Letters
Coalition settles on energy policy
Reef madness
Writing grant applications for Brunswick Heads Marine Rescue Unit for much of the past decade has made me acutely aware of the stringent conditions imposed by granting authorities. Properly responsible granting bodies should, and do, require explicit, clear, detailed information about any project BEFORE granting public moneys. Such information would be: the nature and need for the project; who benefits; the identity and qualifications of the management personnel; measurement of successes or failures in the project’s devel-
opment and progress reporting; but, most importantly, a detailed, explicit budget and timeframe. Vague, generalised statements such as ‘the money will be used to upgrade our communication equipment’ or ‘the grant will be used to repair salt-air damage to the radio tower’ would render an application worthy of the bin. It answers none of the detail required to justify public funding. I am completely astonished to read that our federal government has granted $442 million to the Barrier Reef Foundation in what seems a total vacuum of information
and a wildlife corridor. On the plan it was named ‘The Shelter Belt’. Diminished in name, in status and in reality, this heritage track has been pillaged. Obscured by fences, neighbours’ washing lines and kids’ playground equipment, trees have been cut down to feed fire pits instead of koalas. Who is meant to be taking care of this walking track? This public reserve is meant to be a thoroughfare and yet there are no signs explaining its significance. The incursion has been gradual, with each stage of Tallowood cutting further about how it will be used. Not into the ridgeline, land reonly astonishment gets me; I contoured with stone walls supporting the engougement. am simply disgusted. Responsible government? Roads replace the wildlife Dave Gilmore buffer zone. I have a particular affecMullumbimby tion for this track with its Tallowood promises magnificent sweeping views Identified by Arakwal elders from Wollumbin to Mt Chinas culturally and historically cogan along Main Arm Valsignificant, part of an Abo- ley. Now the ridgeline is fast riginal walking track from being consumed by Mcboxes. Byron Shire Council will Koonyum Range to the coast soon assess Tallowood degoes through the Tallowood velopment stage seven. This Ridge development in Mulis an opportunity to call for lumbimby. preservation of what’s left of In the original concept this important open space to plan, recognition, and a nourish body, mind and soul. commitment was made to Deborah Lilly preserve this important Mullumbimby track, which is koala habitat Q More letters overleaf
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Letters to the Editor
CHINCOGAN CHARGE 8th September 2018
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