One of Blackheath's hidden treasures, the duck pond that forms part of the historic Blackheath Memorial Park, is in urgent need of attention, according to Ward 1 Greens candidate Sarah Redshaw.
But help could soon be on the way with Blue Mountains City Council providing an update on proposed works funded by a NSW government grant.
Ms Redshaw said she was surprised on a recent walk to "find a lot of rubbish and silt in the water including dumped tyres, pittosporum and cotoneaster - both classified as noxious weeds by council - as well as ivy growing wild around the edges of the pond and many shoots of European trees on the refuge island".
"There were no native wood ducks in or near the pond," she said. "I only spotted one Mallard and two black and white Muscovy Ducks though this could be seasonal as native ducks have been seen in the pond before."
Friends of Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park have worked hard over the years holding working bees and getting funding where they can for work on the extensive park. They would like to see an accessible path around a rejuvenated pond.
Alan Lane of the Popes Glen Bushcare Group said: "The surrounding vegetation is currently uncared for but could be transformed by some imaginative landscaping - sandstone boulders, rock shelves, native riparian and wetland vegetation, habitats for water birds, turtles and frogs."
Ms Redshaw is asking council to prioritise cleaning up the pond by at least clearing the rubbish and supporting local groups to rejuvenate the area.
"It would be great to see more native vegetation to attract our native wildlife and make it a safe and inviting environment. It could be transformed it into a lovely place for both people and the local fauna."
Blue Mountains City Council is planning to upgrade the duck pond as part of a project funded by the NSW Public Spaces Legacy program.
A council spokeswoman said verification of the construction funding for the project is expected in September.
"Once received, community consultation will be planned and the works scheduled."
The project includes replacing the existing formal edging with a riparian edge in line with water sensitive guidelines.
"This work would include adding plants to improve water quality and allow easy shore access by native animals, such as turtles and ducks."
The project will reshape the pond profile to allow deep sections which will help natural water flows into and around the pond.
It will also provide accessible paths around part of the pond's perimeter, including an accessible platform over the water's edge.
Council did not comment on Ms Redshaw's call for a short-term clean up of the pond.
