As someone who lives in a regional area (north coast NSW) and spends a fair
bit of time on private property I can't help but strongly support Russell's
comments. What appears to some people (?city people) as a minor issue can
be important to rural landowners. There was a letter in our local paper,
the 'Daily Examiner', a few days ago from a local landowner who had
experienced a visit from a person who wanted to get close to the Clarence
River to photograph the flood waters. This person did not seek permission
and departed leaving the gate open. This could have resulted in a couple of
horses straying on to the Pacific Highway and who knows what the result may
have been. Luckily the landowner noticed that the gate was open and shut
it before the horses bolted.
Private landowners own most of the biodiversity in Australia and we need to
seek their assistance in conserving it. We should respect their private
property rights and not jeopardise a good working relationship with them. I
have had permission refused by a few local people who are afraid that I will
find something rare and then 'National Parks' will take their land off them.
This is irrational thinking but I have had to respect their opinion and have
not ventured onto their land, even though it would have assisted my research
into the Black-necked Stork to do so.
Good (and respectful) birding
Greg Clancy
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