Hello everyone, I am appealing to Birding Aus-ers to contact the
authorities listed on the bottom of this page to stop the destruction of
yet another mangrove habitat. Over the last two years controversy has
surrounded the proposed connection road (High level Connector) between
two main arterial roads in Mackay. This would at least involve the
destruction of 12.3 ha. of mangrove habitat along Barnes Creek, which
is probably the southern extent of the range of the Little Kingfisher
(Alcedo pusilla). Dozens of Wetland species can be found in this
habitat. Most important was a recent confirmed sighting of the
Great-billed Heron (Ardea sumatrana). This is not a large area of
mangroves, but it is a significant habitat for many creatures worth
protecting. Conservation and business groups have opposed this route and
at a meeting on the 14-4-99 whereat the Department of Main Roads
representatives were conspicuous by their absence, an alternate route -
called the Low Level Connector was proposed. This connector follows an
existing road called Riverside Drive. What is more interesting is that
this Low Level Connector was described in previous Main Roads technical
reports to quote "it would achieve the major objectives. It requires
the least expenditure, (some $5 million less I believe) has the highest
benefit and the least environment concerns" when comparing it to the
High Level Connector or the Multi Modal Corridor. Here?s what the
Queensland Government?s own body,The Enviromental Protection Agency says
in its letter to Queensland Department of Main Roads dated 30 April
1999, concerning the proposed High Level Connector Road:
" EPA advice on this project, pursuant to the State Development and
Public Works Organisation Act, is that the project should not proceed on
enviromental grounds. The basic position is enunciated in government
policy on coastal wetlands. That is there should be no loss of coastal
wetlands unless there is a significant, compensating social benefit. The
EPA considers that Main Roads have neglected past advice on these
wetlands and so considerably undervalued the resource leading to
inadequate planning of this project and an enviromentally damaging
outcome.
Specifically, the EPA does not consider that sufficient weight has been
given to the destruction of 12.3 hectares of coastal wetland in
comparison to other considerations in the formulation and adoption of
alternatives." However despite this good advice by E.P.A. and others
the Main Roads Department will be calling Tenders within the next few
days for the High Level Connector Road through the mangroves and the
Mackay City Council is still "sitting on the fence" on the issue.
In the interests of this country and its fragile fauna and flora I feel
this area should be made into a habitat reserve. This is a last ditch
plea for sanity and I would like all concerned citizens to write, fax
and email their objections to
Minister for Transport and Main Roads:
The Hon Steve Bredhauer MLA
PO Box 1549
Brisbane Qld 4000
Fax (07) 3224 4242
E-mail:
Minister for the Enviroment:
The Hon Rod Welford MLA
P.O. Box 456
Brisbane Qld 4002
Fax no. (07) 3210 6214
E-mail: environmental&
Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.
Maureen Cooper
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