MEDIA RELEASE 6 MAY 2008
Historic signing of Bengello Land for conservation
This week saw the Eurobodalla Shire Council and the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (SRCMA) sign an historic agreement that guarantees the future of a significant tract of coastal forest that stretches from Moruya Airport to Broulee.
President of Coastwatchers, Mark Fleming said, “This week ends 20 years of lobbying by the association to conserve this part of the coast for future generations. The Councillors need to be congratulated for supporting this initiative and the SRCMA for progressing with the appropriate paperwork to seal the deal”.
“It is believed that this is a first for the State where a local government authority has signed a Property Vegetation Plan that ensures the preservation and management of property in perpetuity.”
The outcome of this signing is good for the environment in that it preserves the area, allows for economic development and expansion at the airport and continuing public access to Bengello Beach. The only change people will see is some active management of access ways and the formalising of a low key cycleway/pathway behind the dunes.
He continued, “This proves that as a society we can achieve good environmental outcomes and at the same time get economic and social benefits that will withstand the test of time. Bengello Beach contains important habitat that is the largest remnant south of Sydney, has over 40 threatened animal species present and is monitored by the scientific community, as a reference area, for impacts of climate change.”
None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of the Broulee community who have worked to maintain this area by controlling weeds and other pests. Eurobodalla’s staff wereS involved and have done an excellent job of putting together all the information required and supporting the community in their Landcare efforts.
Mark Fleming concluded, “The protection of the Bengello forests demonstrates what can be achieved when community, Council and government agencies come together and work through their issues in good faith. This will hopefully set an example for other communities in NSW.