Media 25 May 2009
Published in the Byron Shire Echo 19 May and the Byron Shire News 21 May.
Environmental Justice
Over two years ago I came to work with North Byron Shire Parklands, to both manage the proposed event site and to develop innovative environmental solutions which addressed the past and present environmental degradation across the 255 hectare Yelgun site.
I am an environmental scientist by trade with over 15 years experience working in senior positions in State and Local Government environmental agencies, both as an environmental regulator and implementing environmental policy.
Whilst parts of the site were listed as high conservation wildlife corridor, on the ground it was evident that past clearing and agricultural practices had drastically fragmented the bushland. And whilst many valuable flora and fauna species had been recorded in the area, extensive ecological surveys clearly showed that due to the upgrade of the Pacific Highway and the Tweed Valley Way coupled with poor past land management practices, many of these communities had suffered badly.
What I saw was an incredible opportunity to consolidate these numerous land holdings into one ownership and develop programs to repair past damages, encourage habitat regeneration and involve indigenous and non-indigenous communities in these programs.
We received no objections regarding our proposal for a sustainable events site from government agencies (including National Parks and Wildlife, Department of Lands, Department of Water and Energy). We secured combined funding of just under $100,000 from the Federal Government to undertake a bush regeneration project involving the Madhima Gulgan bush regeneration team. The results were two successful community planting days, a Memorandum of Understanding with the Minjungbal People, the planting of 7,500 trees and the placement of many nest boxes across the site.
After nearly two years of negotiations with the Department of Environment and Climate Change we are about to transfer over 35 hectares of valuable and important bushland to significantly expand the Billinudgel Nature Reserve. We have also just secured a Catchment Management Authority grant to fence bush blocks and remove weeds.
That an organisation such as CONOS with maybe a handful of members purports to protect this site is worse than questionable. We have listened to their talk of ‘’flora, fauna and wildlife corridor’’ in the media. Catchy phrases, however they have been grossly misleading the public. What is more disturbing is their claim that Judge Preston, in the Land and Environment Court decision, ruled the trial DA invalid on environmental grounds. Judge Preston ruled the trial DA invalid based on a planning technicality.
The real issue here is about "Not In My Backyard". Please CONOS, have the courage to say it and don't use the environment as your excuse. She’s far too precious.
Mat Morris
General Manager
North Byron Shire Parklands
