In regard to the letter Restoring ratepayer focus (Letters, July 25) about the LEP, it mentions urban landholders being “affected by the extreme environmental management zones applied to many public reserves . . .”
We point out that urban foreshore reserves in the catchment of our many lakes and estuaries have an important role to play, not only as passive recreational areas but by remaining vegetated provide erosion control on steep slopes, filtration of runoff into our waterways and as native habitat.
Focal points along the shoreline are kept as open space for sight-seeing, picnics, beach access, etc, and zoned accordingly but the environmental management zoning on other vegetated foreshores is in line with the shire’s estuary management plans.
These plans have a good balance between the need for community amenity and environmental protection based on the findings of scientific studies.
Many of us live in this shire because we know that our health and wellbeing are improved by living in a clean environment where we can enjoy the scenic beauty of our lakes, and also good water quality for fishing and boating.
We will, therefore, be looking for council candidates who have a “ratepayer focus” but to us that means councillors who will also take into account the effect on our natural environment when considering planning and development issues.
Maureen Baker, OAM, James Baker, Tuross Head