Coastwatchers Association's final meeting for the year 2003 was well attended by members and friends keen to hear Council's Environmental Planner, Gary Smith, talk about the amended Tree Preservation Order and new Guidelines for Tree Management.

Council decided to review its current Tree Preservation Order in February 2002 and in April 2003 the Amended version and new Guidelines went on public exhibition. The final version went to Council on 2 December but, instead of adopting it, Councillors deferred it to a workshop which will probably be held next year.

"Trees are disappearing at an alarming rate from urban and rural residential areas of the Shire. Even trees on reserves are being attacked," said Chris Kowal, Coastwatchers President. " The meeting was eager to hear how tree loss could be slowed."

Mr Smith told the meeting of some of the ways he is trying to reduce damage to trees on reserves. When trees are killed or removed on waterfront reserves large shadecloth screens are erected and new trees planted. This has generated strong reactions from affected residents. "It must be having an effect," he said.

A Broulee resident asked what could be done about the illegal use of four-wheel drives on the dunes and beach south of the village. Large areas of fragile vegetation are being destroyed.

Mr Smith explained that the only people allowed to take vehicles on beaches are licenced beach fishermen. He urged witnesses to report incidents by phoning Council and giving registration numbers of vehicles.

Where trees are damaged but no vehicles are involved eyewitness evidence or some other form of proof is needed to successfully fine the offenders. Photos or videos of the offenders in action would be very helpful.

"If we want to maintain the natural feel of our urban environment, that probably attracted most of us here in the first place, everyone has to help to keep our urban forest reserves intact," says Chris Kowal.

Other topics discussed at the meeting were jet skis, preservation of community land, major development proposals and amendments to the Local Government Act. Coastwatchers expects to remain active on all these issues in 2004.