Embracing the clutches of environmentalismI’m highly appreciative of the letter from Dave Morgan (Bay Post 23 10 09) I find his comments concerning the “clutches of environmentalism” thought-provoking enough to delve into the Friends of Durras archives.
In 1985 the Friends of Durras was formed with the dual and complementary aims of retaining Durras Lake and its catchment in pristine condition and of seeking to improve the viability of the nearby Murramarang National Park by expanding its area.
In 1986 the Friends of Durras applied to have an interim Conservation Order placed over all undeveloped lands adjacent to Durras Lake.
In 1987 the Friends of Durras commenced campaigning against the development of the 500ha Urban Expansion Zone on the south-west foreshore of Durras Lake. After a successful campaign by the Friends of Durras, the then Minister for Planning, Bob Carr, disallowed this rezoning.
In 1989 this 500ha parcel of land on the south west corner of Durras Lake became available for purchase.
The Friends of Durras began an unprecedented public campaign to raise the money to purchase this land.
In 1993 the NSW NPWS, NSW Department of Planning and the Friends of Durras pursued negotiations with the owner of this land.
The Friends of Durras were able through fundraising, to raise $113,000 as a part contribution to buying this land.
The NSW State Government made a contribution of $600,000 through the lobbying efforts of the Friends of Durras.
This land with a frontage to Durras Lake of five kilometres was added to Murramarang National Park.
Between 1997 to April 2000 the Friends of Durras were a`stakeholder in the Southern Regional Forestry Agreement.
Through the efforts of very many volunteers the Friends of Durras were able to add approximately 10,000 hectares of formerly Forestry and Crown land to Murramarang National Park.
Since 2000 the Friends of Durras have been involved in a considerable variety of conservation work such as the Shorebird recovery program, continual working bees to remove the exotic plant Sea Spurge from the beaches of Murramarang coastline, minimising the spread of the exotic invasive marine plant species Caulerpa Taxifolia in Durras Lake and regular rubbish removal in Murramarang National Park including the shoreline of Durras Lake.
From about 2001, the Friends of Durras recognising the important benefits of Marine Parks lobbied the NSW Government for a marine park adjacent to the Murramarang coastline, including Durras Lake.
The announcement by the NSW Government in late November 2005 that there would be a marine park in our local area was very welcomed by the Friends of Durras.
The final Batemans Marine Park zoning plan removed commercial trawling from the park and has provided improved fishing opportunities for anglers and contributed to the overall conservation of the south coast’s marine environment.
Environment Minister at the time Bob Debus acknowledged the efforts of the conservation movement in having commercial fishing banned from Durras Lake. Globally, marine sanctuaries have achieved conservation goals and resulted in social and economic benefits to fisheries.
The Friends of Durras are enormously proud of their conservation achievements for nearly 24 years.
Responsible for a wonderful legacy of enhanced biodiversity protection for this special area of the NSW coastline.
These protected areas provide a variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
If this is the achievement of the clutches of environmentalism Dave Morgan, may there be much more clutches of environmentalism in Australia.
John Perkins, Secretary, Friends of Durras
Motor events viewed as the devil’s work
It seems that the annual motor show held in this shire is in jeopardy of finishing.
This seems mainly due to restraints and pressure applied by council and the odd resident, which I find disgraceful, especially while those of us in small business are screaming out for all the assistance we can get to stay afloat.
I have just been to Bathurst for the 1000 classic and also to Phillip Island for the Moto GP and both these places are absolutely swamped with people, noise and everything associated with motor racing.
Yet the residents and the shires cannot do enough for you and are incredibly welcoming, so what is it with this antiquated attitude by so many in this shire?
If there is an arts festival or some other arty farty party the powers-that-be are all over it but motor vehicle activity is the devil’s work.
Careflight and numerous other charities can’t sing the praises of Lee and Debbie Pearce loud enough for the funding they receive from this event.
Now, once again due to the noises of the vocal minority, they too lose out.
Jack Hogg, the founder of the Moruya speedway, must be turning in his grave to see what has happened to his dream.
Residents purchase property near a speedway knowing full well what they are buying, then set about destroying all that has been done for all.
It’s like buying at Mascot and complaining about airport noise.
Pete Ward, Moruya
Give Mick a go!
As most residents know Batemans Bay Bowling Club is about to be taken over by the Golf Club.
I am writing this as I am very sad to see my husband Mick Teasdale with a broken heart over this decision.
Mick has been a loyal member of this club since he was 22 and he is now 64.
He worked behind the bar for 32 years and has made this club his life. He is the last old time member.
He has been a director two or three times and has served as the bowls secretary. He narrowly missed being elected as President at the last AGM.
I feel that after all his years of loyal service to this club, he deserves to be president at least once.
So please come along and vote at the AGM.
Mick became a member of the Golf Club 1955 when he was only 10-years-old, still has several trophies he won as a golfer.
Come to the AGM and vote people!
Molly Teasdale, Batemans Bay
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