Saturday, August 27, 2011

The Death of Lake Wollumboola?

I last blogged on Lake Wollumboola and the possible listing of it as a RAMSAR site. In Shoalhaven World everything must have an 'economic benefit' so I pointed out that a RAMSAR listing had many opportunties for said benefit. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT BENEFIT IS CONSERVATION. Not many places can boast an unpolluted wetland that occasionaly opens to the sea and attracts thousands of birds every year through migration patterns.

But some people have it in their minds that conserving the wetland will somehow damage business and impede the ability of people to enjoy the wetland and its surrounds, these notions are unfounded and short sited.

I came back from holidays to find that the local developer had put in a last ditch effort to develop land of high conservation value on the shores of the lake for a golf course which would clear 40 out of 55 hectares right up to the current conservation buffer zone.

Shoalhaven has on exhibition its proposed new zoning plan which will see the whole area covered with a conservation classification so its hard not to be cynical that this a last ditch effort for any kind of development at any cost.

The developer still has an active Part 3A application sitting with the state government for a housing estate but this isnt about an either or argument- the simple fact is that any development within the Lakes catchment will have an impact on the long term health and sustainability of the lake. Its a principal that should be aheared to as a FIRST principle.

The campaign against the development of the site is building and was reported this weekend in the Sydney Morning Herald

There is still an opportunity to make a comment on this via Sholahaven Councils development tracking so take the time and drop a line it doesnt need to be an essay just express your feelings on this proposal go to the end of the page and there is a hyper link Contact Us About this application.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

A Month Away from the Every Day

Mataranka Springs:Photo courtesy of Micks Pixels

The last bit of sun on Katherine Gorge

You cant escape industry: Iron Ore loading facility just north of Borroloola

I certainly feel like a lucky puppy.

 A whole month away from the hirdy girdy.

No phone reception (well not for Optus users anyway).

No desire to facebook, check email or otherwise be electronically engaged.

Just a desire to enjoy each day as it came deal with alternative challenges such as broken water pumps, flat tyres, smashed camp ovens and children's fights.

We missed out on wretched winter weather at home apparently 10 days of stormy wet weather.

I had no clue as to what was happening in the political world locally, nationally or internationally.

Our little bubble of friends camped under majestic river gums with high tide marks well beyond our reach and on massive flood plains that its hard to imagine the volume of water on the landscape.

We met up with old friends and managed to make some new ones along the way. The kindness of strangers is inspiring and even though its something we try to practice ourselves its still surprises when it comes your way.

Stumbling on Thommo, Duck and Gordo at Yuralla is a perfect example- the offer of the shearers quarters and a hot shower was irresistible, they shared a 'sherbet' with the hot thirsty travellers. lit the 'donkey' for our hot water and generally made sure we were comfortable. Directions the next morning set us back on track with a memory worth savouring.

How can you not be impressed with the ever changing landscape of Australia. Litchfield National Park was a stand out for me as well as Mataranka and the road through Gulf country from Borroloola to Bourketown was magnificent with its many river crossings and sandy camp spots just waiting to be enjoyed.

Of course the crew was great to sharing the cooking and decision making, being supportive when things went wrong rather than getting impatient and grumpy.

But sadly its back to this other reality, work, study, the daily chores but at least there is always another adventure to look forward to and adventures to reflect fondly on.

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