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If you’re planning on viewing Harrington’s New Year’s Day fireworks from the beach, please be mindful of the endangered shorebirds’ nesting areas at Manning Point Entrance and Harrington Sand Spit. Harrington’s John Gollan Day Fireworks attract thousands of people to the area with many patrons parking on the beach in order to get the best vantage point. Unfortunately in previous years endangered shorebirds’ delicate nesting areas have been damaged and some birds killed when celebrations become irresponsible. In the lead up to the 2019 fireworks display, MidCoast Council would like to remind those planning on parking on the beach at either the Manning Point Entrance or the Harrington Sand Spit to please be mindful of the fenced off shorebird nesting areas. Little Tern nesting areas being disturbed from illegal fireworks being set off and landing inside the fenced areas, dogs being able to run loose in prohibited areas, fences being broken, people going into fenced areas to get a better view of the fireworks, as well as alcohol related problems, have all occurred in previous years. This has prompted National Parks and Wildlife’s Shorebird Warden, Kath Howard to park on the beach before and during this year’s fireworks to talk to people and monitor the nesting areas. The John Gollan Day fireworks at Harrington on New Year’s Day are always a fantastic, family friendly event but council is urging people to act responsibly, keep dogs on a leash and keep our endangered shorebirds in mind. Did you know the Manning River Times is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up here

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