The council withdrew from the trust in December 2007, due to the lack of ongoing financial commitment from the state government.

The trust needs continued funding for weed, fire and track management.

Bidjigal Reserve Action Group chairman and trust member Michael Cameron told councillors at last Tuesday's meeting that council membership would strengthen the trust.

He said it was experiencing a rebirth, after the second board held its first meeting of their five-year term on February 12.

Councillors declined the invitation, but said the council would continue to provide support the work of the trust at an on-costs basis as the first step towards a closer relationship.

Bidjigal Reserve Trust board chairman David Wilmshurst said the trust and the council shared common goals. He hopes the council will eventually rejoin the board.

``While all of our trustees are ratepayers and come from a diverse background, the council hears from a wider spectrum of interests,'' Mr Wilmshurst said.

``The reserve is there for the community and we have to balance the many different interests in the community.

``The three dedications for the reserve are to preserve Aboriginal heritage, preserve flora and fauna and recreational use.''

The Land and Property Management Authority has given the trust $30,000 to devise a plan of management for the 18-hectare reserve.

The trust will talk to people including ratepayers, the catchment management authority and Integral Energy before writing the plan.

Details: bidjigal.org.au.