Perhaps 2010 is a little too soon to see all this wish list implemented but at least these are goals that Coastwatchers and many others would like to see Broulee-Mossy Point and the rest of the Shire heading towards.

WHERE WE LIVE

• The Rural Local Environmental Plan review would be finalised and all zoning would be based on the environmental capability of each particular area.
• New zonings would be in place to protect vulnerable ecosystems, habitat corridors and the like - eg Coastal Protection zoning for the whole sand plain between Broulee Rd and the airport / racetrack (including the private land with its forests and wetlands on the western side of George Bass Drive).
• Urban expansion and smaller lot rural-residential development would be limited to the least environmentally sensitive land - preferably that which is already cleared. Habitat corridors of native vegetation would be left or restored.
• The new Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plans would have been developed with the community and would accurately reflect what the community wants - low scale development with room for trees.
• Council and the State government would be observing and implementing the Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plans. There would be no "on merits" decisions. ( "On merits" just seems to be another term for bending the rules for people who don't want to be bothered designing to fit the town Plans.)
• New dwellings and alterations would all be passive solar designed - using the winter sun to warm living areas and summer sea breezes to cool rooms. Buildings would be well insulated and equipped to use energy and water efficiently. Many fewer people would be using air-conditioners.

(88% of people surveyed recently for the "Who cares about the Environment in 2003?" report agreed there should be compulsory requirements for environmental performance of new homes, building developments and renovations.)

WATER AND SEWERAGE

Interestingly the survey just quoted found that water was the most important environmental issue to more than half those asked.

• Coastwatchers would like to see our forested catchments being managed to maximize the supply of valuable clean water instead of cheap woodchips. Council would be taking water quality issues very seriously - not just trying to filter water to make it acceptable.
• The Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan would be fully implemented so that suitably treated effluent is being fully reused where it has no detrimental effects
• Candlagan Ck, Tomaga River and beaches would all still be clean enough for swimming due to good stormwater retention in new developments, retrofitting of tanks in older development, and residents co-operating to minimise polluting run-off.

BUSHFIRE REGULATIONS & TREE PRESERVATION

We'd like to see ----

• More commonsense bushfire regulations at state and local level.
  (What is the point of removing all trees - bird and animal habitat - when land owners can then replant with whatever they want including even more flammable exotics such as pines and cypress?)
• Subdivisions would be designed to ensure there are safe ways for firefighters to get access and for fighters and residents to evacuate if necessary.
• New subdivisions would be banned from the most hazardous locations.
• Homes in fire prone areas would be designed to be as safe as possible. For example, they would not have ember traps, gutters would be screened, and there would be metal screens or shutters on windows.
• Destruction of trees on reserves would be a thing of the past. This would be because of consistent action by neighbours in bearing witness to acts of vandalism, tough action by the Council in prosecuting offenders and/or always putting up unsightly screens to block views, and Council publicising each case of vandalism.

RECREATION & RESERVES

• Coastwatchers would like to see arrangements to share school sports grounds. Council could contribute hiring fees - a cheaper and more environmentally sound option than clearing and maintaining sportsgrounds on the southern side of Broulee Rd.
• Jetskis (if still viable under future stricter greenhouse laws) would be limited to beach areas that are not used by swimmers, surfers or non-motorised craft. All coastal lakes and estuaries would be off limits to jetskis.
• Visitors and residents would be valuing the beautiful coast and taking care of reserves. There would be no dumping, littering or destruction of vegetation. People would be working in close co-operation with Council to maintain the reserves and waterways (eg by actively working in Landcare, Creekcare or the like)
• Careless and criminal fires would be prevented. Instead there would be properly planned hazard reduction to minimise damage to the diversity of flora and fauna while still reducing danger to property.

TRANSPORT

• A cycleway to service residents and schools would be constructed along a route that will ensure maximum use and reduce car use. The most scenic route may not be the most appropriate.
• Frequent, affordable public transport would be operating. This would be subsidised if necessary from the taxes on petrol and other fuels.

SHRINKING OUR FOOTPRINT

Our wish list could probably go on and on so I'll finish with a key goal if we want to maintain the environment for future generations -

Residents and visitors would be actively reducing consumption of resources. One example would be "green" labelling of all products and people using the labels to select those that have least lifetime impact.

In the "Who Cares.." survey 81% of people said products that cause environmental problems should be taxed heavily so that they cost more and 80% supported environmental rating schemes for cars.

People would also be repairing, reusing and (as a last resort) recycling materials. Not only will this help the Shire achieve zero waste to landfill it will generate local jobs (eg repairing furniture, reusing building materials, etc).

Achieving the goals and ensuring that future generations inherit a coastal lifestyle as beautiful as we enjoy will involve individuals and all levels of government doing more.

If we are like those surveyed for the "Who Cares.." report there is plenty of room for improvement. When people were asked how much they felt they were doing in their everyday life to help protect the environment only 38% said they were doing a great deal, or quite a lot.