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Branching from the Far South Coast

Cockatoos feast on burnt banksia in Yuraygir NP

Branching from the 
Far South Coast

As our name suggests, we are at quite a distance
from the majority of NSW NPA branches. Ours is a small branch in a busy tourist region with the vast area of recently-declared South East Forests NP at our back door, and a number of intensively visited smaller coastal parks nearer to home.

We hold meetings bi-monthly, and for alternate months organise outings and walks in this enticing variety of coastal and hinterland Parks. Living in a widespread but comparatively small community we welcome the opportunity to have close contact and a good relationship with members of the local NPWS staff.

The Far South Coast is an area where conservationists have long battled against the worthless destruction of our NSW native forests. Some of our members are old campaigners, and we acknowledge the difficulty of living alongside forest workers whose livelihood has been dependent on the woodchip industry.

Nevertheless there are many local projects which present us a non-confrontational challenge . We are currently supporting an exciting development adjacent to the recent additions to Ben Boyd NP. On the Pambula River floodplains a Wetlands and Heritage Project will rehabilitate a large area of abandoned racecourse and former farmland, establishing bird sanctuaries and boardwalks.

We are also promoting and looking forward to the coming publication of a work by one of our members, Chris Allen, on the History of Koala Conservation in the South East.

Recently we have played an important part in influencing NPWS Head Office to withdraw its proposal to increase charges to school groups for entry to Bournda Environmental Education Centre in Bournda NP. Further afield, but still on our agenda as matters for grave concern, are the impending threat of over development of Kosciuszko NP, and the proposal to establish a charcoal plant at Mogo.

The Far South Coast Branch extends to other NPA members a warm invitation to visit our remote and naturally rich region.

Anabel McDonald
Far South Coast Branch, NPA


Far South Coast Branch NPA walkers stop for a chat 
and a view at the Pinnacles, Ben Boyd NP
Photo: Anabel McDonald

Cockatoos feast on burnt banksia 
in Yuraygir NP

While Sydney and South Coast fires dominated the
media over the Christmas New Year period, a fire has burnt out much of the North Yuragir National Park. It too was burnt just on eight years ago, almost to the day, in December 1993.

The fire began on private property to the west of Clarence Peak, and moved northwards into the Park. It burned over several days with the most damage occurring on December 27th (2001) with the winds moving the fire towards the villages of Wooloweyah and Angourie.

Back burning was carried out around the villages, and while the fire burned very close to some houses, no property was lost. However, a great deal of the Park was burnt, with untold losses to animal and plantlife.

The usual blame was given to NPWS -- perhaps the media should educate the public about the negative effects of hazard reduction and back burning, rather than whipping up anti-national park sentiment.

Karen Joynes
Clarence Valley Branch, NPA



Black Cockatoos enjoy some burnt banksia
 in the blackened environment of Yuraygir NP

Are you 'Net savvy' ?

Can you design exciting and informative web pages? 
NPA is seeking a keen volunteer to assist with the redesign of its web pages.

Contact Andrew Cox at NPA on 02 9299 0000



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