Wingham Brush is open again, more than a year after the May 2025 floods left mud and debris through the rainforest, and it now has a live-stream camera trained on its grey-headed flying-fox colony.
Member for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson has welcomed the full reopening of Wingham Brush Nature Reserve following extensive repairs to boardwalks and visitor facilities damaged in the floods.
Mrs Thompson said restoring access to the much-loved reserve was another welcome step in the Manning Valley’s recovery.
“Wingham Brush is a special part of our community, and it is wonderful to see locals and visitors able to enjoy this beautiful place again,” Mrs Thompson said.
“The floods left mud and debris throughout the reserve and caused significant damage to walkways, railings and facilities.”
“Restoring access has taken considerable time and effort.”
“I thank National Parks and Wildlife Service staff, and everyone involved for their hard work and care in bringing Wingham Brush back.”
Completed works include new signage, walkways, railings, and ramps, allowing visitors to safely return to the rainforest.
A new weather station and live-stream camera overlooking the grey-headed flying-fox colony will also support conservation and research.
They will also give schools and the wider community the chance to observe wildlife and access environmental data online.
“These additions will give students and the wider community more opportunities to learn about this remarkable rainforest and the wildlife it supports,” Mrs Thompson said.
She urged people to pair a visit with a trip into town.
“I encourage everyone to take a walk through Wingham Brush, enjoy the restored facilities and make a day of it by visiting Wingham’s local shops and cafés,” Mrs Thompson said.
“Supporting our local businesses is another way we can help our community continue to recover.”
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