This article was first published in 2019 in 2508 District News.
On 21 December 2018, a new reserve was established in Helensburgh. Notice of its creation appeared in NSW Government Gazette Number 144 of that date. The reserve, No. 1039211, consists of the two old Helensburgh tunnels, i.e. Metropolitan Tunnel (the glow worm tunnel) and the shorter tunnel opposite it, the land adjacent to them including the Porcupine Track, and the gully between Tunnel Road and the railway station car park. The reserve has been set aside for “passive recreation, heritage purposes, environmental protection”.
The gazettal notice also appointed Helensburgh and District Landcare Group Incorporated as the Crown Land Manager for the reserve. As Crown Land Manager, Helensburgh Landcare is responsible for the care, control and management of the reserve. It has powers similar to that of a landowner, but with additional powers including the making of by-laws.
The first action was to officially name the reserve. It is Helensburgh Station Reserve.
The second action was to close Metropolitan Tunnel (the glow worm tunnel) to visitors for a four-week period during the current glow worm breeding season. This was to give the glow worm colony a chance to recover after being severely impacted by visitors during 2018. Generally, the closure was respected, however, some ‘visitors’ did climb over the fence. Members of one group let off a loud firecracker (cherry bomb) in the tunnel and were intercepted by locals as they climbed back over the fence.
At the moment, people entering either tunnel when the gates are closed, risk a fine in excess of $1,000. By-laws to protect the glow worms will be determined over the next few months. The fines for major activities destructive to the glow worms such as the lighting of flares, fireworks and inflammable materials are likely to be substantial. Landcare is determined to save this colony from extinction which is what happened to the small colony in the other tunnel after sustained graffiti vandalism on the tunnel walls.
Whilst the well-being of the glow worms is a primary concern, there are other issues to be addressed. We welcome any suggestions or representations from the community for the reserve.
Contact details are provided on the web at www.helensburghlandcare.org.au
