Beneath the vast sky, Dee Why Lagoon unfolds. It is a scenic jewel of the Northern Beaches. The Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge covers 77 hectares. The lagoon itself is 30 hectares. The rest is swamp-based bushland. It includes the coastal dune ecosystem.
Imagine black swans once graced this lagoon. The indigenous people fished here. The lagoon was wider and deeper then. Today, Dee Why Lagoon is a haven. It is a refuge for local and migratory birds.
In 1973, Dee Why Lagoon was proclaimed a wildlife refuge. This recognized its high conservation value. The lagoon is listed on migratory bird agreements. These agreements are with Japan and China.
But, Dee Why’s story stretches back further. Surveyor James Meehan made the earliest reference. It was a pencil note in his field book. It read, “Wednesday, 27th Sept, 1815 Dy Beach.” The name’s origin remains unclear. Some say “DY” was a simple marker. Meehan used it for many places on his map. Others believe it came from the local Aboriginal language.
The first land listed was 700 acres. It was granted to William Cossar. This happened in the early 19th century. James Wheeler later purchased 90 acres in 1842. By the mid-19th century, James Jenkins acquired most of the land.
Elizabeth Jenkins gave her land to the Salvation Army in 1900. This recognized their support in her old age. The Salvation Army received 1,740 acres. 200 acres were in Dee Why. They established an industrial farm here. Hostels for boys, girls, and women were also built. Access to the beach was limited by a wire fence. It ran along the Salvation Army’s land.
Warringah Council formed in 1906. This gave Dee Why residents local government. Trams arrived in 1912. The line ran from Brookvale to Collaroy Beach. It went via Pittwater Road. This led the Salvation Army to sell its holdings from 1913. The Oaks Estate Auction gave its name to Oaks Avenue. Howard Avenue honors Commissioner Thomas Howard. He was the first commissioner of the Salvation Army in Australia and New Zealand.
Dee Why continued to evolve. By 1920, most of it was subdivided. Trams ceased operating in 1939. This was due to losses and competition with buses. Dee Why became the seat of Warringah Council in 1973.
Today, Dee Why Lagoon faces new challenges. AUSMAP identified microplastic hotspots here in 2019. Citizen scientists found high levels of microplastics. Some shorelines had 1000 pieces per square meter. The EPA NSW is partnering with the Northern Beaches Council to tackle this pollution. They aim to stop nurdles from entering the drains.
Walking along Dee Why Lagoon, you see nature’s resilience. Conservation and regeneration efforts aim to restore the area. The lagoon remains an important wildlife habitat. It is a safe haven for young fish and bird species. Remember, this place has seen Aboriginal fishermen, black swans, and the Salvation Army. It has seen trams come and go. Dee Why Lagoon continues to evolve. It connects us to both the past and the future.