you bring insect repellant - the mozzies are fierce!
Pictured: Bruce and Wendy Halpin of Tuncurry take a moment to enjoy Cattai Wetlands at yesterday's 'breakfast with the birds'.