|
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until it was revoked on the 5th September, 1999 by the Department of Primary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:
- 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.
- Mangrove systems in Mackay are
experiencing possibly the most severe dieback ever recorded in
Australia.
- Mangrove systems are recognised as
important nurseries for fish and crustaceans. They are a vital part
of marine ecosystems and the marine food chain.
- 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).
-
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.
-
There is mounting opposition to the destruction of this habitat because
of its Tourist potential.
-
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
| 