Recently I attended a meeting to discuss ways to secure on-going funding to support the Protecting the Wilderness Coast Project, a highly effective and economical local initiative that has now been running for a decade.
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I attended representing the volunteer group Bermagui Dune Care. Thanks to this project, rather than spending our limited time constantly weeding sea spurge from local beaches as we once did, we now are able to take on revegetation work at sites such as Cuttagee Headland.
For a decade, the Protecting the Wilderness Coast Project has involved Project Officer Stuart Cameron twice yearly leading members of each of the three local Aboriginal Land Councils, as they walk the length of Bega Valley Shire Council coast, and more recently the Eurobodalla coast north to Narooma, removing weeds and litter.
The project has resulted in a tremendous reduction in weeds, as well as reducing garbage, yet receives very few accolades from the community. The tourism industry promotes the attractions of our “pristine” coastline, but how many people know why it is in such excellent condition, in sharp contrast to many other parts of the Australian coast?
At the meeting, it was obvious that funding is an ongoing problem, despite the very real benefits accruing from the project, and there is a very real likelihood it will lapse mid 2018.
Bega Valley Shire Council, Local Land Services, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Eurobodalla Shire Council all contribute some funding, with the rest coming from a 7 year grant from the NSW Environmental Trust, and overseen by the Far South Coast Landcare Association. There is no on-going certainty about the project funding, and it is probable the NSW Environmental Trust funding, which has been vital to the project, will end mid 2018.
Yet, without this project to support local volunteers and assist resource-deprived government agencies, our beaches will soon again be degraded with sea spurge, bitou, daisies and a myriad of other weeds. Garbage would soon become problematic.
Karen Joynes
Coordinator Bermagui Dune Care
Praise for fun run
The Moruya Surf Club’s Town to Surf Fun Run has again proven to be a wonderful community event.
A sunny Sunday morning had the Moruya Riverside Park full of runners and power walkers of different ages as they prepared to head off on the 8km course.
Congratulations to the Moruya Surf Club for organising this annual event. Besides the physical benefits of the day, the event also celebrates our community working together. For many hands made the event possible, including St.Johns First Aid, Paul Johnson from Ironic Circus (music) and the local Council. Great to see so many group entries, including teams from St.Peters College, Batemans Bay Quota, Southern Phone to name a few.
The day was capped off by former Councillor, Danielle Bryce, announcing during the presentations, that funding had been made availalbe to complete the "missing link" shared bike path out to Moruya South Head. Suffice to say, this will only further enhance future Fun Runs to the Surf Club.
Cr Anthony Mayne
Deputy mayor
Make your vote count
We regularly see how our federal politicians seem out of touch, but refuse to admit it, and now it seems it’s spread to our local councillors.
In your publication, recently, it was brought to light that one of our recently elected councillors spends months at a time living in France, which created quite a storm.
The said councilor stated she had the interests of the shire as a priority and that everything she is doing is correct.
Because she is in a position of power, we the public are just meant shut up and buy that.
She, like the state and federal counterparts, are way off the mark and out of touch with the voice on the street.
We, the public, are entitled to and demand better governance.
It’s about time all you ratepayers out there stopped voting because you “heard he was a good bloke” or you’ve been into her shop; or your second cousin’s daughter went out with their son 15 years ago and told you she was lovely. Actually start doing some real research on the people who wish to represent you in the first place and what they really stand for instead of whinging after the fact.
Start making your votes count for better governance.
Pete Ward
Moruya
Cancer Council says thanks
I would like to thank the entire community of the Eurobodalla Shire for supporting someone they know affected by cancer by celebrating the 31st anniversary of Daffodil Day on Friday, August 25.
Across the Southern region, it is predicted that approximately 1,506 people will be diagnosed with cancer in a single year. Cancer Council NSW is committed to reducing this burden and events such as Daffodil Day are vital to this effort.
The annual community event fundraises for vital cancer research, support services and prevention and advocacy programs. This year the Southern region has raised $104,000, with more funds still to come in.
This is an outstanding result that will go towards local programs such as SunSmart, SunSound, Eurobodalla General and Practical Support service and Eat It To Beat It.