Geoffrey’s photograph graphically illustrates the gross stupidity of the ACT Government – I am not sure which Party- but who in their right mind puts a two stand barbed wire fence straight through the middle of a wetland nature reserve. Many species of waterbird fly around at night and this fence would have claimed many lives. It is just another example of people who obviously don’t look (see the photos of the Cumbungi) or basically give a damn about our nature reserves. I have brought the fence issue to the attention of members of the COG committee before today and , it appears, despite their bringing the matter to the attention of the relevant authorities, nothing has been done.
Similarly, I have over the last few weekends had to travel to Gunning via Mulligans Flat Road through some of the new suburbs in Gungahlin. All I can say is I was totally depressed on both occasions. Many old Yellow Box and Red Gum trees have been cleared and where the former entrance to Mulligans Flat NR used to be, it is now edged by piles of bulldozed Eucalypts. All the street trees are deciduous exotics, obviously to show the Governments “Green” credentials. Whatever happened to looking after species such as the Superb and Swift Parrots, Regent Honeyeaters etc, etc. Supposedly, from discussions with various committee members, Jon Stanhope is very committed to conservation in the ACT. If this is an example of his commitment then it is obvious he doesn’t have a bloody clue and I think COG is failing in its dealings with him. Another great example of the Government’s commitment to conservation is the suburb of Crace. From what I have been told, of the 95 mature Red Gums and Yellow Box in the former CSIRO paddocks and now green suburb in progress, 80 of those trees have, or will be removed. They are however leaving the “amenity planting” along the Barton Highway – Pinus radiata!!!!!! – a really useful plant for our endangered species.
Is COG wasting its time dealing with this, or any, future ACT Government? I am beginning to wonder!
Needless to say I am fed up with the so-called conservation activities of this useless mob and from discussions with many present and former COG members, I am not alone.
Mark
From: Geoffrey Dabb [
Sent: Monday, 2 May 2011 2:33 PM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Meanwhile somewhere in Africa
