Dharug

The Longneck area supported a large population of Aboriginal People prior to European settlement in 1794. The Dharug Nation, and in particular the Caddie (Cattai) Clan lived in this area. The surrounding bushland and waterways were utilised sustainably to provide for and nurture all. The Deerubbin (Hawkesbury River) was a food source, transport pathway and water source. The banks of the Deerubbin were used for murnong (yam) plantations.

Evidence of this occupation is found on the lagoon margins with core stone deposits and hearths.

Early European

During the 1790’s Longneck Lagoon and the surrounding woodland became part of the Nelson Common. Large areas of the woodland were extensively grazed until 1971 when Longneck Lagoon and the surrounding woodland were gazetted as a reserve. In order to maximise grazing land, local farmers ‘ringbarked’ trees by cutting a circle or ring through the bark and cambium layer of the tree. This caused trees to die allowing greater grass growth for stock. 

Current

Longneck Lagoon is part of Scheyville National Park which was gazetted in 1996 in order to protect the endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland. While Scheyville National Park is a fragmented park (currently with 7 discrete areas) it provides important conservation of flora and fauna. The land immediately surrounding Longneck Lagoon is a mixture of small semi-rural land holdings and protected bush. There are three creeks running into the lagoon which flow through both semi-rural land holdings and bushland.