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Hi Birders,
Michael Hunter asked recently "What is happening at
Kooragang Island?". I believe what he was referring to was a statement by the
NSW Premier Bob Carr, on 16 June 2000, that the Government has offered a 75 ha
site on Kooragang Island to a Company called Bovis Lend Lease to establish an
integrated steel mini-mill on Newcastle's Kooragang Island. The Premier had
travelled to Newcastle to pledge his ongoing support for the Project. He has
offered to act as an international investent scout for Bovis Lend Lease during
his trip to London this month, saying that he would make time to talk to
potential investors. Mr Carr said that the EIS will be the next significant step
in the development of this important project.
Sounds great for Newcastle and great for jobs! But
the land offered was a former BHP site and it is near the Kooragang Nature
Reserve and the site contains a number of wetlands including "the big
pond" famous (by Sydney & Newcastle birder standards) for its waders in
summer including Banded Stilts, Ruff & Marsh Sandpipers etc. It is
understood that the Government Agency handling this deal is aware of the value
of this wetland and the EIS may (will?) canvas the option of creating "the big
pond" somewhere on Ash Iisland as compensation for the loss of the wetland on
Kooragang. Anyone who wants further details should contact the Premier's Office
as that is all I know!
Alan Morris
Project Advisor
Birds Australia Environmental Trust Grant for
Wetland Rehabiliation on a small site on Ash Island.
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