birding-aus

Mangrove destruction imminent

To: "Birding Aus" <>
Subject: Mangrove destruction imminent
From: "." <>
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2000 21:46:05 +1000
Here are the latest developments in this battle to save the Mangroves in Barnes Creek, Mackay :-
Dept. of Main Roads are intent on constructing a connector road between two main arterial roads to facilitate the transport of sugar to Mackay Harbour, despite there being provision for the road in an existing Multi-modal corridor to the Harbour.  Previous Main Roads Technical Reports state that this proposed route is the most expensive and most environmentally damaging option.
 
 Main Roads cannot disturb the sub-soil until after the wet-season because of leaching of acid sulphates, however the successful tenderer is commencing removal of the mangroves by chainsaw within the next fortnight.  Is the reason for this haste to present us with a fait-accompli.
 
This area of Barnes Creek ear-marked for destruction is the habitat for 138 bird species, including Great-billed Heron and Little Kingfisher, as well as 5 rare and 2 vulnerable bird species as listed below:- 
     Radjah Shelduck (R), Black-necked Stork (R) Square-tailed Kite (R) Lewins Rail (R) Eastern Curlew (R) and Beach Stone Curlew (V), Little Tern (V).  Other species are Flatback Turtle (V) and False Water-rat (R) These species are listed under Rare and threatened fauna of Central Queensland Coast bioregion after the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994.  It was Declared Fish Habitat until it was revoked on the 5th September, 1999 by the Department of Primary Industries.
 
Mackay and Whitsunday Bird Observers Club of Australia and the Mackay Conservation Group have instigated legal action through the Environmental Defender's Office in regards to the removal of this area from the fish habitat reserve.  This is being funded by public donations.  The destruction will commence before the Fisheries Tribunal hears the case and our Solicitor has been refused a stay on the project.
 
PLEASE HELP US TO SAVE THE BARNES CREEK MANGROVE SYSTEM BY EMAILING:- 
  • THE MEMBER FOR MACKAY:                      THE HONOURABLE TIM MULHERIN  
  • THE MINISTER FOR MAIN ROADS:               THE HONOURABLE STEVE BREDHAUER   
  • THE MINISTER FOR  THE ENVIRONMENT     THE HONOURABLE ROD WELFORD  Environment&
A sample e-mail could be :
  •  The Honourable......................................
I strongly object to the  destruction of mangroves for the East West Connector Road along Barnes Creek in Mackay and urge you to reconsider the original proposal to use the existing multi-modal corridor for the route to the Mackay Harbour .
Please stop the construction and clearing of mangroves immediately !!!!!!
 
Because:
  1. There is extra cost to the Taxpayer to construct this stop-gap road as well as the road in the Multi Modal Corridor  which will eventually replace it.
  2. Mangrove systems in Mackay are experiencing possibly the most severe dieback ever recorded in Australia.
  3. Mangrove systems are recognised as important nurseries for fish and crustaceans.  They are a vital part of marine ecosystems and the marine food chain.
  4. Bassett Basin of which Barnes Creek forms part is the habitat of 138 bird species, including Great-billed Heron and Little Kingfisher, as well as 5 rare and 2 vulnerable species
    and Flatback Turtle (vulnerable) and False Water Rat (rare).
  5. Mangroves provide protection of the coast from storm surge and flooding and stabilise the banks.  Destruction of inter-tidal wet-lands, such as mangroves, will remove this protection. 
  6. There is mounting opposition to the destruction of this habitat because of its Tourist potential.
  7. This road would cause loss of business to the North Mackay Business Community as they would be by-passed.
Signed:....................................
 
 
Thank you for your co-operation.  Could you please e-mail a copy of your letter to me.
 
Maureen Cooper                                                       
 
 
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